Is it time to break up (with your W2 gig)?

I was talking to my wife about our upcoming move to the west coast next year and how I was likely going to give up doing direct billable work.

I told her it was both exciting and scary.

It's exciting because leaving billable work will force me to make money via other means (hiring more people, working on other side projects like this site, etc.) and I'm just getting tired of it.

It's scary because billable work is comfortable and provides some sense of security. I just do the work and and get paid. I know how to do it. Without it, there truly is the possibility of failure.

My insightful wife said, "Yea, it sounds like breaking up with a boyfriend who isn't right for you."

Breaking up with someone is tough because there may not be anything particularly wrong with the relationship. It's just not doing much for you anymore, and likely, you're not doing much for the relationship either.

The breakup will be sad and there will be tears and insomnia and regrets.

But you also open up other possibilities that could make your life better.

You feel more energized by what could be which makes up for the nostalgic sadness of the past.

So if your current job or project has felt stale for a long time, consider making a change.

When I was in a W2 job, going 1099 was the change I made. That may be the right one for you too.

Note: I've been with my wife since college so please don't use this e-mail as romantic relationship advice. I don't need angry e-mails from your future exes.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.