This really hit home. I signed my first SEO contract last week. Haven’t gotten paid yet—but for the first time, I had to send out an invoice! That was new for me.
I’ve spent over 10 years working in-house and at agencies. Ironically, I got into this industry through my own fitness blog, which I built from scratch. That blog became my resume. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak—but years in the job market slowly crushed it. The past three years felt like living in a cocoon, trying to break out. My wife didn’t always understand that feeling.
Then came the layoff in November. It broke the bubble—and gave me the excuse I needed to finally step out.
Right now, I’m at a point where I can’t even cover my mortgage. I have backup—my wife, my dad, friends, and church—but I’m stubborn. I want to do this on my own, and I’m hoping to quickly turn the corner and build something profitable.
That Sun Tzu quote comes to mind: “Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.” When your back’s against the wall, you fight harder. And honestly? I’ve never felt more alive.
Your story resonates with me for that exact reason. Traditional jobs can dull your passion. They force you to live in ways that aren’t natural. The future feels both terrifying and thrilling. Thanks for sharing—it reminded me I’m not alone in this.
Thank you, Orel, for taking me through your journey. I’m also planning to launch my first digital products this year. And thanks for the heads-up and for being real about the mistakes you made—so I can be more mindful too.
A minimal virtual tabletop called Draggable Discs (I actually used that one with my friends all through the pandemic but never even tried to push the idea to others).
Current day…
Building tools to make me more efficient.
I sketched out one last night that is a command center for Midjourney while still staying within their TOS.
Maybe I’m being arrogant but the MJ UI that should have been both on desktop (do we even call it that anymore) and mobile.
Going to try something different and build it in public.
Thank you for sharing your entire journey, Orel, especially the darker parts.
I’m currently going through the exact same process, and I couldn’t agree more: no audience = no attention = no results.
I really admire your courage in reaching out to people directly. Funny enough, I made the same decision just yesterday, and I’m following through again today. Let’s keep pushing forward!
Great read, Orel. It's indeed a one of a kind feeling when you send out the first invoice for your product or service. I remember well the excitement and fear combined. Thanks for sharing your story 😊
This really hit home. I signed my first SEO contract last week. Haven’t gotten paid yet—but for the first time, I had to send out an invoice! That was new for me.
I’ve spent over 10 years working in-house and at agencies. Ironically, I got into this industry through my own fitness blog, which I built from scratch. That blog became my resume. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak—but years in the job market slowly crushed it. The past three years felt like living in a cocoon, trying to break out. My wife didn’t always understand that feeling.
Then came the layoff in November. It broke the bubble—and gave me the excuse I needed to finally step out.
Right now, I’m at a point where I can’t even cover my mortgage. I have backup—my wife, my dad, friends, and church—but I’m stubborn. I want to do this on my own, and I’m hoping to quickly turn the corner and build something profitable.
That Sun Tzu quote comes to mind: “Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.” When your back’s against the wall, you fight harder. And honestly? I’ve never felt more alive.
Your story resonates with me for that exact reason. Traditional jobs can dull your passion. They force you to live in ways that aren’t natural. The future feels both terrifying and thrilling. Thanks for sharing—it reminded me I’m not alone in this.
Wow. What an amazing story Parth.
I know that back-against-the-wall fire you’re talking about. It either burns you down or lights you the hell up.
And man did you choose the right path! Respect.
Plus, you already won. Not because of the CEO position or issuing an invoice, that you'll do a lot more.
You bet on yourself. And that's a recipe for a great win.
Keep it up!
Thank you, Orel, for taking me through your journey. I’m also planning to launch my first digital products this year. And thanks for the heads-up and for being real about the mistakes you made—so I can be more mindful too.
Amazing Divya!
Can't wait to see your product :)
Can confirm, it's great to be a part of your journey! And I use the product every day!
<3
Very inspirational.
Over the years I’ve built a few things that followed the same trajectory.
:)
Which products?
A bunch of mini-games.
A minimal virtual tabletop called Draggable Discs (I actually used that one with my friends all through the pandemic but never even tried to push the idea to others).
Current day…
Building tools to make me more efficient.
I sketched out one last night that is a command center for Midjourney while still staying within their TOS.
Maybe I’m being arrogant but the MJ UI that should have been both on desktop (do we even call it that anymore) and mobile.
Going to try something different and build it in public.
Thank you for sharing your entire journey, Orel, especially the darker parts.
I’m currently going through the exact same process, and I couldn’t agree more: no audience = no attention = no results.
I really admire your courage in reaching out to people directly. Funny enough, I made the same decision just yesterday, and I’m following through again today. Let’s keep pushing forward!
Nice Jenny! Happy that you found my newsletter :)
Let's talk in DMs
Loved the story, and it’s great to be part of your journey. Super happy your persistence is starting to pay off!! 🎉
Thanks man :)
Great to have you <3
It takes many failed products to hit that big success, and everyone will think it's overnight. Keep going, brother. You've got this.
Well said Mark.
Thanks <3
Great read, Orel. It's indeed a one of a kind feeling when you send out the first invoice for your product or service. I remember well the excitement and fear combined. Thanks for sharing your story 😊
Yeah, it's crazy. Awesome feeling! :)
Great read Orel.
As someone who has yet to hit that first $1, I really hope it is indeed the hardest 😂
At times it seems so unrealistic. How could I create something of value by myself?
I hope that $1 also brings with it a new perspective.
I will take the final words to heart: persistence is not enough.
I feel you.
I been there for over 500 days.
But the moment someone's willing to pull out his credit card and pay for something you built, it probably means you have something of value.
Keep trying and keep learning.
Here if you need any help :)
It was a great read, thanks Orel. now I am off to finding in Israel the 100M$ Leads or 100M$ Offers books :)
Glad you enjoyed it Noam :))
Well, I tried to find them. I couldn't.
Had my sister bring them to me from Europe haha