Build Mode
A creative sabbatical to make what matters (and what doesn’t)
I woke up this morning unemployed. After five years leading a team at 8020, I recently left my role to explore what good work means to me. Since giving notice, I’ve found myself torn between two instincts — seeking security through employment or following my curiosity, even if I don’t know where it will lead.
Some days I imagine myself starting a meaningful new venture, while other days I’m mentally prepping myself for a formal job search. Switching modes daily doesn’t work. Polishing my resume one day draws down the next day’s creative energy.
To resolve the tension, I’m turning down the voice that pushes for a paycheck—and turning up the weird, funny, and more honest one that feels like me. The one that speaks up when the income-generating voice isn’t trying to rent my brain to the highest bidder.
I’m devoting the next month to building without expectation (build mode). I won’t be freelancing, consulting, or applying for jobs. I’ll be writing, creating silly tools, planning memorable adventures, and building things with my hands. I’ll be sharing views of my inner world and observing what seeds reach for more light.
I love ideas. I have a running note on my phone dating back to 2019 with project concepts and an old blog post with even more. Some are outlandish, others are practical. Some are complicated, some are dead simple.
The world has changed a lot since I started this note. Some of the things I used to write off as too difficult are now more approachable with advances in software, AI, and educational resources. The curious have more tools than ever to bring ideas to life. It feels like a great time to build
I’ll pick ideas from my notes that call to me and bring them to life. One day, I might build a small piece of software, and the next day, I might plan a thematic bike trip for friends.
I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of the month, but I suspect I’ll build more momentum by creating without permission than chasing posted roles. At the very least, I’ll walk away with more clarity on questions like these:
Where do I find others drawn to contrarian paths?
When do I find myself in a state of flow?
Where do my skills and talents fit into a world with AI?
What conditions lead to me feeling energized?
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So good to read this post. Good luck, Max.