“You raze the old to raise the new.”
― Justina Chen, North of Beautiful
 If you look the part, you just might get cast. Photo credit: Daniel Heintz | We just quit our jobs... Not something too easily undone, is it? By a certain criteria, we had great jobs, Daniel and I: stable, lucrative, even prestigious, to some. A lot of people would have worked very hard for opportunities we were afforded by virtue of our conveniently granted occupations. Unfortunately, despite the recognition, the seemingly satisfying challenges, and any compensatory advantages, as much as we loved what we were doing, we just loved something else more. It was as simple as that. |
Home of the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall, with Steinway Classical Artist Yelena Balabanova, event sponsor Tom Horsley, his nephew, friend, and yours truly, after the 15th Annual Ten Grands Piano Concert. Photo credit: Daniel Heintz Shakespeare once had a devious character point out that: "What's done, is done."
How portentous.
Granted, when Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth uttered this iconic and shadowy phrase, its context was far from kindly. Perhaps you'll allow me to expound on it's applicability to Daniel's and my circumstances.
To be brief, ours careers had meant repeatedly rubbing elbows with what could be considered the upper crust of Seattle society, regularly mingling with and working alongside the frequently esteemed loftier echelons of the city's socioeconomic elite.
In reference to the many prejudices and impressions that are commonly assigned to the USA's ultra-rich (we are talking software CEO's, corporation leaders, and multi-national media giants) it might surprise readers to know that these people were just that: People. They were often kind, generous, forgivingly flawed, benignly bumbling, sometimes inspiring, sometimes detached, simple, well-intentioned humans like you or I.
I've grown grateful to have been provided the opportunity to greatly humanize this mistakenly glorified batch of humans; but even so, whatever remuneration we received from the employment, our hearts never genuinely engaged in the cause.
I don't like money, personally. To be clear, I don't dislike it, but I'm not terribly comfortable with the possession and dissemination of it. Admittedly and embarassingly, there was a period of time in early school-days when I did craved for it.
Having grown up without any kind of monetary excess, and having repeatedly witnessed what it could do for my wealthier schoolmates and coworkers, it seemed clear, in those younger years, that the acquisition and management of finances would mobilize my dreams and enable a means to expand my possibilities.
I still think that's true. But I also think there's more to it than that.
How portentous.
Granted, when Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth uttered this iconic and shadowy phrase, its context was far from kindly. Perhaps you'll allow me to expound on it's applicability to Daniel's and my circumstances.
To be brief, ours careers had meant repeatedly rubbing elbows with what could be considered the upper crust of Seattle society, regularly mingling with and working alongside the frequently esteemed loftier echelons of the city's socioeconomic elite.
In reference to the many prejudices and impressions that are commonly assigned to the USA's ultra-rich (we are talking software CEO's, corporation leaders, and multi-national media giants) it might surprise readers to know that these people were just that: People. They were often kind, generous, forgivingly flawed, benignly bumbling, sometimes inspiring, sometimes detached, simple, well-intentioned humans like you or I.
I've grown grateful to have been provided the opportunity to greatly humanize this mistakenly glorified batch of humans; but even so, whatever remuneration we received from the employment, our hearts never genuinely engaged in the cause.
I don't like money, personally. To be clear, I don't dislike it, but I'm not terribly comfortable with the possession and dissemination of it. Admittedly and embarassingly, there was a period of time in early school-days when I did craved for it.
Having grown up without any kind of monetary excess, and having repeatedly witnessed what it could do for my wealthier schoolmates and coworkers, it seemed clear, in those younger years, that the acquisition and management of finances would mobilize my dreams and enable a means to expand my possibilities.
I still think that's true. But I also think there's more to it than that.
"Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing, unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow." |
Video credit: James Cashman Over time, after tasting the fruits of monetary and professional success, I began to not only reflect on, but also appreciate and long for the frugality of my financially humble youth. I wanted to be rid of the weight of fiscal wealth, the baggage and accountability of ownership, the burdens of materialism, and the constant compulsion to accumulate.
I could feel the heavier pieces of my life weighing me down, and I wanted to be liberated of it.
I wanted to fly.
And so, what was a lamentably necessary step towards freedom has also become a submission to the will of the world. Daniel and I have agreed to team up and take on the possibilities offered by our global community. In support with the fantastic efforts and great work of our not-for-profit partner, Catalyze Labs, and with thanks to our friends and families, who have not only tolerated our insane notion to travel the planet in search or goodness and growth, but have also blessed our mission with loving support and money from their own pockets and hearts.
We aim to learn, to teach, to grow, and to explore. We've thrown in our lot with the world's. We've made our choice, and declared our new allegiance. To quote again Ms MacBeth: "Give me your hand.... What's done cannot be undone."
I could feel the heavier pieces of my life weighing me down, and I wanted to be liberated of it.
I wanted to fly.
And so, what was a lamentably necessary step towards freedom has also become a submission to the will of the world. Daniel and I have agreed to team up and take on the possibilities offered by our global community. In support with the fantastic efforts and great work of our not-for-profit partner, Catalyze Labs, and with thanks to our friends and families, who have not only tolerated our insane notion to travel the planet in search or goodness and growth, but have also blessed our mission with loving support and money from their own pockets and hearts.
We aim to learn, to teach, to grow, and to explore. We've thrown in our lot with the world's. We've made our choice, and declared our new allegiance. To quote again Ms MacBeth: "Give me your hand.... What's done cannot be undone."
Let's explore the world. Let's make it better! The clock is ticking...
09012015
09012015