Today, I turn 44.

Today, I turn 44. And I absolutely refuse to work on my birthday. Here's why I started that tradition:

A client yelled at me.
Software broke, and I had to fix it.
Then we lost a sale I was sure we would win.

Ever have a birthday at work like that? It's the worst...

By the end of the day, I realized I had voluntarily spent my birthday getting punched in the face by my own business. Why put myself through that? It's just not worth it...

As one of my advisors once told me:
“The business will take everything you give it, and then ask for more.”

Founders have to decide where the line is.

For me, September 16 belongs to my family, my friends, and probably a good meal.

And before anyone points out that I posted this on my birthday, it was scheduled yesterday.
The rule remains intact :)