Chapter 1: The Essence of Hustle

Have you checked out the film Hustle, featuring Adam Sandler on Netflix? It’s more than just a feel-good sports flick centered on an aspiring basketball player; it also offers deeper insights about self-discovery that may resonate with you as well.

Synopsis

Hustle narrates the story of Stanley Sugerman, a basketball scout who guides Bo Cruz, a talented yet directionless young player, in his quest to make it to the NBA. The title Hustle reflects the relentless effort Bo must exert to demonstrate that he can compete both physically and mentally at the top level. However, the film also showcases Stanley's own hustle, as he faces numerous setbacks, including job loss, yet ultimately discovers and nurtures a budding NBA talent. In the end, Stanley's perseverance leads him back to the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant coach.

Yet, for me, the film delves even deeper. It isn't solely about the struggles and ambitions of Bo and Stanley; it speaks to the inherent hustle within each of us.

Do You Truly Love This Game?

A pivotal moment in the movie is captured in the trailer, where Stanley engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bo, urging him to reconsider his commitment to the game.

“Do you love this game? I mean, love it with every fiber of your being? If not, then what's the point? I love this game. It’s my life... Obsession surpasses talent every single time. You might have all the skills, but are you truly obsessed? It’s a battle against yourself; you must believe, ‘I am the best.’ So, I ask again, do you love this game?”

Such impactful dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of passion and dedication.

A New Chapter in Austin, TX

As my wife and I contemplate our future as empty nesters, we’re drawn to vibrant cities with a lower cost of living than Seattle, particularly in the absence of estate taxes. While we envision extensive travels, we also need a stable home base for our family and finances.

My fascination with Tesla has made Austin a top contender for relocation. I believe the Gigafactory will catalyze a significant economic shift, bringing numerous job opportunities to the area. Austin boasts several advantages, including the prestigious University of Texas and the presence of major companies like Dell, Apple, and Samsung, which are expanding their operations nearby.

These factors position Austin to grow into a major tech hub, much like Seattle did over the last two decades. My wife and I experienced Seattle's explosive development firsthand after moving there in 2000. Austin also features the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, which hosts F1 and MotoGP events annually—an exciting aspect for a motorsport enthusiast like me.

Tesla Ambitions

Last year, I realized that pursuing a position at the Austin Gigafactory could accelerate our plans. While my wife and younger son remained in Sammamish, WA to complete high school, she supported my decision to apply.

I reached out to a former colleague from Google who now works at Tesla, and he guided me through the application process for several engineering positions. I opted for roles in front-end or full-stack engineering, believing that gaining experience as an individual contributor would benefit any future managerial aspirations.

After months of waiting, I finally received a call from a recruiter for a phone interview. During this time, I had been preparing by refreshing my coding skills, focusing on algorithms and data structures.

A Shift in Perspective

While refreshing my skills, I watched Hustle and had an epiphany: I realized that my passion for tech had waned. Though I possess the necessary skills, I no longer feel the same excitement I once did.

In my younger years, I was enthusiastic about programming, eagerly consuming literature and resources on the subject. This fervor led me to a 13-year career at Google, where I co-created products like Google Meet and Doctor Thor. Now, in my late 40s and retired, the thrill of coding is no longer enough to compel me to leave my family behind.

Facing the Interview

I shared my feelings with my wife, but we agreed that I should proceed with the interview anyway; after all, there was no harm in trying. The interview involved a complex graph-related question about vehicle networks post-OTA updates. Unfortunately, I felt out of practice and struggled to perform well during the timed session.

Despite my efforts, I couldn’t finish coding the solution in time and ended up submitting a revised version afterward, but I doubted it would change the outcome. A week later, I received a rejection.

Finding Clarity

I take full responsibility for my performance in the interview. While coding questions can serve as useful assessments, they don’t accurately reflect the collaborative nature of real-world programming. My belief is that obsession and perseverance are what truly define success in tech.

Coding interviews can resemble athletic combines, identifying those who are fastest or strongest, but they don’t always highlight the player who can seamlessly integrate and elevate a team. I wasn’t surprised by the rejection, and in truth, I felt relieved. The alignment between my skills and Tesla’s needs simply wasn’t there.

A week later, my wife received a life-changing diagnosis: ovarian cancer. Our world shifted dramatically as we entered a whirlwind of hospital visits, surgeries, and chemotherapy sessions. My wife is a true fighter; she embodies resilience.

Even if I had advanced in the interview process, it ultimately wouldn’t have mattered. Family takes precedence, and life often presents unexpected challenges.

What Drives Your Hustle?

Recently, while catching up over coffee with a friend, I was asked about my plans for our wealth. I shared my reflections inspired by Hustle and admitted that I’m still searching for what truly ignites my passion. My wife and I are in the phase of accumulating wealth, aiming to have more to give away in the future.

What do I genuinely love? It’s still unclear. As someone who diligently pursued the American Dream, it’s not easy to navigate this new phase of life. I told my friend that I’m determined to discover what I’m really hustling for, which will ultimately provide me with purpose and direction.

In the end, we are all engaged in our own hustle. I hope you find joy in what you do, and if not, may you eventually uncover your true passion.