Why I made the impulsive decision to quit a great Hollywood job, felt like a mistake, and what I learned here
Leaving a secure Hollywood role
The writer had pursued a place in a major Hollywood studio despite repeated rejection. He eventually reached senior executive ranks at Universal Studios, then left a few years later to try entrepreneurship as the internet industry was taking shape in the late 1990s.
His wife, Luisa, was pregnant with their first child, Hunter, and the family had not built a substantial nest egg. The writer also had a good salary and room to advance. When he said he planned to leave, Universal’s top executive offered him a prestigious new position with more money, but he declined.
A different path in San Diego
The writer later described the decision as a professional mistake that became a major personal and career opportunity. His entrepreneurial route took the family to San Diego, where he joined online music company Musicmatch, later acquired by Yahoo!.
The family settled in Rancho Santa Fe, where their second child, Luca, was born. The writer said he could have been happy working at a Hollywood studio in Los Angeles, but believes that path would not have brought the family the same life.
Dreams and family choices
Luisa pursued a dream that proved all-consuming and did not provide the satisfaction she had hoped for. Still, the writer said, the experience expanded her network and gave her more time to travel with the family in their Sprinter van, another dream of hers.
Their children are pursuing creative careers: Hunter works in entertainment, while Luca is a filmmaker. The writer and Luisa believe that taking less conventional routes can bring fulfillment and expose their children to experiences that may support their long-term happiness.
Supporting one another’s dreams
The writer cites relationship psychologist Dr. Eli Finkel’s research on the importance of spouses supporting each other’s dreams. Finkel calls this the “Michelangelo phenomenon,” describing how a partner’s support can help bring out the other person’s core aspirations.
The writer warns that placing money ahead of dreams can create resentment and contempt. He suggests asking a partner about a dream they have never pursued, listening without immediately challenging its practicality, and being honest about the costs in time, money, stability, or sleep.
Key points
- The writer left Universal Studios despite a higher-paying offer and a secure career path.
- His entrepreneurial work at Musicmatch led the family to San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe.
- The writer says pursuing dreams can bring unexpected personal benefits, even when the outcome disappoints.
- He urges partners to discuss aspirations and acknowledge the costs of pursuing them.