You only live once - so do it!

This is a time for change. My father passed away early this year, which was hard and led me to take a new look at myself and my life. It occurred to me that sons seek a great professional career first and foremost to impress their fathers. After almost three years running the Norwegian branch of the company I work for, I decided to step down. It was a great job, a business I know very well and the economy and future of the company is very bright. But it takes its toll, there are many sacrifices that a good salary can not compensate for. I'm probably a 'workaholic', so the job easily consumed me.

I reminded myself I work to live and not the other way around. I want to look back at all the things I did, and not regret all the things I never dared or had time to do. I'm proud that I managed to do this, 'cause it wasn't easy.

Stepping down when it is still fun and everything is on the top is a privilege few get. I recommend it! :) One of the last things I did as general manager was to sign new contracts amounting to almost US$ 10 million. The next big thing was to take 5 weeks vacation. I flew to New York, rented a car and used 5 weeks to drive the long northern route over the continent to Los Angeles. That's another thing I recommend you do!

Be patient, pictures from the trip will come soon.

"I don't believe in an afterlife, so I don't have to spend my whole life fearing hell, or fearing heaven even more. For whatever the tortures of hell, I think the boredom of heaven would be even worse." [Isaac Asimov]