How Sony Saved Me From My 9–5

Today while exiting the train from my morning commute, I stopped on the platform for a moment to take in my surroundings. Something that stood out to me was the misery and exhaustion on everyone’s faces. No one was smiling, not a single person. Everyone was rushing past each other, focused on one thing—getting to work. That was the moment when I realized this is not the life I want to live for the next 40 years. I’m never going be satisfied working 9–5, while executives above me continue to get rich. Thankfully, in 3 weeks I no longer have to.

Currently, I work for Sony as a Social Media Platform & Process Expert or Social Media Expert for short. Six months ago, my office was told that Sony would be closing its San Francisco office and moving operations to Tokyo. My employment now had an expiration date—March 31, 2015.

I had 2 options:

• Find a new job and leave Sony.
• Remain with Sony through March to receive a small severance package and a pat on the back.

I chose the latter. I decided to stay with Sony through March and finish the work I started. While I didn't agree with Sony’s decision, I wanted to see my work through.

Fast forward to now. My plan after March has been to indulge in a little international travel before making my way back to San Diego. Once I got back to San Diego, I would find a new job and continue grinding the 9–5. Sounds depressing right?

A few weeks ago, I read a story on Medium by the always inspiring Gary Vaynerchuk. The story was about entrepreneurship and how you can’t want to be an entrepreneur—you either are, or you aren't.

“The best way to become something is to do something”

That quote really stood out to me and got me seriously thinking about starting my own business. I've had a few part-time ventures in the past, but never taken the leap to go full-time. I always pushed away my ideas, saying “eventually I’ll do that” or “once I have X amount of money I’ll start my own business.” What if eventually never comes or I never have that X amount of dollars?

Here I am—26 years old, with a clean slate in front of me. I can do anything I want, and the only person that can hold me back is myself. Why wait for eventually when I can do something now?

In a weird way, Sony has given me my freedom back. It’s shown me that salary doesn't equal security and that following my dreams is no riskier than working for someone else. Do I want to keep being the guy with his head down in the train station, or do I want to get out there and do something? I choose do something.