Trying to avoid being new to REI forever

[Michael Sabosky]

Howdy Y'all,

Over the past several years, I've had a deep desire to start my journey in REI (specifically commercial). Currently, I have a small residential solar sales business that has done alright. However, it is not what I want to be doing any longer and I've known this for some time. I have reached out to everyone in my circle to connect with people in commercial REI. I have also gone outside of my circle. I've offered to work for free many times. I've even gone door knocking to find someone/anyone in the business. I listen to podcasts, read books, forums, youtube, etc., but I still feel I'm not moving in a clear direction and am not much further than where I was 6 months ago. I hear about people constantly that got their start in REI because of the right people. I've contemplated spending $20-30k on coaching but every-time I'm about to pull the trigger, someone encourages me instead to work for a firm or keep growing my network to find the right people. Basically what I'm saying is- I feel stuck. I don't mind working for someone to learn, but is my approach wrong? I know so strongly what I want, but can't seem to find it. For anyone that can relate or understands this, what advice can you give me? A job and a steady paycheck isn't the goal, but is it smart to find a job in REI first? The thought of going any longer without taking the right action steps keeps me up at night.

Thanks, 

Mike