A couple years ago, after a long career at a prestigious university, it started becoming apparent that it was time to move on. I didn't know what I wanted, I just knew it was going to be wildly different than what I was doing.
I decided to start a new venture on a part-time basis while continuing at my full-time job. Today, I no longer commute 40 minutes each way to sit in an office. I get up when I want and do what I want. Everyday, I read, write, exercise, enjoy more time with my family, and work from home in an industry that is exploding with opportunity.
As my new business grows, I sometimes rue about how things might have been different had I changed paths 5 years ago. Then again, I'm just thankful that I didn't miss it altogether.
