12 Comments

I hear you! Thank you for writing this and being vulnerable. I have gone through a super rough time the last few months and since starting a new position at a wonderful company I have decided to make the, not always easy, decision to scale back (or subtract) significantly in the areas where I spend my time and energy.

I am still going through the process and my innate tendency to want to people-please does not help, but I will get there. You made the right choice and I wish you success with your journey.

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100%, it's not an easy decision for sure... it's our dreams after all.

All the best for your new job Schalk! 💪

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Sep 26Liked by Jason Leow

I recently started following you, but your story resonated with me.

This year, I stopped my dev agency and found full-time work, but in the long term, my goal is to provide for my family through various income streams. I'm in the education space, trying to make courses and short books work.

However, I'm always on the edge: should I spend the time I allocate to my side hustles on my family instead, or should I continue with these side hustles in the hope that later I can spend more time with my family and work less. Curious to hear your opinion on this.

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Glad it resonated 🤝

Interesting question. Not sure your context so hard to say... but for my own situation, I wanted both, and worked hard to balance time with fam and working on my own dreams. Like waking up at 5am to indie hack. Family's asleep, so no loss there.

Just wrote something about that theme - https://golifelog.com/posts/guilt-free-indie-hacking-1727475355251

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Sep 29Liked by Jason Leow

This is a great one. I found that joining a company and doing full-time work freed up some space in my mind. No more chasing clients, waiting for invoices to be paid etc.

I think this alone was the cause for already launching two books and a course this year, and now working on some small SaaS products. Thanks for your input Jason, your story is inspiring! 🙌

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Wow you're shipping a lot. Inspring to hear! Glad you found your rhythm.

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I hope you come back with more energy Jason. I'm sure that learnings at this stage will be useful in the future.

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Thanks David. Yes I am sure I will. Aka strategic retreat

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Sending a lot of good vibes 🫶

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🥰

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Appreciate the honesty and vulnerability in your post. It’s great to recognize that you have both a provider and creator in you, and that you are finding the tension to be great at both. This reminds me of a quote that a Marine General said when they were being overwhelmed by the enemy:

“Retreat Hell! We're just attacking in another direction.”

I see your decision less as giving up and more of choosing strategically a different direction to attack the enemy, which is the idea that you should simply have a job that provides for the family but does not satisfy your creative desires.

In this next season of your life, I believe you’ll find a way to provide for your family, and satisfy the creator in you, in a way that works sustainably and will overall unlock even greater creativity and satisfaction!

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Love "attacking from a different direction"!

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