I left my six figure job to ride motorcycles and tell stories. You should follow your dreams too
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(BIKER DAD) — For years I’ve been telling every young person who would listen to me the same thing: When it’s time to start your career path don’t go get a job. Find something you love, and make your own business out of it. Then you’ll never work a day in your life. Don’t work for someone else. Be your own boss. You’ll be happier and wealthier.
Cliche, I know. It’s also fact. Go find the nicest house in your town and knock on the door. I’ve actually done this many times. Ask them what they did to get there. The answer is always “I own a nursery,” or “I have a company that installs gutters” or “I own a few restaurants” I know they exist . But so far I haven’t talked to one of these people who works for someone else. They all own a business or businesses.
Making the leap to ride motorcycles and tell stories for a living
But, I was too afraid to take my own advice. I was too old, had too many responsibilities. I had to feed my children. I’ve been tempted in the past. But another lucrative corporate job offer would come along. I would again take the safe route, the so-called security of a high-paid corporate job over paving my own road.
So, four and half years after moving (for the seventh time since my wife and I married) to Alabama we were at it again. I was interviewing for even higher paying jobs in bigger cities all over the country. It had become evident for many reasons, that it was time to move on again. I had accomplished most of what I could in this “job.”
- Alabama bikers killed in head-on crash returning from Sturgis rally
- Florida deputies seek possible child sex abuse victims man met through motorcycle club
- Knoxville biker killed when car crosses the center line
- Harley Homecoming smashes record, plans to make it an annual event
- Biker Dad TV debuts on national TV network
But this time I decided to also take a very serious look at taking a very serious leap. Did I wan’t to continue having my future and my success determined by corporate suits? Did I want to continue trying to kick in doors and bang my head against the wall while a man in a buttoned-down white shirt, grey suit and a boring tie decided whether to open it, or bar it shut and lock me out?
I stopped banging and kicking for a minute and looked around. Other doors were opening up wide to something completely different. No one was barring them shut. There was no grey-suited gatekeeper blocking the way. I realized it was finally time to chase my dream to ride motorcycles and tell stories. And I was determined to make a living doing it too.
Too old to leave my six figure job to ride motorcycles and tell stories?
I realized yes, I am too old. I’m too old to continue making excuses and taking the so-called “security” of a corporate paycheck. I do have too many responsibilities to not put my relentless drive towards something I’m passionate about and “live my best life.” And yes, I had to feed my children. Having Mr. Corporate Grey Suit Guy deciding how much I would make or even if I work at all was no way to guarantee I could feed their bodies. And I realized it was more important to feed their minds, imagination and inspire them by paving my own road. So when I left my job, and the six-figure salary, I rode off on my Harley-Davidson. My first day as a paid TV journalist was in 1997. My last day was May 7th, 2021.
I have to be honest. I was very anxious. This would be the first time since I was 12 years old that I didn’t “have a job.” When I first left my job as a TV news executive in May, I drank a little too much just so I could sleep. I worried, and I still do. But, I also got to work. I knew where I wanted to go. But there was no GPS on how to get there.
So, I drew my own map. And I used all the tools in my bag to get things started. Yes, I left a nearly 25-year career as a TV journalist. But that didn’t mean I had to leave my talent for good storytelling, creativity and making darned good TV behind. Now I’m using the skills that helped me win Emmy Awards and my teams win several Edward R. Murrow awards to produce my own show. In just 4 months, the plan has come together. And that show debuted.
It’s called “Biker Dad.” But, as the very first line of the very first episode says, “this is not a show about motorcycles.” It is a show about people using their passion and hearts to make their communities better, brighter and safer. Biker Dad is nothing new, we’ve been doing it online for more than 7 years now. More than 300 thousand people follow it on social media, reaching nearly 30 million people every month.
But it’s the TV show that’s making this a viable way to make a living. It’s what I know best. I have been shocked and humbled to partner with sponsors who have already made it a financial success too. And we’re only on the first mile of this long ride.
I no longer have corporate suits deciding how successful I will be. I’ve literally paved my own road and now I’m speeding down it at 150 mph. It didn’t always feel like it. But I’m TRULY BLESSED in 2021. Run down your dreams. There’s never been a better time than now. Oh and prayers don’t hurt either. Biker Dad TV premieres on September 19th.
Inspiring others to follow their dreams
Yes, I used the word “I” a lot in this story. But what “I” really hope happens is others are inspired to take a chance. I can see that inspiration in my children’s faces. Teenagers can be cynical, sarcastic and hard to impress. My oldest son has always thought my job was cool. But now, I see a twinkle in his eye. I could tell just from looking at him he was impressed and inspired. But (and I COULD NOT believe this) he actually TOLD me he was proud of me. If you have a teenager, you know how BIG that is. And that, that right there means more than anything.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you take a moment to think about the road you’re on.
I would also like to thank the sponsors who’ve made my dream come true. The National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, Stevenson-Klotz Injury Lawyers, Mobile Bay Harley Davidson, Bob’s Downtown Diner, Cottonmouth Customs, and Eagles Talon Motorcycles.
SHAMELESS PLUG: We are doing great, but we’re still looking for sponsors. If you’d like to advertise to an intensely loyal audience with disposable income contact me: callenbest@yahoo.com is my email. My phone number is 251-402-6392.
