You can't create a new career if you're too scared to kill your current one

I’ve officially been my own boss for two years

In May of 2024, I was locked out of my laptop, my keycard stopped working, and I had a few weeks left on my health insurance.

All within a week of my son being born.

Two years later, I’ve built the career of my dreams:

• I’ve collaborated with Apple, Adobe, LinkedIn, Microsoft and many others

• Spoken on stages across the world

• Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and LinkedIn Top Voice in the same year

• Hired my first team member

• More than quadrupled my last corporate salary

But none of this would have happened if I had allowed my current reality to protect me from my dream.

I always wanted to be a suit

As the son of a plumber, I’d look up at the office buildings when my family would drive through Atlanta and wonder what went on in those boardrooms. I saw important-looking men and women stepping out of black cars, wearing tailored suits and saying things like “ROI” and “Q4” and I decided that was the life I wanted to chase.

I decided that was the life I was chasing. And I caught it (for a while)

When I lost that job, I wasn’t immediately focused on becoming a full-time creator. I had a “serious” career going. And In my head, that career was my best shot at providing for my family.

But the job market was brutal. I was looking at a 6-month search (or more) ... or the unlikely event that I could be successful building something of my own.

I had nothing left to lose. So I went all in on an unlikely dream. And it worked out.

That previous version of me was scared of losing what I had. The title, prestige, and image of success that I could explain to someone at a party without getting a sideways look.

For a long time, I protected that version of myself - even though that life was protecting me from the dream I’m living now.

So I’ll ask you: What dream are you protecting yourself from?

What I wish someone told me at the crossroads

1. The time will pass anyway: You will wake up ten years from now, and whether you're closer or further from your dream will be largely up to you. The best time to chase your dream was two years ago. The next best time is today.

2. Unjust criticism or judgement is usually just projected envy: I cannot tell you how many people scoffed at the idea of me making a living online. Many of them are now asking me for advice. Don't let someone's limits on themselves infect what you know you're capable of.

3. As a ‘first’ you’ll have to find comfort in the untreaded path: The best advice I ever got was to stop looking for certainty where there is none. The uncertainty is a signal you're in uncharted territory. Move forward (and leave a path to follow).

4. If you’re scared, then do it scared: The greatest athletes, speakers, and musicians still get nervous every time it’s time to jump. They step out anyway. Sometimes action is the best cure for anxiety.

First Up: Jayde I. Powell

What's a "first" you've done, or one you're working toward right now?

I'm working towards being debt-free for the first time in my life, which is honestly kind of terrifying, especially now in my early 30s, where I am my sole provider. Post-college, I always assumed I'd be paying off debt for the rest of my life, but now, because of the job I've created for myself, it actually seems possible to do it a lot sooner. I recently paid off one of my credit cards and one of my student loans. That's something I've never been able to do before, and certainly thought it would take me much longer to do. I still have some ways to go, but for the first time, the road to financial freedom is looking quite promising. I couldn't be prouder of myself.

What's been your favorite moment from an FTF event so far?

I'm biased, but my favorite moment was speaking on a panel at an FTF event. It was also my first one, so it was really lovely to walk into the room with open arms, especially knowing that so many women would be there. I probably spoke to at least ten different women after I was finished yapping, and all of them had such incredible stories and entrepreneurial spirit. I truly loved to see it! The most incredible leaders I know are women, so when I'm surrounded by that energy, it gives me such a rush.

What's something you're a little obsessed with lately?

I'm obsessed with Uno. Fun bit of lore about me—I have a collection of Uno cards. I'm pretty sure I have over 50 decks right now. I usually keep one in my purse because I find that Uno is a great icebreaker in any social environment. It's a game that spans generations and is easy to play, even when everyone has their own made-up rules. I have found myself in some very interesting conversations and experiences, all because I keep a pack of cards with me. The deck I love the most is from an artist's collection that Uno launched some years ago—the cards are adorned with art from Jean-Michel Basquiat. I'm a lover of the arts, so it combines two of my favorite things.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re excited about? (Remember, no job titles)

This year, I'm working on scaling back. In my line of work, it's very easy to get caught up and feel like you have to be everywhere and do everything, but I do my job because I want to live a better quality of life. I'm not super interested in "keeping up with the Joneses" because I'm more interested in protecting my peace and mental health. So this year, it's really about me prioritizing opportunities that let me focus on my number one goal: JOY. That means I say "no" a lot, and the more I do that, the happier I am.

Jayde is hosting the Chronically Online Virtual Social Media Summit on June 30th. For The Firsts subscribers can get 15% off a general admission ticket with the code FIRSTS15

‘First Up’ is our member spotlight series, highlighting the many incredible members of the FTF community. Want to be featured in a future spotlight? Fill out this form.

Early on in my creator career, someone gave me some feedback I ignored.

“People will take you, and your work, as seriously as you take it.”

At the time? I didn’t care. I had a corporate job and the content was side money.

Then I got laid off.

Suddenly, my “little videos” had to pay my rent and feed my family.

So I had to get serious. Fast.

One of the first moves I made: a separate business banking account.

What I use now:

I run my business finances through Relay, and the feature that’s helped me the most is the ability to set up separate balances for each of my income streams:

• Content sponsorships

• Speaking opportunities

• Digital products

• For The Firsts community partnerships

When I get paid, I know exactly where it goes. And when I spend, I know exactly where that cash is coming from.

Which means my cash flow finally has some clarity.

I’m the first person in my family to build a full-time living online, and I learned a lot of lessons the hard way.

But this one didn’t have to.

Sign up for Relay here.

Relay is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. #ad

ICYMI

• To become who I am today, I first had to be him → Instagram Post

• Proof of work: how to build experience when you don’t have any → LinkedIn Post

• My interview on The Modern Man podcast → YouTube Video

Events I’m looking forward to

• For The Firsts is throwing our first official event for New York Tech Week! It’ll be a panel with Varun Rana and Alberta Devor on June 3rd. Register here.

• Our next For The Firsts meetup is in June. You can register here.

• Andrew Yeung, a friend and fellow first, is showing a Tech Extravaganza on June 4th

• Interested in vibe coding but don’t know where to start? My friend Dawn Choo is hosting a Ship & Sip on June 4th

The tools I use everyday

These are affiliate links, but they’re genuinely the tools I rely on everyday

ManyChat helps me send all of my free and low-priced career guides to you all on Instagram and TikTok.

Claude Cowork keeps my desktop organized and helps my conduct research for my content.

Kit is the platform I use for email automation. It’s also where I send out my free Networking course! (comment “Networking” on any of my IG Reels)

Luma is the best event hosting platform I could ask for, and the official home of our community, For The Firsts.

Here’s what’s coming next…

I feel especially grateful towards anyone who says yes to me showing up in their inbox each week. So here’s a preview of what’s ahead across content, the community, and everything else I’ve got going on. Comment what you’re excited about, and tell me where you could help.

This Summer we’re talking about networking & relationships

Many of you are starting new jobs and internships right now, so my content this season will focus on my best tips for building relationships that actually move your career forward.

I’ll be returning to Cannes Lions ☀️

This will be my second year attending. If you have any leads on speaking opportunities there, I’m very open. Send them my way!

YouTube is back

I’ll be sharing my extended thoughts on work and career, plus sharing a behind-the-scenes look at life as a full-time creator and founder. I’m currently hiring a videographer to make this happen. Know someone who’d be a great fit?

read previous notes here

register for my next For The Firsts event here

host your own community events in NYC and Chicago at Fabrik

have me speak at your organization by filling out my speaker form

follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn at @careercolin