"Coop, it's Ty. You've gotta get me out of here, man. I can't take it." This was the phone call that started Ignite!: a teacher disappointed by the system that paid his rent. He felt that his students were being underserved; that his hands were tied by overlapping bureaucracies; that he could do so much more.
For thirty years, you'll have a job. Minimum. At the end, this unbroken string of similar jobs - or even one job - will be called your 'career.'
From all the people you meet over those thirty years, 95% will form their opinion of you based primarily on your success in said career. It may not be your only flag, but most will recognize it first.
What if you had permission to take ONE of those years and gamble with it? Not for gambling's sake, but because you could do more....if someone said it was okay.
What if you took out a loan? What if you painted your garage? What if you had time to read, and practice? What if you just put up a sign?
What if you didn't get enough clients, and could only pay off half your loan after a year? What if you got NO clients, and had to pay off the full loan on your own?
You'll get clients. You'll pay off your debts. And if you don't, you'll get another job. And then you'll probably try it again, because once you've done it, there's no going back. Not all the way.
What if you can't get a loan, and had to start with old tires, cinderblocks, and space...stuff you can scrounge for free? Well, then you'll be an expert at bootstrapping...and that's also worthwile. I'll buy your book about bootstrapping.
What if, six years in, you're exhausted from the process of publishing your textbook; you're stressed by the process of purchasing a huge building; you're still overwhelmed by the sheer numbers required to keep your business going? Well, you'll push on. And this will prove to be your finest hour.
It's okay. You have permission.
By the way, if you can find a partner who's also willing to risk it everything to do the right thing, well....
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