Thanks for reigniting my passion and imagination

Hey Hackers!

For the last year or so, I went to work every morning and sat behind a desk doing paperwork. It was a nice cushy job but in my spare moments, I would sneak away and lurk online and try to find an escape from the 9 to 5 prison that was slowly crushing my soul. One day, in my search, I happened upon Indie Hackers and something about it ignited a passion in me that I hadn't ever felt before.

I sat in my desk, day after day, in complete awe at the courage this community had to live and build things that they felt could change the world. Each time I came back, I saw a community of developers and founders banding together and supporting one another in their endeavors. I was particularly moved by a story a founder told about meeting his wife on a flight he never expected to be on and a woman who let her curiosity about coding free only to have it open new doors for her.

That's what I wanted for myself. Not the comforts of the mundane but something where I could use my skills and be a part of something much bigger than myself.

In my search for a new path, I met Phil and Tom who founded Ryze Rewards http://RyzeRewards.com. They had a dream. They wanted to help an entire generation beat their student loans and take back their financial futures. But they were honest. They didn't have the finances to bring me on but their passion won me over. The fire that burned the first time I started lurking on Indie Hackers started burning inside me again. Like many people here, I have student loans as well and I struggle with them, But I couldn't make excuses for myself any more. So I leapt and gave up the cushy job opportunities to make nothing, but take my shot at doing more.

It sounds a bit crazy. I know. I made the decision, but I don't regret it one bit. I've learned, as I continue to look around the community, I'm not alone in all of this. There is a thriving community here that will always have my back and be ready to give feedback and help me out.

So thank you. Thank you for helping me to realize my passions. Thank you for giving me the courage to take a leap of faith, and thank you for letting me be a part of your community.

Ryze Rewards is live in the iOS and Google Play stores. Go check them out. Phil and Tom are awesome. Give them a shoutout on twitter @RyzeRewards

-John N