The decision to leave a well-paid corporate job in order to pursue entrepreneurial dreams seems to be an inspirational choice, but Christian Harms explains why it was a difficult experience for him. The former Microsoft worker who gave up his $200,000 salary to create content in Australia presented his “Museum of Failures” via Instagram. Unlike people who share only success stories, Harms decided to focus on his mistakes, fears, and lessons learned during his new career experience.
Courage doesn’t eliminate self-doubt
Christian admits that he is still questioning himself regarding whether the choice to leave Microsoft was right. He thinks that it was a proper decision to follow his passion; however, loss of financial stability and professional identity makes him doubt. The lesson from this experience is that courage is not the absence of self-doubt. No matter how courageous your actions were, the sense of uncertainty may continue, so learn to deal with it.
Acting when everything goes wrong
When the man decided to move to Australia, he had no job and only five months left to find the way. Surprisingly enough, Harms earned his first dollar online only a week before coming home. What he realized is that he waits for something urgent to happen in order to act accordingly. The lesson is clear: deadlines are great motivators, but relying on it instead of being active is not the best strategy.
Mixing planning and action
For many months, the man worked on building his business without checking whether the business needed to exist at all. At the moment, he thought that he was doing good research and preparing. Later, he understood he was repressing his fears under the guise of productive activity. The main conclusion the man draws is that being busy doesn’t mean he was doing something productive.
Thinking that everything should have a schedule
Like other entrepreneurs, Christian Harms thought that everything would go smoothly and success would happen soon after leaving the corporate job. In reality, it turns out to be a slower, more uncertain, and frustrating process. As Harms admits, he feels disappointed in his younger self who decided to leave Microsoft. The lesson is that there is no timetable for personal growth.
Influencing decisions with ego
Christian talks about participating in his first Half Ironman while injured. Every instinct told him to finish the race, but he decided to give up midway because finishing would destroy the athlete’s entire season. Even though it bruised his ego, it helped to protect him from further complications.
Equating stability with satisfaction
One of the main lessons that Harms took during his new life experience is that stability doesn’t equal satisfaction. Even though working at Microsoft brought him financial comfort and travelling possibilities, he wanted to do something else. Of course, this example doesn’t encourage everyone to quit their corporate job. But the lesson is simple: know what really drives you before making big changes.
Hiding setbacks
Unlike others who share only their successes, Harms decided to present his setbacks and struggles which came along with the new experience. He believes that it is more beneficial for other people to see the truth about entrepreneurship. So, the man wants to say that failure is not a proof of the fact that you chose the wrong way. It is a necessary stage of evolution.
