I Quit My Job to Go Full time Chess?! Part I
Hi there. My name is Stacia and yep, I actually did this. The dubious notation is not by accident...haha As I've shared this news with various people I am met with reactions of shock, horror, deep concern, excitement and confusion. All of which are valid! I think I feel a little of all of those deep within myself, but then I've always been someone who despises comfort, and loves adventure! And I do believe that's where I find myself now.. on an adventure!
I have held the job of Housing Development Officer at my organization for what would be 20 years next summer and I've only played chess (seriously) for 3 years come this November in 2018. My rating is 1700 USCF and given my age I've been told there is little hope that I will ever be a titled player (although I'm optimistic enough to entertain the possibility). It is with these conditions that I met with my boss, a very cool guy by the way who I both like and admire deeply, and muttered rather matter-of-factly, "I'd like to turn in my two weeks notice".
The reaction of my boss was one of shock and horror rolled into one.... kind of caught me off guard to be honest, and when I informed of my intended career change; confusion entered the mix as well.
"It sounds kind of crazy," I said, "but I'm going to do chess and cornhole full time!" (I'll explain the cornhole part later). My boss agreed it did indeed sound crazy and I had to laugh to myself, because it sounds crazy to me too, even now, and yet here I was saying this and in fact actually doing it. This occurred this past Monday at about 4:00 PM. We have since informed the other staff and I'm now committed to this crazy dream (or nightmare? I hope not...) Certainly there is risk involved, and of course there is a lot more to this story.
But I am excited to share it in its entirety. I will share my entire plan and thoughts and what led me to the point that I could actually take this crazy chance. But is it so crazy? I'll let you decide. My plan is to write more on this topic 10-15 minutes per day until I'm satisfied. I'm mostly doing this for myself as I love to write and look back at my thoughts during critical moments in my life, but hey why not share it as well? Perhaps it will be interesting to some and perhaps not, but I'll have fun sharing. 
-Stacia <3
Part 2: The Magic of Small Steps
Follow my adventure on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StaciaMelinda
Check out my YouTube Chess Channel
