A Space to Build

Hi everyone,

It’s been a couple of weeks since the unexpected end of my 21-year job. As I mentioned last time, a significant change was on the horizon, and now I'm stepping into it.

My initial emotional response was a surge of motivation. For the first time in my adult life, I have a window of time. A space to build something of my own. But that feeling was quickly followed by something else a bit unexpected: a quietness. I found myself wanting to walk in woods and gardens, to think, and not say much.

This is the in-between place. A space filled with an opportunity I want and the very real pressure that this window won't stay open forever. It brings up a consuming question: What do I do?

A part of me is pulled toward projects I’m passionate about. Right now that is Mandalafy. Yet, I'm aware that ventures like print-on-demand often have low profit margins, and my situation requires something more substantial. This creates an internal conflict: Do I chase a higher profit margin, even if I’m not sure what that path looks like? Or do I trust that following my genuine interest, even if its profitability isn't obvious, will lead me where I need to go?

I believe there will be ways to fold in my other objectives. Developing my AI, website building, and communication skills, for example.

In wrestling with this, my mind considers the process of creating a mandala. You don't start with a complete picture of the end product. You begin with a single shape, and then another. As the forms emerge, they show you what belongs next. You build upon what’s there, step by step, making sense of the pattern as you go. You don’t know the final design from the start. You trust the act of creating to show you the way.

Outside of financial needs, I have an unprecedented opportunity to focus in and build something that aligns with my interests, with my skills, with who I am. If I don't follow this path, where will I find my voice? What will happen to my drive?

Interestingly, I am one of many people facing a change in employment and deciding how to pivot. Perhaps my words, as I navigate, will give insight to others.

Wishing you all the best,

Dan Ryan