Possibilities versus Limitations

"Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not." --Robert Kennedy

Do you see the world as a field of limitless possibilities or one of limitations and barriers? This question came to mind recently. 

I made a decision to go down the path of becoming an independent consultant and starting my own LLC (Limited Liability Company). I had hesitated to do this because of many of the unknowns, uncertainties and potential instabilities associated with owning and running a small business. But an opportunity to do some contract work came along and I felt the push to grab the work in this time of COVID. I took the leap of faith and went through the process of filing paperwork, opening bank accounts, etc. One factor was the reality that we already have the Revivify Arts business and have done the leap of faith before. Now we are untethered from the employment cycle, which itself brings risk, uncertainty and fear. And for many that can be scary.

As I pondered this direction--and now that I have made the decision--I am now once again seeing the world as one of possibilities. The decision to go independent is a test not only to see if I can make this succeed, but also to see if I have the fortitude and open-mindedness to make it work. I have taken the safe road too often in my life. That road has too often led to difficulties with bosses, companies, and philosophies of limitation. Too often butting heads with "that is the way things have always been done" mind-sets. Too often fighting traditions that no one recalls why they did it in the first place. Thanks to my wife I have realized that is not me. I am a futurist and optimist. I am an explorer and discoverer and seeker of knowledge and understanding. And perhaps for too long I have not let that part of me shine through.

Through my beautiful and unique partner, I have come to see that life is both a journey of discovery and an adventure or exploration. Our Revivify Arts motto last year was "Go Big or Go Home". This year we have adopted "Huzzah!!". Both speak to the endless space and possibilities in front of us. Has the journey been easy? Not at all. But that is part of what made the adventure fun and interesting.  

I am beginning to think, feel and believe we are all called upon to be bold and shout huzzah to the world. Is that a place of comfort and ease? Certainly not. Will this "road less traveled..." be a proverbial "walk in the park..."? No it will not. Will it bring excitement and some fear, stress, and worry? It will. Is that a bad thing? Well that is yet to be seen. The only way to know is to travel the path and be as best prepared as I can for what might lie ahead...

Leap of Faith

I took a leap of faith. I was approached to take on some contract work for a couple of months. It comes with a potential for full-time work or other contract work following this project. Given the current situation ("shelter-in-place") and the uncertainties that come with that, I decided to take the work. There is no guarantee for post-project work. But at the moment getting back to work, being the bread winner again and ensuring some stability in this crazy time is important to me.

I have not done this kind of "self-employed" or "contractor" work for over twenty years. The times and the rules around it have both changed. In some ways it feels safer. I have created a "limited liability company (LLC)" to handle to income and other items. This option was not available twenty years ago. There were not even these basic types of options or protections for "independent contractors". Back then it was a way for a company to use and abuse you without having to hire you or give you benefits. And for us it led to a number of tax issues. I was young and naive when it came to finances. I still am naive in many ways about taxes and finances. It is a subject for which I have no interest. But I do know today things are better for "contractors". We will still have to deal with our own taxes (quarterly per the government). But with modern software it is much easier, even if it is still painful.

The other side of the coin is that this new path is somewhat scary and fearful. I have been an "employee" for so long I am neither fully comfortable nor accustomed yet to working for myself. Fortunately my brave and supportive wife is my co-pilot, navigator, snack queen and music director on this crazy adventure we call life. She is always there in these times and I am eternally grateful for her. I know this is scary and fearful for her as well, but she tries not to show that for my sake.

Will this turn out to be the path to the future? Doing contract work and being my "own man"? Perhaps. I do not know, but my hope is that this will be successful and lead to great things. I am trying to listen and be confident that this is the path the Lord has laid out for us.