From Maine to North Carolina.... to what now?

[Kenzie]

Hello everyone,
My name is Kenzie and I have been a lurker here on the forum for approximately 2 weeks now. Since I have finally finished reading The Millionaire Fastlane , (as of 30 minutes ago) I figured now was a good time for a proper introduction. Like many before me, MJ has opened my mind for the better. While I have never been particularly fond of climbing the corporate ladder or working until the day of my death... I constantly struggle with how I might remove myself from having to choose either of those options. The Millionaire Fastlane proved to me that there's still hope! I grew up in a small secluded mill town in Maine with a population no larger than 6,000. After graduating from my extremely mediocre high school with a whopping graduating class of 88, I left for college. I had dreamt of that very moment for a decade. It was my way out of the small depressed mill town where nothing happens and away from parents who were constantly bickering about finances. I promised myself that college would be my one way ticket to freedom! Boy, was I wrong. It took me no more than a semester to realize that something was very, very wrong with my dream. It crushed me. It became clear to me with every single day that passed, that I was falling further and further into debt. Worse yet, I wasn't even sure about what I was going to school for, and managed to change my major twice to no avail! It felt like I was given a list of prison sentences to choose from... Doctor, lawyer, veterinarian.... dentist. Yet the outcome always felt the same. Unremarkable, uninspired, and forgettable. How could I spend this one life I was given working like an animal in cage, only to be released when I'm too old to enjoy it?! So I dropped out. I felt like a complete and utter failure. I became depressed for years looking for an answer, any answer. I turned to modeling as a way to generate a temporary income and pursue a passion. I became relatively successful and signed with agencies across the globe... It was exhilarating! It opened my eyes to what ultimately became the love of my life. Travel. I promised myself I would travel to every country before I die, for the sake of dying knowing that I left no stone unturned. But... Modeling turned out to be nothing more than glittery sparkling pile of shit for me. It looked glamorous and desirable from the outside but ultimately when I dug in, it turned out to be nothing more than hot, stinky vanity. Jobs were near impossible to get, agents were harsh, the markets saturated... and lastly, it had a time limit. By 22, I was getting old for the industry and I finally came back to reality. Is this really what I wanted? A job that is mostly mindless, degrading, and quite honestly... not that profitable? How would I ever travel the world? I up and quit and moved to North Carolina. I needed the sunshine and short winters. I needed a place for opportunity, to grow, and discover myself. I discovered self help books. I discovered MJ DeMarco. I discovered what I could be! I'm only at the very beginning of my journey. But I have found renewed passion that I had lost back in college. I want to surround myself with likeminded people and discover the possibilities that the Fastlane has to offer. And for that, I have MJ to thank!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and their stories.

 

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[fubar]

I visited Raleigh last year, pretty city!

Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone but understand that opportunity is dependent upon your mindset followed by the actions you take, not your location. So take that momentum from the move and instead of discovering yourself, create yourself; establish your goals, educate yourself on the many avenues provided here to achieve that freedom you seek and take action!

Welcome to the forum and best of luck on your endeavours.

 

[Philip Marlowe]

Welcome! That was quite the introduction. I grew-up in Maine and have spent plenty of time in 'the county' (not sure if that's exactly where you're from) so I can sympathize with your desire to leave. Ironically I long to get back to Maine, but no need to get into that here.

You've definitely got the key points down regarding TMF , but I typically warn people not to view them as absolute. For example, my college experience and subsequent 9-5 were central to my Fastlane goals today. And frankly, I love my current 'slowlane' job. The difference is that I see it for what it is - a fragile existence dependent on someone else. That doesn't make me depressed, but motivated!

I also don't think of myself as an animal in a cage even though I'm part of the daily commute and work in an office with beige walls - it's just temporary so I embrace it. All of this is to say that you shouldn't totally write-off higher education (college, technical college, etc.) or a job so long as you acknowledge that it might be a necessary part of your growth.

It can be really easy to read TMF and then pretend you're Neo, cruising down the street for the first time with Morpheus, looking at all the people who are still "plugged in". But that's too extreme. Take your time. If you've lived the "script" for 20+ years, you don't need to pull the ejector handle this very instant. Take your time and when you're ready - that's when you make the jump (but don't take forever).

That said, if you're ready to jump in with a brilliant idea, well that's the beauty of TMF. For years people didn't think there was another way and now they know better. You've found a tribe right here of those very people. I'm just saying - don't dwell too much on your college debt or your 9-5 existence - so long as you've got a plan to fix it.

So - what's your plan? If you've been lurking it sounds like you've read all the GOLD threads?

Best of luck from a former Mainer!

-PM