Reflections on a Decision

It was about nine years ago, mid December, 1999, that I made what has proven to be a momentous personal decision. I decided to leap off the cliff of security and give up a well paying job for a large multinational corporation. I had worked for UPS for almost twenty years, the first ten as a driver, then the next ten in management.

I made the decision at the time based on the improved value of investments I had made in the company stock. I decided I didn't want to do it anymore. The job had essentially always been to me a means to an end. I had never felt particularly attached to it as a vocation with meaning. So, I left. They had no strings with me, I had no strings with them. I cut the cord of security.

The last nine years have been interesting, to say the least. I now live on a very limited income, and have drawn down much of my savings. I have watched over the years as the value of my investments have crumbled. I have embraced the concept of simple living. Some of this change in attitude, of course, has been driven by necessity. I don't have a large income to spend, so, in the words of one of my grandparents, I have to cut my cloth accordingly.

I do miss the financial security. However, I have enjoyed so many other riches by choosing the path that I did. Let's just say, no regrets.