Know Your TUXi Driver

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Escaping the Rat Race: An Animator's Journey to Balance and Wellness 

Who am I ?

 My name is Will Cuna. I am an animator by day and super hero at night. At least that's how I see myself whenever I drive people around and making sure they get to where they need to be safely. Uber / Lyft is my  goto side hustle. I did barista and retails stores before but I like the freedom of picking up this job anytime. Maybe, because I just love to drive around the city and discover places I never would have otherwise go visit or learned about on my own. I lived in Los Angeles since I moved here in HIgh School. Graduated from Calarts with a BFA in Animation. Worked in this industry sincec then and have worked on many feature films and TV series and AAA games as an animator.  

For the past 18 years, I've been entrenched in the fast-paced world of animation, working tirelessly at renowned studios like Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, and Netflix. It's a world where creativity thrives, but so does the pressure to perform, the constant pursuit of perfection, and the relentless competition for recognition.

As an animator, the demands of the job extend far beyond the confines of a typical 9-to-5 schedule. Deadlines loom large, and the pressure to deliver flawless work on time is ever-present. It's not uncommon to find yourself burning the midnight oil, sacrificing sleep, and pushing your physical and mental limits to meet the demands of the industry.

But it's not just about meeting deadlines; it's about outperforming your peers, staying ahead of the curve, and constantly proving your worth. In an industry where numbers reign supreme, where quotas must be met, and where every frame counts, the pressure to excel can be overwhelming.

For years, I thrived in this environment, pouring my heart and soul into my work, driven by a passion for animation and a desire to succeed. But that all changed when a health concern brought my world to a screeching halt.

Losing consciousness and falling to the floor and hitting my head . I lost mybmemories for three days. It was a wake-up call unlike any other. It forced me to confront the harsh reality of the toll that the relentless pursuit of success was taking on my health and well-being. It was a stark reminder that no amount of professional accolades or financial success is worth sacrificing one's health and happiness.

After months of recovery and reflection, I made the difficult decision to walk away from my six-figure job in the animation industry. It was a decision rooted in self-preservation, a choice to prioritize my health and happiness over the relentless pursuit of career advancement.

But leaving behind the rat race of the animation industry was only the first step. I knew that to truly find balance and fulfillment, I needed to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. I needed to find a new passion, one that would nourish my body, mind, and soul in ways that my career never could.

And so, I turned to the great outdoors, embracing a lifestyle centered around physical activity, adventure, and exploration. From hiking and mountain biking to surfing and rock climbing, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and joy in pushing my physical limits and immersing myself in the beauty of nature.

It hasn't been an easy journey, and there have been moments of doubt and uncertainty along the way. But with each sunrise hike, each wave caught, and each mountain conquered, I've found a sense of peace and fulfillment that I never thought possible.

Leaving behind the rat race of the animation industry was a daunting decision, but it was also the best decision I've ever made. Today, I'm living life on my own terms, prioritizing my health and happiness above all else, and embracing a new-found passion for adventure and exploration. And for that, I am truly grateful.