From Corporate Chains to Sandwich Dreams

Introduction
What happens when you find yourself sitting in a glass tower during a pandemic, questioning everything about your life? For Jimmy, it meant rethinking his career, confronting personal demons, and embarking on a journey toward happiness and self-discovery. In this episode of the podcast, Jimmy shares his raw and inspiring story—one of fear, courage, and change.

The Moment of Clarity: “I Quit”

Like many during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy found himself locked into a daily routine that no longer served him. Working from home, he started asking the bigger questions: Am I really happy? Is this career draining my soul? Sitting in his “glass tower,” Jimmy began to dream about quitting and starting fresh—even joking about working at a used bookstore. But what started as a joke soon became a mission.

The fear of change loomed large—“How will I pay rent?”—but the realization that he couldn’t keep living an unfulfilling life pushed him forward.

The answer became clear: It was time to jump off the ledge.

Rock Bottom and the Road to Sobriety

But the pandemic wasn’t the only wake-up call. Before this moment of clarity, Jimmy had hit his personal rock bottom in 2017, battling addiction and poor mental health. “I was self-medicating and filling a void with external validation,” Jimmy explains. Sobriety wasn’t easy—he describes detoxing from alcohol and re-learning who he was—but each small step forward helped him find clarity.

The process of recovery forced Jimmy to confront not just his habits, but also his relationships. “You find out who really picks up the phone when you need them,” he recalls, a nod to the power of authentic friendships during tough times.

Making Sandwiches and Finding Purpose

The next chapter of Jimmy’s journey began with a sandwich grill, a tent, and a friend. In 2018, his buddy Kyle Jones started Flossy Sandwich Parlor, a modest operation at a farmers’ market. Helping out every weekend became therapeutic for Jimmy—serving others, connecting with people, and rediscovering joy through simple acts of kindness.

By 2021, Jimmy made a life-changing decision: he moved from the city to join Kyle full-time. Within two weeks, he found an apartment, and four weeks later, he was helping open the doors of Flossy’s. “The universe was waiting for me to say yes,” he reflects, marveling at how things fell into place once he committed to change.

Routines, Rituals, and Rediscovering Motivation

Part of Jimmy’s growth came from building structure into his life. “Routine and ritual became my foundation,” he says, drawing lessons from recovery communities. For Jimmy, it’s not about copying others’ routines but about crafting personal rituals that fuel progress. Whether it’s running to burn off calories or setting daily goals, he emphasizes the importance of repetition—even when it feels boring.

“Don’t copy someone else’s plan. Create your own, and let it grow with you,” Jimmy advises.

Gamifying Life: Making Everyday an Adventure

One of Jimmy’s biggest breakthroughs came when he realized he could gamify his life. He compares it to playing Grand Theft Auto: “You set a goal on the map, but the real fun is in what happens along the way.” Instead of building a virtual character, Jimmy started building himself—channeling his energy, ambition, and creativity toward personal growth.

Every conversation, every encounter became a “side mission,” an opportunity to gain experience points. “Now, I’m investing in myself the same way I used to invest in other people’s expectations.”

Chasing Happiness, Not Success

The biggest takeaway from Jimmy’s journey is that he stopped chasing external success and started pursuing happiness. He encourages others to focus less on achievements and more on finding excitement in the things they love. “It’s not about building a business plan or chasing money—it’s about finding fulfillment in every step of the way.”

By embracing change, being honest with himself, and following his passion, Jimmy has created a life that aligns with his values. “I don’t want to chase. I want to move toward something.”

Final Thoughts: A Life Without Limits

Jimmy’s story isn’t about following a strict plan or achieving instant success. It’s about experimenting, learning, and growing through every experience. He admits that he still doesn’t have all the answers, but he’s okay with that. The journey itself is what matters.

“Every day, I’m filling in the grid with what I learn. I don’t know exactly what I’ll become, but I trust the process.”

Jimmy’s advice to anyone feeling stuck?

Take the leap. Change will always feel scary, but staying the same is even scarier.