A Leap of Faith

[KrismanX]

As most people did, I too had a crazy 2017(and 2016, and 2015...WOOF). Anything and everything that could happen--did happen.

After all the dust settled and the rain stopped pouring, I saw the shiniest silver lining life had ever presented to me: A unique opportunity to realign my life and realize a dream.

Today I make that jump. I am leaving my nice, safe, prestigious 5 year position at a major financial institution to become a commercial beer brewer. I have been home-brewing with my best friend for the greater part of a decade now, and about 3 years ago that friend got hired at an up and coming brewery in SoCal after the owners tasted a bottle of our latest home brew. Fast forward 3 years and he is now the head brewer at that same brewery, they are expanding faster than expected and he approached me as the only other person he knows who can do what he does.

I am 31, have no major family or financial obligations, and I have a strong safety net in place juuuust in case I ever need to go crawling back to my suit and tie shackles. I'm surely going to be one of a very select group of brewers who own and pine over luxury timepieces; but I'm definitely okay with that.

Truth is...regardless of how this decision actually came to fruition in my life, many people are held back by the invisible shackles which we forge and lock to our Selves. Our minds are very good at creating "valid reasons" as to why pursuing our passions will lead to our irreparable demise. Radical change can be just that, and our lizard brained fight/flight responses keep our imaginations in check with this "fact": You can't be a rockstar. You can't survive as JUST an artist. You can't do what you want. You do what you have to. We fill our minds with the negative comments of others recorded and played back in our own voice to justify our current situations and why staying in those situations, no matter how bad, still makes sense...Instead of justifying why such a change is not only necessary; but imperative and paramount to living a personally fulfilling and successful life.

As scary as change can be, it is one of the only guarantees in life. Be the change you want to see.

"Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you."
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't...You're right."

I'm holding off on a second watch for now to finance the building of my Personal Freedom Machine. This is my ultimate goal: Automate income and eliminate wasteful action/expense to decrease obligation and increase freedom of time and choice. Anyone who has achieved any level of this goal, I would LOVE to hear from you.



Let's get it, 2018. Vent closed.

[antbkny]

Grab life by the balls Kristofer!

[Snow-Dweller]

Good for you, and good luck.

I decided as a young man that the rat-race wasn’t for me. I left London and went to live in a ski resort, where I ended up in the bar and restaurant business. Carpe diem.

[GerardoG]

Congratulations on pursuing your dream! Remember: keep ALWAYS dreaming, that will bring fresh ideas!!!

Best of lucks and CHEERS!

[Brenngun]

Kris, the world can never have too many beer brewers. I'm a little thirsty now so get to work will you!

[superdog]

LOVE THIS.

GOOD for you!!!

[herts9]

Best of luck! Life is too damn short to spend more than one second not as happy as you deserve!

[77T]

Much Success in your new endeavor.

Now...about a TRF IPA brew - call Steve for the super secret recipe...

[FTX I]

Congrats & Good luck.

[mannyv11]

Congrats and I can't wait to hear about your success!

[tritium8]

Good for you! You got this! I'm you don't mind sharing the name of the brewery, I'm in LA and would definitely be down for checking out your beers. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post it.

[teqp]

Good luck in your new endeavor. I wish you all the success. I have friends that live in San Marino that we often visit, so if the brewery is around there, please let me know. I also wouldn't mind trying your brews.

[cop414]

Good for you Sir, never ever let weeds grow around your dreams

[TheVTCGuy]

Need an assistant?

[littleolemoi]

That's swimming to the ship rather than waiting for it to come in for you!!!!

Good luck and best wishes!!!

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[function12]

It's not working if you are doing what you love to do!!!

Good Luck!!!

[datejustrms]

Good for you! All the best at the brewery!

[PLNYC]

This is amazing to hear! I too am considering leaving the suit and tie for personal freedom! Excited to see what the future holds for you!

[swils8610]

Go for it!!!! Have no regrets!!!


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[brandrea]

Awesome Kristofer, I'm truly happy for you and I hope it all works out!
The work will be hard, but the rewards will be many.

No Matter how it works out in the end, you'll never have to wonder "what if" Good on you!

[KrismanX]

Thanks, everyone!!

It’s called MacLeod Ale Brewing Co in Van Nuys, CA. We make traditional English and Scottish ales


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[GradyPhilpott]

[dba]

Very best of luck to you.

[HobokenRolex]

Way to go! Do they ship to the east coast?

[RW16610]

Good stuff Congrats on taking this exciting step in life

[DJ TT 2002]

Fortune favors the bold!!!!

Best of luck

[Etschell]

the only risk in life is not taking any risks.

good luck sure it will work out well.

[Hairdude1]

Congrats! My wife and I just opened our first business in Dec of 17 and couldn't be happier.

[pickettt]

It's been my experience that most people believe that for a person to increase their own station in life, they must decrease someone else's. It's a shame. In my community's culture, it's known as the "crab barrel mentality." However, having been the recipient of the love and the tutelage of a successful friend and businessman, I've had incredible (as in I can't believe it sometimes) success in running my own businesses. Because of this, I like to see people embark on their own business endeavors and I love to see them succeed. Good luck and Godspeed.

[javert34]

One of my closest friends and mentors once remarked to me when I was at a crossroad:

"No one one their death bed has ever said, 'I wish I had done less with my life.'"

Congratulations, best of luck and Godspeed in you newest endeavor.