Before you read this story, I want to pause and honor Felix Baumgartner, whose unforgettable leap of faith has inspired me for years. His passing on July 17, 2025, makes this post feel even more meaningful now. Rest in peace, Felix.

When I quit my job back in October 2007 to take care of and spend time with my mother before she died, I was so fortunate to have this skill—to use a computer and create websites. It was always a hobby or a side gig for me, and it still was. Being home gave me a way to keep my skills freshened up. When my mom died in 2008, it took six months before I could find a full-time job. During this time, I had to use these skills not only to look for a job but also to make ends meet until I could get that 9-to-5, Monday–Friday position that I could rely on to take care of myself.

It was difficult working for other people after being home and working for myself. After two jobs in a year and a half, I decided to go it alone again. So on June 1, 2010, I took that “leap of faith” and became self-employed.

It’s very scary to think that you won’t have that weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly paycheck coming in. It’s terrifying to think about all the work you need to do to make your business profitable so you can take care of yourself. It’s even more terrifying for those who have other people to take care of, like their spouses, children, or other loved ones.

All of a sudden, you become the “chief cook and bottle washer.” You have no one to report to and no one to hold you accountable—well, only yourself. You are the boss and the staff.

Don’t let this scare you from taking your leap of faith. Every time I think of that phrase, I think of Felix Baumgartner. Heard of him? Well, back on October 14, 2012, he became the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power on his descent. He jumped from 128,000 feet at a maximum speed of 843.6 mph, and it lasted 4 minutes and 20 seconds. I watched the entire event that day—from start to finish—but here’s a clip for you to look at. Just amazing!

When the doors opened for him to come out, I was holding my breath. I kept thinking, “What if he says, ‘Hell naw… I ain’t doin’ this!’” and went back in. But he didn’t. He climbed out and stood up, and my heart started racing. Then the top camera turned on above him, and it started racing more. He finally jumped, and all I could do was sit on the edge of my seat in front of the TV and stare with my mouth open.

At one point, he started spinning… which, as they explained… if he couldn’t pull himself out of that spin, it could have cost him his life. But after several spins, he straightened back out, and I was clapping like crazy!

When he finally landed, raised his hands, and dropped to his knees… I could almost feel his joy.

It’s like that being self-employed. You make that leap, start out on a high… and then BAM! Outta nowhere, you start spinning out of control, and you have to figure out how to straighten it all out again. Heck, life is like that.

If you never take that leap of faith—in anything you do, not just going out on your own—you will never know that thrill of the jump and the victory when you land… and all the other stuff in between.

Thanks for stopping by today. If there’s something I can help you with, just let me know.