Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 and Found Fulfillment in Life

Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 and Found Fulfillment in Life

Life is short. We often hear this phrase, but it wasn't until recently that I truly understood its meaning. As humans, we only have approximately 30,000 days to live, which is a mere fraction of the universe's current lifespan. When we subtract the time spent with our parents before college, as well as the time dedicated to sleeping, eating, and exercising, we are left with a mere 10,400 days. That's roughly 28 years. It's a sobering thought, isn't it? If we only had 28 years left to live, how would we choose to spend them?

In our society, there is often a focus on pursuing financial success. We are led to believe that sacrificing our time is necessary to achieve this success. However, I have come to realize that time is the most valuable asset we possess. Unlike money, time cannot be earned back once it's gone. We cannot retrieve the moments we spent working tirelessly for someone else's dream. The pursuit of success, as defined by society, did not bring me fulfillment.

I believe that true fulfillment lies in embracing our inner child. It is that part of us that knows us best, the part that still holds onto our dreams and desires. I have observed this in a close friend of mine, who has remained true to herself throughout the years. Her eyes still sparkle with excitement when she works on projects that bring meaning to people's lives or make them happy. She once told me that there is no perfect timing in life. If we want to live a life true to ourselves, we must listen to our inner child and pursue what truly brings us joy.

If we only had 28 years left on this earth, how would we choose to spend that time? How do we want to be remembered? What are the things that, if left undone, would bring us regret on our deathbed? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.

Now, let's shift gears and discuss another topic that may seem unrelated at first glance - the best metric for determining quantitative product market fit. Cohort retention rate is a crucial metric in determining whether a product has achieved product market fit. When a product reaches this point, it means that it is good enough to shift focus from product improvement to growing distribution channels.

The cohort retention rate is a measure of how many users continue to use a product over time. It is a reflection of how well the product meets the needs and expectations of its users. This metric is sometimes overlooked in favor of the Net Promoter Score (NPS), but many successful tech companies with low NPS scores have still managed to grow to over a billion users. This is because a product with a high cohort retention rate can be distributed effectively with a good growth strategy and execution.

To track progress towards product market fit, it is important to create a cohort retention "triangle" chart. As the product improves, newer cohorts should have high retention rates. When a few cohorts level off at a specific retention rate, it indicates that the product has achieved product market fit.

It's worth noting that different types of products have different points of product market fit. Therefore, it is crucial to find the retention rate of comparable products that have experienced significant growth and use that as a benchmark. For consumer products, a retention rate of at least 25% is considered a good floor, while for B2B SaaS products, a retention rate of 70% is a good starting point.

Why is cohort retention rate so important? Firstly, good retention amplifies acquisition efforts. Users who stick around after acquiring the product are more likely to continue using it and potentially share it with friends. This leads to organic growth through word of mouth. Secondly, high retention rates are usually indicative of how much users love the product. Users are more likely to recommend a product they have been using and enjoying for a long period of time.

To ensure that cohort retention rate is being actively measured, it is crucial to use a cohort retention chart. This chart visualizes the retention rate over time, allowing for easy tracking of progress and identification of areas that need improvement.

In conclusion, embracing our inner child and finding fulfillment in life is a choice we must consciously make. Life is short, and our time is the most valuable asset we have. By listening to our inner child and pursuing what brings us joy, we can live a life true to ourselves. On the other hand, when it comes to product market fit, cohort retention rate is the best metric to determine if a product is ready to scale its distribution channels. By actively measuring and improving this metric, companies can achieve sustainable growth and success.

To apply these insights to your own life and work, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Take the time to reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Listen to your inner child and make choices that align with your passions and values.

2. If you are working on a product or business, prioritize measuring and improving your cohort retention rate. This metric is a strong indicator of product market fit and can guide your growth strategy.

3. Remember that time is your most valuable asset. Prioritize how you spend your time and ensure that it aligns with your goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to make changes and pursue what truly brings you fulfillment.

By embracing our inner child and prioritizing our time wisely, we can live a life that is true to ourselves and find fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavors. Life is short, so let's make the most of it.