We had the good fortune of connecting with Evo Terra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evo, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I quit my first job at 20 without having another one lined up simply because I wasn’t enjoying the work any longer. Little did I know that that hasty decision made in my youth would follow me through the next 35 years.

Take the 13-year career I jumped into next. The pay was great and I was quickly moving up the latter, but the 50+ hours each week and the lack of doing something more meaningful got to me, so I wound up switching jobs—drastically—within that company three times before I quit, once again without having another job lined up.

That led to another career—once again only tangentially related to what I’d done before—that I threw myself into to the point of complete disillusionment with an entire industry that I didn’t just quit the job—I quit the country. Now in my 40s, I sold literally everything I owned and travel the world for a year, which led to living abroad for three years in semi-retirement.

Now back in the States, I run what many of my still-over-zealous friends call a “lifestyle” business, and I’m OK with that. I work every day, but not all day. I have plenty of time to do things I want to do, and I only take on clients who I want to work with.

For me, the balance is making sure that my work time is only worth it if it accommodates my life

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey, like that of many, was circuitous. Media, retail, C-suite business management, advertising, strategic consulting… with the thinnest of connections between companies and industries. Trying to retrace it would be a fool’s errand. But I wouldn’t change a moment of it, as I simply wouldn’t be me, right here and right now, without all of those steps. And missteps!

If I’m good at one thing, it’s finding ways to explore niches and then shaping myself into something that better fits that niche. Sometimes I can convince a company to fund me while I go on the journey. Sometimes I strike out on my own and figure out how to support myself. It’s completely baffling to my family, all of which have had incredibly stable careers. And here I am, working without a net. Again!

Take my latest initiative, curating audio fiction via The End (https://theend.fyi), my weekly newsletter that shines a light back on audio fiction shows after they’ve reached the finale of a season or the conclusion of the series. It’s a free service to both readers and the creators highlighted with only the tiniest of revenue from a handful of supporters that I’m spending 20-30 hours a week on. Crazy!

But it’s not crazy. The audio fiction space—mostly in podcast form but also audiobooks—is heating up. And it’s a space I’m familiar with, having worked in podcasting and with writers for the better part of 20 years now. There’s more great entertainment than anyone can possibly enjoy in all sorts of mediums, from tv shows to movies to books and audio. There are more creators entering the space, trying their hands at what is, for many, a brand-new medium. And the number of first-time listeners continues to grow. So yeah, this is the place for me. For now.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Phoenix is either the best place to visit or the worst place to visit, all depending on the time of year. But assuming one is coming at a fortuitous time:

I’d want them to experience as much of the Sonoran desert as they could, much of which you can do within the boundaries of the Phoenix metroplex. A visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens is required, ideally for long enough to enjoy the transition between day to night. It’s quite special. If time and their inclination allowed it, I’d take them hiking about an hour north of Phoenix to check out some running water and petroglyphs.

Because so may people have transplanted or have been transplanted to Phoenix, we’re lousy with great restaurants and very “Phoenix” restaurants. Glai Baan has some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had (and I lived in Bangkok for 3 years!). Richardsons slays at their New Mexican twist. And an order of carne asada fries at one of the ‘Bertos is a must!

The craft beer scene has exploded in the last 10 years, with great spots sporting dozens of quality taps. Greenwood Brewing, Kings Beer & Wine, and The Wandering Tortoise are just a few places. The same goes for craft cocktails! Undertow, Century Grand… fantastic drinks made with such care and precision. They can get pricy, but you’re paying for the experience!

If the timing was right, I’d take them to an Ignite Phoenix event, where people share their passions in life for five minutes. It sounds silly, but it’s amazing. And if they were into it, I’d get them to a Spellbound Burlesque show. Exceptional entertainers make for a very fun night.

Finally, some pool time. And if it’s the heat of the summer—lots of pool time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t do any of this without the amazing support of my wife, Sheila Dee. I (finally) recognized she’s way more of an overachiever than I’ll ever be. I love you, Doll Face!

Website: https://evoterra.com and https://theend.fyi

Other: https://evoterra.me (Fediverse)

Image Credits
Bruce Press for the one with the pink background. Everything else is me.

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