Before starting up Rockstar in 2005, I used to work at a big company. It taught me a lot about internal systems, office politics, and the ups and downs of working with people.

Probably the most useful thing I picked up was the joy of having a free lunch. I remember quite clearly on my first day being taken out to lunch. I could chose any restaurant, and take whoever I wanted! I had a lot of friend that first day. They all seemed to disappear from day 2.

Things were ok at first, but slowly and surely I got the shits. I knew I wouldn’t last very long, as I had never envisaged I would get of there in 1 year. April 13 was the target date. All I had to do was hold on until April 13.

I was a large environment at that company. I felt uncomfortably trapped – like my arms were tightly bound to waist. There was so much I wanted to do – so much I could do – but wasn’t given a chance. I never quite made April 13, and resigned on March 8. It was just really too much.

Not meaning to sound arrogant, or “better than that”, but I am sure that other grads also felt the same – or at least thought it, but didn’t act on it. There was a lot of safety in being part of something much much bigger. They used, quite successfully Friday afternoon free drinks as a way to build the team. Good on them of providing this culture. Pay em peanuts and feed em beer – great strategy.

What I guess I am trying to say is that we only live once. Three years on in 2008, I’m very happy with where I’m at. It felt right, leaving the safety of an established option. I think the message is – if you ever feel right, but it’s not ‘usual’ or ’standard’ – f*** it – just do it.

This post inspired me. A couple of sentences you need to read twice to understand – but it all makes sense.