Instead of fighting traffic on a half hour commute to a 9-5 job where I’d do mind numbing tasks for 8 hours, I casually ate my breakfast and sauntered over to my in home office where I began my amazing new life of getting paid for my own creative work and ideas.

I was so excited, I logged into my computer and went my Yahoo calendar to mark the date (it’s a bit crazy to think that Google Calendar and Gmail didn’t even exist back then!)

Last week on May 13, 2010, I was able to fly to Texas with my family of 5 to watch my niece graduate from college. I don’t say this to brag by any means, but just to highlight an example of some of the freedoms that scary decision I made 8+ years ago has given me.

It’s not always rainbows and butterflies of course. Working for yourself can be stressfull at times. No “guaranteed” paycheck each week, no “sick days”, your work life often spills into your home life time, vacations usually mean bringing along some type of mobile device so you can still get work done so you don’t have *too much* catchup to do when you get back to work.

Let me say this loud and clear though: The benefits FAR outweigh any challenges that I’ve come across.

In that 8 year span of time, my wife and I have had 3 beautiful kids (now 7, 5, and 2) and I’ve had the privilege of watching grow up each day. I’ve been able to take them to school, pick them up, be at home with them during the day (which includes changing more than my fair share of diapers :). I’ve been ablet to witness many firsts, new discoveries, bumps, smiles, tears, and laughter over these wonderful 8 years.

I’m not the same guy I was 8 years ago, and by no means am I a perfect example of keeping everything balanced, but I like who I’ve become and I’m loving the journey as a continue to grow to be a better father, husband, friend, small business owner and entrepreneur.

I hereby proclaim May 13th to be Rindependence (R.odney’s I.ndependence) day :)