Am I Nuts? I Hope So!

Normally, my blogs aren’t so personal. However, I’ve told this story so many times recently that I simply have to share it with my readers!

Last month, I was invited to an interview on AdCast, a live online broadcast presented by Ad 2 Tampa Bay. What a terrific group of well-organized, young professionals! During the interview, host, Nicholas Lorden politely mentioned how some may say it’s “bold” to be starting up a new company in an economy like this. I’ve definitely heard conflicting views on starting a new gig during a recession. Some experts say it’s the best time. Others say it’s the worst!

For years I’ve been itching to break from a “traditional” job and venture out on my own. Ask anyone who saw me in my recent years of climbing the corporate ladder. I was also climbing the walls. I felt trapped, frustrated, exhausted and bored.

I wondered what was wrong with me. After all, the traditional workplace had so many incredible benefits, perks and advantages—not to mention a steady income! But, after 15 years I finally realized that it was also making me sick…literally. I was getting migraines. My immune system was a mess. I was an emotional wreck. Half-way through every vacation I’d get stressed and cranky—realizing my respite was almost over. I thought, perhaps, I just couldn’t handle the stress. I was simply a wimp who needed to learn to deal with it.

no-more-mondaysThen, I happened on a book called No More Mondays, by Dan Miller. It sat on my bedside table for a year or so, uncracked. Finally, one night after recovering from yet another day at a job I despised, I began to read. The words hit so close to home that they actually became uncomfortable. But that made Dan’s message even more engaging. I’m not a fast reader. So, I also got the audio book. Soon, my daily commute became a godsend (imagine that). Dan’s common-sense approach, tough love and encouragement did the trick. I even asked my fiance to listen to the book. He loves his job. So, while he was completely supportive, he could never relate to my misery. Dan put it all into words and helped him see why I was so unhappy. Over a period of several months, I began researching my next steps and began mentally laying the foundation for success.

Then, like many, I was laid off due to “downsizing.” It took me all of 2.2 hours to get over it. A friend, Chuck Palm, who I call my “entrepreneurial mentor,” actually congratulated me. Boy, did he understand where my brain was! Lucky for me, after reading No More Mondays, I was already convinced that I didn’t need to go back to the traditional rat race. Instead, I could still do what I love—but on my terms…and according to my vision. Best of all, Dan Miller wasn’t pitching a “get rich quick” scheme or “one-size-fits-all recipe for success.” He simply changed my mindset, helped me laugh at my fears and empowered me to get off my duff and make my dream happen. The tough part came when I was offered two corporate jobs at two very respectable organizations—and had to politely turn them down. That’s when I realized that there was absolutely no turning back.

In July of 2009, Well Planned Web, LLC was born! I landed my first client on August 3rd and a few more since then. I have not looked back and I’m having a blast. I’m working like a dog. But, I am one happy puppy!

Scared? You bet. Uncertain? Of course. Nuts? I hope so. Chuck also once told me that unless you’re part nuts, you’ll never survive the entrepreneurial world. It’s good to know that, if I qualify, I’ll be in good company!

So, here’s to nuttiness, no more Mondays and the continued support of family, friends and colleagues. It’s been a great journey so far. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

Deana Goldasich

Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.

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5 Comments

  1. Am I Nuts? I Hope So. 3rd sense on September 14, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    […] View original post here:  Am I Nuts? I Hope So. […]



  2. Beth Ramsay on September 20, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Congratulations, Deana. I haven’t worked for someone else in 29 years – I’m just not cut out for it, so I can totally understand your frustration all that time.

    Peacocks. We’re just that awesome!



  3. Deana Goldasich on September 21, 2009 at 3:58 am

    Hah! Very validating coming from a fellow peacock, Beth! It’s encouraging to know you got out and STAYED out 🙂 — that is definitely one of the goals!



  4. Ginny Roth on March 1, 2010 at 1:18 am

    I read your twitter post, then scrolled down, saw the next title and then the actual date you wrote it. I cracked up laughing. My own blog is the story of traveling alone in China, not once, but twice, and people think I am nuts. Something does go wrong on each trip. Here is a direct link that eventually will go in my blog. It's too funny to be true! You wrote that on my birthday, we are both a little nuts, but it's great!
    http://sites.google.com/site/manycolorsofink/ho

    BTW, I too was laid off (after 25 years), worked another 4 elsewhere, then chose early retirement.



  5. Deana Goldasich on March 2, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    What an incredible story, Ginny! Believe it or not, I was plagued with a black tongue while traveling on business in Jackson MS! It was part of some crazy blood complications. It was hard being trapped in Mississippi… can't imagine being in China!!