Hi Everyone,
For those of you that don't know me, I have been doing poker affiliate stuff for over 2 years now as a part time job while working full time at IBM.
Before I start, pardon the bad spelling / rambling but I was just out celebrating at the bar with a friend.
Today, thanks to the support of many people on this forum, I made the BIGGEST decision of my life - I resigned from my job. This was probably the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, but I have decided to go into online marketing full-time.
This decision probably took me well over a year to make, but thanks to the motivation from many on this site I decided to make the leap from a well-paying job to do this stuff full-time. I think this was the best decision of my life, and I couldn't have done it without the support of many of the people on this site.
To help you understand a little better, IBM paid me REALLY well, plus benefits, bonuses, etc. so it was not easy to walk away from. Though I had a good thing going, I think that my potential in online marketing is much greater, and enjoy this way more than I ever would working a 9-5 job.
I have been very depressed over the last few months working 18 hrs a day, but that will change very soon! I already feel a huge weight off my shoulders.
First off I would like to thank many of you for all the words of wisdom, help, advice, etc. over the years that got me where I am today:
Jeremy - Your blog is probably the most inspiring thing and one of the things that has motivated me the most to make this leap. Though we talk time to time on skype, it feels like all your posts speak directly to ME and I know that I would never have made this leap without you. Thank you for building such a great community and providing many laughs and good times through both our face-to-face interactions and online chats. You are a great leader and someone I will always look up to. I think ones success is measured by how many lives one has an impact on, and buddy, you have had a HUGE impact on mine! For that I owe you big time, and if you ever need anything, I am here for you!
Offyourface - I wrote it in my blog, and I will say it many times.... Without your support I would not be where I am today! My site probably would have gone to shit, I would have gotten bored, and I'd still be working for the man
The advice you gave me got me where I am today, and I am forever grateful for your help. I can't wait to meet you at one of these conferences one day and thank you in person!
Brandon - Going to the CAC a few years ago was scary as shit for me. Having someone like you there like you made it one of the best trips of my life! You introduced me to everyone, were there when I needed you, and helped an affiliate noob have a really good time. I really look up to you, and enjoy working with you every day! Without you introducing me to everyone, I probably would be more of a lurker, and not as involved in this industry.
JohnG - A great friend, you have always told me whats best for me, and I have always agreed. It took me a while to get here buddy, but I made it! Thanks man!
Kyle - You have helped me a ton with the social media stuff and I love bouncing ideas off of you. You have sent me countless tips that have helped me grow as an Internet Marketer, and working with you has been a ton of fun. Looking forward to partying with you more also in the near future!
Corpfan - I almost sold my site at one point, and you really inspired me to keep going on. Hearing about how you went from a FT job to doing this full time has always inspired me, and I appreciate all the advice you have given me. You are great to talk with over MSN and hopefully we can meet up one day!
Darko - Andreas, your a great guy and talking to you has inspired me to think much bigger. I feel honored to meet someone like yourself, and I look forward to sharing many more laughs with you at future CAP events!
Nick - How can I not be inspired! You are what we all aspire to be! You busted your balls to get here, and chatting with people like yourself really inspires me to work much harder!
Holis - We've only really chatted a few times, but chatting to successful individuals like yourself really motivates me, and I love competing with you in buying sites
Pino - Another guy that left an amazing job to do this full time.... what an inspiration you have been in our many chats... thank you sir!
Johan from GNUF - I know you won't read this, but the advice you gave me at the CAP awards was amazing! Thank you so much for inspiring me!
Honestly, I could go on and on for days thanking people as so many of the people on this site have had such an impact on my life. If I missed you, it was not intentional, I've been drinking
. Its great to have met all of you, and for those of you I don't know, I am still young and there is lots of time to meet you all too in the future!
Thanks guys for helping me make a once dream a reality! Who ever thought that what started as a hobby/joke would turn into a full-time job! I fuckin love this industry!