In this post I am going to share an experience, an experience that I hope is an example of preparation or of being prudent, maybe - for when it comes to life changes and pursuing that change.
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So it was a long time coming and I have been preparing for it (more on that below).  After 7 years of contract work for many Tyco companies (ADT, Tyco Safety Products, Tyco Int'l) the run has finally come to an end.  

Tyco merged with Johnson Controls recently and when mergers happen, people lose work.  It was one hell of a run though!


# <center>What Next and How Did I Prepare?</center>
<center>![man-96587_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPVt4jcuL4RPgf7VbfmNShmkZVZ59rqkUyHSSZpupfrQC/man-96587_640.jpg)</center>  
<center>[image source](https://pixabay.com/en/man-silhouette-briefcase-umbrella-96587/)</center>

### Preparation is one of the Keys to Life

In March I started to prepare for this as my client (boss) gave me a heads up that September (end of their fiscal year) would likely be it for me.  No guarantees though.  

At that moment I stepped up my efforts:
+ Started saving more money each month
+ Completed my real estate e-book and published it for sale (paperback soon too)
+ Closed on another rental condo to earn more monthly cash flow
+ Even stepped up my steemit posting/curating efforts (though I am still yet to ever power down)

#### The goal was to have 1 year's worth of living expenses in savings, combined with as much passive income coming in as possible.

## Sometimes Plans Get Detoured

I built a financial plan to reach my above goals by the end of September.   Unfortunately I was no longer on an annual contract, but month to month as that is all my client could get approved this year.  

His hope to keep me until September did not play out as the powers that be directed him to cut the expense soon as possible.

So basically, I got my 30-day notice to satisfy the contract and was to be out June 30th.   The extended holiday weekend just became very extended for me...LOL.

## Did The Plan Come Together?

I came pretty damn close to my goal.  I have about 10 months worth of living expenses saved.  I have passive income coming in each month that covers my basic food and shelter costs.  I have prepared the best I could.

<center>![sign-14089_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmStRtJBXowWhnUuDFxpZ3TopyFwVbEUWp6abQSyEjMDUw/sign-14089_640.jpg)</center>
<center>[image source](https://pixabay.com/en/sign-ordinance-law-bridge-legal-14089/)</center>
## Guidelines for Everyone to Use

I describe my experience so others can use it as an example on how to prepare.  I see people talk about quitting jobs and doing steemit full time, not even close to prepared for what impact that has on your life.

#### Whether you are leaving your job to start a business or do steemit, being prepared gives you a fighting chance.  
_
Things like:
+ Having a year's worth of living expenses saved (or at least 6 months...something, please)
+ Having some sort of passive income coming in

These are important as you cannot expect to just replace your current wage on day 1 doing whatever your new venture is.

#### I am all for people pursuing something better, hell it's what I am doing now, however set yourself up for success.  Prepare yourself so the odds are stacked a little less against you.

#### The last thing I want to see is you (or me) on here asking the steemit community for help because you are unable to put food on the table.   

#### Sometimes we fall on hard times, sometimes things happen out of our control and the steemit community rallies to help those in need, it is truly awesome to see .   Let's work our butts off to avoid these moments if we can though, I know I will do damnedest too.

## No Guarantees Though

Nothing is guaranteed in life.  All we can do is work hard and try to make smart decisions.

I for one am trying to do just that.   Between savings and passive income I have a solid year to make a real income from my "own stuff."

This is a combination of the [ScaredyCatGuide](http://scaredycatguide.com/) website and books (currently writing another).  Doing online sales funnel work (currently learning) for a couple businesses that some friends own.  With the addition of steemit because we all know there is income potential here too!


## Will it work out? 

I'll have that answer for you in a year from now.  Meanwhile....I need to get back to work, my work!  ;-)

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All the best!
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