Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Stepping Into Space

I don't think I'll ever go skydiving. I might really like it: I liked spinning an airplane, and like going fast on a motorcycle, and freefall seems to be a combination of these. But there's a nagging fear that the chute won't open. It's not a fear of death per se, but an understanding of just how much time it takes to drop that last 3,000 feet.

About 15 seconds, which is a long time when there's nothing you can do but enjoy the view.

Leaving a job without your next one lined up is sometimes described as jumping without a parachute. A friend of mine did it a few weeks ago, and I've done it several times during my career. It's definitely scary, and you may have the nagging fear that you won't find another job.

The difference is that you can do something while falling. You may not find the job you want right away, but that's OK: it gives you more time to write blog entries. Or paint the house.

And you can still enjoy the view.

1 comment:

eric said...

See... I've got no problem with jumping out of a plane, but leaving a job without another lined up... that's insane!

But really - you should try skydiving... it's unreal.