Staying on Point & Afloat Part 3: Goal Setting

When I left my previous job, my boss sponsored a small farewell lunch in my honor even though I wanted to leave quietly under the radar. He poo-pooed the idea saying that doing so would seem scandalous - as if I had received the hatchet or something. During this farewell lunch, I found myself unprepared for the question my co-workers asked, "So, where are you going?" In my final installment on Staying On Point & Afloat, I share what I didn't tell my previous co-workers regarding my goals.

Key Objectives
Being on my own nickel, I naturally have motivation to make something happen sooner rather than later. In order to keep a brisk pace, I have developed action items. These steps should propel me closer to realizing and/or coming to terms with my goals with respect to life, liberty, and career happiness.

Invest in at least one relatively passive income producing venture

Determine my commitment to and viability of my various business ideas

Try to land an independent contracting gig

Get my blog built and optimized

Get at least one additional professional certification

Study for and take the GRE/GMAT

Apply for a Master's Degree program

Get my house market-ready

Take a film-making seminar or course

Take a hiking trip/vacation

Timeline
Being very conservative, my plan is to spend no more than 13% of what I have in my non-retirement cash savings/investment accounts before evaluating my position and making my next critical decision career-wise. This gives me a three to four months. If I get a part-time or contract job, then this time frame can be extended, which is desirable. I would be happy to spend much more time figuring out a way that I can earn income outside a corporate-type job with a two-three week vacation and 40+ hour mentality.

Thoughts on Relocation
Even though I am single, I am not in a position to "pick up and go". Initially, I was going to put my house up on the market right away. But having no home AND no job did not seem like a good idea. I am open to relocation, although I might be content, under the right circumstances, to stay in my current location. A big reason to stay in my present location is that I have a relatively low mortgage and mortgage rate. Anyway, I'd prefer to have a business income, a job offer/contract, or college acceptance in hand before making a move. So during my alloted time, I will be continuously paring down all my belongings and streamlining my files/personal documents. I have a 2300 square foot house now, but I may not have that luxury in the geographical locations I am considering.

To finish my opening story, what did I tell my co-workers about my leaving? I stumbled through a variety of vague responses ranging from: "I'm looking to relocate", "I'm going back to consulting", and "I'm taking a summer vacation". One guy took me aside to try to confidentially find if something was happening with the company that he should know about. Another thought I was just being coy about stating the name of my future employer. But most people didn't really care about the answer, they just wanted their free fajitas and enchiladas and thought it was polite to inquire.