Tough Decision - Updated 7/22/2012

"High achievers spot rich opportunities swiftly, make big decisions quickly and move into action immediately. Follow these principles and you can make your dreams come true." Robert Schuller

"It is not always what we know or analysed before we make a decision that makes it a great decision. It is what we do after we make the decision to implement and execute it that makes it a good decision."  William Pollard

These are two quotes I came across while pondering a decision that I need to make.  The first quote makes me wonder because it seems that the big decisions, what I call life altering ones, make me pause.  I would not say that I make them quickly.  I study, ponder and pray before making the decision.  I completly agree with the second quote because once you make the decision, as Jack Welch would say, it is important to start to make it the right decision. 

The decision that I am facing is how to leave a good job and take the risk of entrepreneurship.  That entrepreneurship could take the form of starting my own business or becoming an agent with an insurance company, they help you start your own insurance agency.  The other issue is a timing issue.  If I am to start either an agency or a business then when to do it is an additional consideration. 

The specific choices that face me now includes both aspects but before I get into that I want to discuss why there is a need to change jobs/careers at all.  First and foremost the change is driven by a strong desire to relocate to Indiana.  Their are several reasons that I want to move to Indiana, that is where my Mom and family is located.  For me, the way of life is better for my family then it is here on Long Island, NY.  As a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I was happy when the churched announced a temple would be built in Indianapolis, IN.  Once we move, we will be about 30 minutes from the temple.  I would love a life where my wonderful wife Elizabeth and I could attend the temple weekly! 

It seems to me that there are three main options.  All of which have thier own risk!  The first option is our original plan which is to wait to make the move until January 2013.  At that time I would leave my current work, register as a full-time student in my Masters program and move.  This would allow us to save more money to prepare for the move and it would allow me to accelerate my timeline for completing my Masters degree and saves money because I would be able to continue my in-state tuition.  But it comes with its down-sides as well.  In those first months after the move we would have no income and while our expences would be low we would have to figure out a solution for health insurance.  As I have begun my research I have found that to be a much bigger challenge then I had planned.  Additional considerations are that I would have to stay in my current position for seven more months and with a lot of changes coming up I feel bad making decisions that affect people's lives when I know that I won't be here to help them through the transition.  I manage about 36 people and dramatic changes will happen to them and to programs around them and at the moment those changes take place I will be announcing my departure.  I worry that will damage my reputation in the company.  I have worked hard to earn a good relationship with many people and I do not want to lose that.   

The second option, which has presented itself in the last few days is to make the move starting in early September.  This comes with me starting a career as an Insurance Agent and continuing my Masters studies.  The good news here is that the move could happen sooner and I could work with my employer for a quick transition and then new people would make the decisions that will carry on after my departure.  Second, we would get to Indiana several months earlier than planned and I can begin to build a business, Insurance and Accounting & Tax Preparation.  The concern here is that I have no sales experience and starting both of those requires me to learn how to find and keep customers. 

The third option is much the same as option two, but just is me working with the insurance company to be patient which would allow me to give a longer period of notice, like two or three months.  But really following the same plan as option two. 

I am reminded of the story of David and the Giant.  But I feel like I am one of the soldiers that watched him sling the stone at the giant.  He had the faith in the Lord that the Lord would protect him.  I have faith, strong faith, but at times like this, when I let doubt creep in, that my faith is tested.  Elizabeth and I are fasting this weekend.  We pray for the Spirit to be with us and help us make the decision and stand confident having the faith of David. 

Tough Decision Update! 7/22/2012

The udpate is that the more things change the more they stay the same.  After the prayers and fasting and talking it came down to stay with our original plan.  So we are planning on moving back to Indiana (Pendleton) in January of 2013.  I will then go to school full time for one semester and try to get as much of my Masters degree finished.  In addition to that, I will be starting the Endurance Accounting & Tax Preparation service business with much happiness.  I have no idea if I will be successful as an business owner, but I am excited to try.  If you want to follow the planning for that please check out the "My Business Plan" section.  The decision is done and I am again at peace!