I left Toronto for Los Angeles years ago so I wouldn’t have to wear coats or socks. Especially in the winter. I try to go back every summer to see old friends, visit my mother and remind myself what a fabulous city it is.

This year I decided to combine business with pleasure and check out the local startup scene. I was reminded of the other reasons I left. Namely that while everyone and their brother is either involved in or dreaming about a startup in LA and the San Francisco bay area, that’s not the case in Toronto. Sure, there are a few incubators and accelerators (the “fancies” of which is actually supported by government money) but overall while they’re ramping up, I don”t think entrepreneurial fever has hit yet. At least it”s not spreading that fast. And that”s the other reason I left. Because in L.A. everyone has an idea. For a book, a movie or a business. Some never go anywhere but at least the dream is there.

That”s why I chose to leave everything and everyone behind and start fresh. And pursue my dreams, crazy as they seemed. Has it been easy? No. Would I go back? Not on your life.

I miss my friends (I see fewer of them on each visit) but the ones I do see are the ones who believed. That I could. And celebrated when I did. But I don’t miss the culture. The “what makes you think you can do it?” attitude.
Being safe means that my old friends live in beautiful homes and have lovely summer cottages and a great lifestyle. But most don’t love their jobs and regret not pursuing their dreams.

And I have stayed on the road less traveled. Always looking for the next challenge. Pushing the boulder upstream.

There’s no right and wrong. It’s just not what I wanted. The safe route. And now I’m on to the next adventure. I can’t wait to see where I’m at next summer.