Years back, I was juggling a full-time job while dipping my toes into consulting on the side. It started as a way to earn extra cash, but figuring out rates and balancing schedules left me scratching my head. Occasionally, I'd meet up with old colleagues turned entrepreneurs at Culture Brewing on the 101 in Encinitas, soaking in their tales of self-employment amidst sunny coastal breezes. Back then, I never saw myself going "full time" with it, but life had other plans.
One of those friends was Ethan, and having him on the podcast was a cool opportunity to delve into his journey.
Ethan began in SEO and content—a career he didn't quite plan but excelled in, keeping the bills paid. An avid surfer, his love for the waves and creative pursuits like crafting koozies from old wetsuits always beckoned, even amid office life's grind.
A brief stint in Utah with his partner, far from the ocean, sparked a shift in Ethan's perspective. Inspired by surfboard design and art, he started experimenting with bamboo sourced from Encinitas Botanical Gardens to craft surfboard fins, reigniting his passion for creating.
Upon returning to sunny San Diego, I vividly remember the day he walked into the office and handed in his notice, his desk still adorned with welcome back messages and decorations from the team.
After a brief stint downtown, hoping a change of scenery would ease his restlessness, Ethan and his partner decided he should take the leap into self-employment.
Yet, entrepreneurship came with its hurdles. Early challenges like product durability issues and the constraints of working from a condo garage prompted Ethan to pivot and refine his approach. Undeterred, he expanded into creative ventures like selling surf spot posters on Etsy alongside his Wave Arcade surfboard fin business.
Just as Wave Arcade gained momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic shook local markets, prompting Ethan to pivot once more. This setback led him back to digital entrepreneurship, leveraging SEO skills to monetize content websites while nurturing his passion for art.
The arrival of Leo, Ethan's son, deepened his commitment to crafting a life of purpose and freedom. Balancing fatherhood with business, he faced further challenges from algorithm updates and industry shifts, viewing each setback as a catalyst for growth rather than a roadblock.
Today, Ethan continues to evolve, focusing on his art and creative projects, driven by a desire to live authentically and inspire others to pursue their passions. His journey underscores resilience, adaptability, and staying true to oneself amidst career uncertainties.
Reflecting on Ethan's story reminds us that life's path is rarely straightforward. Each twist and turn in our careers presents opportunities for learning and discovery, ultimately guiding us toward a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
In Ethan's own words, "There's no one-size-fits-all path in life. Finding the right mix that works for you, mentally and physically, is key. Embrace the ups and downs, learn from them, and keep pushing forward."
Connect with Ethan
Use code: FLIPPER for 15% off an order on both wavearcade.com & https://wavearcadeart.etsy.com
Every week, I, Jenny Dempsey, chat with folks from all over the globe about their amazing career flips. I dive into stories from every industry imaginable—big flips, small flips, and everything in between, whether they were by choice or circumstance. Sharing these journeys makes me feel less alone in my own career flip from customer service manager to furniture flipper and podcast host, and I really hope it does the same for you.
Don’t miss out—subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay inspired and up-to-date!
Stay Connected
Discover More
Check out Jenny's Furniture Flips on Instagram
Contact Jenny
Have questions or want to be a guest on the show? Tell me about it : hello@thecareerflipper.com
Kommentare