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journal/Archive/Next Steps.md
Thaddeus Hughes 608c43a71f init
2025-10-09 20:43:40 -05:00

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> Walk with the LORD and things will be well.
LORD, show me which way you want me to go. I know I should exit here.
1. The people are not people I admire and look up to
2. Our clients are not people in my community
3. I've learned what I can learn
4. The types of solutions we produce are ones that this world has too many of. Industrial automation goes against the yearnings in my heart - to dignify labor.
Okay. But you should do right by your employer, right? Well, part of that has to be being honest with them that this isn't working. That this relationship is dead-end. Let's not pretend like it can continue, because it's fundamentally at odds.
Take the weekend to get a taste for the work you want to do and really refine the next steps, then on Monday, give the notice, whether they want two weeks or to walk me out that instant.
To that end, on Friday, you should go through and make sure things are tidy.
1. Put all quotes and vendor communications in place [30min]
2. Resize all actuators and finalize their locations (this is doable) [3hr]
3. Call Sonitek, ship sample material [15 min]
4. Update clickup [15 min]
5. Tidy up all calculations [2 hr]
At that point, I could throw my hands up. They'd be OK. Then I can give a notice on Monday.
Now, what do you really want to do? I want to make a living:
- With my own hands
- With my own (or shared) tools
- Doing things that help my neighbors
I make about $6000/mo pre-tax and I spend about $3000/mo of that (sheesh, do I really? What do I really need?)
- $800/mo rent
- $800/mo food
- $400/mo misc
ok, so $2000/mo comfortably. Dial back some expenditures and be smart.
# **# Why should you abandon your career path?**
1. The people in engineering are not role models.
2. Our clients are not people in my community.
3. I've learned what I can learn from it.
4. The types of solutions we produce are ones that this world has too many of. Industrial automation goes against the yearnings in my heart - to dignify labor.
5. You dont really need a reason to quit a job.
# **# Who would you like to be a year from now, career-wise?**
My name is Thad. I design physical things such as furniture, tools, and equipment that is elegant, fitting, and right. I seek to embody truth, beauty, and goodness in all that I do. The things I make don't lie about what they are. They are elegant and easy to understand. They fill their function without doubt.
I build things that you need. Maybe that's a custom slide-out for your RV. Maybe that's a stamping die for a sheetmetal product you're making. Maybe it's blueprints for a new product you've got an idea for. Maybe it's a beautiful conference table or rocking chair.
I also build products, some of which are digital. I've got some lovely everyday items like boxes with durable wooden hinges that I just love. I sell the boxes - and the plans. I also have some great spreadsheets for calculations like motor sizing available for a small and honest cost (like $5).
I teach people about how to do these things as well. I teach classes on woodworking, metalworking, and design. I run a podcast called "Machinae Ex Deo" where we talk about how to build technology that is fitting, just, and right. I run a YouTube and Instagram called "Tools and Theosis" where I publish my work. These creative endeavors form my brand and drive traffic to me and my LLC (which I'll need a witty name for).
# **# Do you think this is a future that's doable?**
Absolutely. That's so tangible. I'm so close to it. I could build that, and hope that God blesses it.
# **# What would happen if you don't do this?**
I would continue to wallow in despair and never gain any traction towards building the life God wants me to live and which has has been calling me towards. You will be bitter and resentful and jealous.
**# What would happen if you do this and it fails?**
Id be out $3000/month (more realistically, $1000/mo) over a year, thats $24000 (more realistically, $12000). Ill still be able to buy a house or make major purchases. However, Ill have met many more people and I probably cant have pissed them off too much.
# **# When you quit your job, what will you do week-to-week?**
BUILD THE BRAND AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
1.  4 hours / week WRITING
2.  4 hours / week PODCASTING
BUILD PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD.
3.  8 hours / week BUILDING PRODUCT
4.  4 hours / week MARKETING PRODUCT
DO WORK PEOPLE ASK FOR
5.  20 hours / week WORKING ($2-5k/mo EASY)
LEARN
6.  4 hours / week READING
7.  4 hours / week LEARNING A NEW SKILL
TEACH
8.  8 hours / week TEACHING classes at the Makerspace ($640/mo EASY)
NETWORK
9.  4 hours / week BUILDING REACH
THIS IS 60 HOURS/WEEK UNDERSTAND? THIS ISNT SLUFFING OFF. THIS ISNT BEING LAZY. THIS WILL BE THE HARDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE.