Skyscrapers for Seaplanes

Jake Shillue
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

At the time of writing, it’s about a week out before I move to Seattle.

Oh, you didn’t know I was moving? SPOILER ALERT: I’m moving to Seattle.

Great, now that that’s out of the way, we can get down to business.

What I can only naively assume will be my backyard view upon arriving in Seattle | Photo credit to that watermark in the left-hand corner. I think it says “Richard Eltrich” Nice photo, Richard.

Yes, it is true. After months…no…years, of saying, “I’ll get there someday,” someday is nearly here. A very long chapter of my life is coming to an end. I’m trading the bustling metropolis of Boston, a place that is my home, for the sprawling wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

What lies ahead? Well to look ahead, we need to go back in time a few years.

Spring 2014. Graduation from the University of New Hampshire is quickly approaching, and I have no clue what my next step is. I have told myself time and time again, “You need to have a job lined up by the time you graduate college.” The thought of traveling the world, trying new things, taking risks, and allowing the road to take me wherever is not something that crossed my mind. Starting my career was the only thing that I cared about. So what did I do? I got a job. Ultimately, I learned more than I ever thought I would. But that didn’t come without questions down the road.

Some point along the way, my mindset shifted. I learned that growth and success is not defined solely by how much money you make, your job title, or how beefy your resumé may be. What I’ve come to hold important in my life are the relationships you build with people you meet along the way, not shying away from adventure, and always finding opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

So what did I do? I quit my job of four years, contacted a farm in Seattle through the organization WWOOF, and am moving to volunteer on the farm for the next month.

All this coming from someone who, the last time they worked on a farm, sliced off the tip of their left index finger when they were 12. Don’t tell my mom.

I’m leaving behind a job, health insurance, steady income, proximal location to friends and family, all things that make our lives safe and comfortable.

All the above, and not a comfort zone in sight.

I go into this new venture with all matters of uncertainty. As hard as I have tried to not to dance in hypotheticals, I find myself asking all sorts of questions, yet coming back to the same answer:

“You will only know once you try it.”

I once read a book that discussed the difference in doing something that is scary, versus doing something that is dangerous. Skydiving is scary, but not inherently dangerous. Yes you are jumping out of a plane, but you are supervised by trained professionals with hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of experience. Staying within your comfort zone is not scary. But it certainly can be dangerous.

If your environment is not going to change, then you need to change your environment.

Am I nervous? Yes. That’s okay, because it means I’m making the right decision.

Am I excited?

You’re damn right I am.

Seeing as how I have never been to Seattle, much less the Pacific Northwest, have never legitimately worked on a farm, and don’t have a job lined up afterwards, I am in for quite the adventure.

Come along for the journey, won’t you?

Jake Shillue
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade