Growing Up with a Dream
Growing up in the Florida Keys, life always felt a little different. The pace was slower, the sunsets were brighter, and there was a natural sense of freedom you don’t find just anywhere. I spent my days on the water, in the air, and eventually, digging into electronics and all things technology. Even back then, I knew I didn’t want a “normal” job where I was counting down the hours until the weekend. I wanted my work to feel like an extension of who I was — something exciting, something that felt like living, not just surviving.
It hasn’t been a straight road. I went to community college, spent time at the University of Florida, and even tried starting a cloud computing company that didn’t work out the way I hoped. But through every twist and turn, I stayed focused on one core idea: your work should feel like your vacation. And today, co-owning a public utility with my dad and filing patents for new inventions, I can say that dream is finally a reality.
Blending Passion with Profession
The key to making your work feel like a vacation is simple in theory but harder in practice: you have to blend passion with profession. When you’re passionate about what you do, the “work” part starts to fade away. It doesn’t mean you won’t have long days, stressful meetings, or challenges. Trust me — you will. But when you’re aligned with your purpose, even the hard parts feel worth it.
For me, that passion came from a love of innovation. I love building things, solving problems, and seeing an idea come to life. Working in utilities might not sound glamorous to everyone, but I see it as essential work — keeping communities running, improving how things operate, and finding smarter solutions for the future. Plus, being an inventor on the side taps right into my love for technology and creativity. It’s a balance that makes every day feel exciting.
Lessons from the Lowest Valleys
One thing I always share with anyone asking for advice is that you don’t appreciate the good days until you’ve experienced the bad ones. I learned more from the company I had to fold than I ever did from my successes. Failing taught me humility, perseverance, and how important it is to have a backup plan. More importantly, it reminded me that financial success isn’t everything. Happiness and financial stability together are what make for real success.
Standing at the bottom of that “valley,” I realized that if I was going to work hard, it better be for something I loved. Otherwise, the sacrifices wouldn’t be worth it. That’s when I started getting serious about aligning my goals with my passions.
Practical Steps to Find Your Balance
If you’re reading this and wondering how to make your work feel like your vacation, here’s some practical advice based on what worked for me:
1. Write Down Your Goals
I treat my goals like a pilot treats a flight plan. I know exactly where I want to go, how I’m going to get there, and I check my instruments along the way. Every goal I have — whether it’s short-term or long-term — gets written down. Seeing it on paper makes it real and reminds me to stay focused.
2. Do a Passion Inventory
Take a few hours and write down everything you love doing — not just what you’re good at, but what lights you up. Look for patterns. There’s often a way to connect those passions to a career, even if it’s not obvious at first.
3. Accept That Balance Is Dynamic
There will be seasons where work takes over and seasons where life feels lighter. Balance isn’t about a perfect 50/50 split every day. It’s about checking in with yourself regularly and adjusting where you need to. If you love what you do, it’s easier to ride out those busy seasons without burning out.
4. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Whether it’s a business partner, a mentor, or even friends, the people you surround yourself with will influence your energy. Being around other driven, positive people makes a huge difference. I’m lucky to work with my dad and a great team that shares my vision.
5. Give Back
Some of the best feelings I’ve had haven’t come from making money or hitting a big business milestone. They’ve come from volunteering with organizations like Rotary, the Wish Foundation, and the Humane Society of Florida. Giving back keeps you grounded and reminds you why you do what you do.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you spend a huge chunk of your life working. If you can find a way to love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It feels like an adventure. It feels like vacation.
Don’t settle for a job that drains you. Build a career that fills you up. Blend your passion with your profession, stay organized, keep learning, and never, ever give up. That’s the art of making your work feel like your vacation — and it’s a life worth building.