--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I worked thirteen years, got me nowhere…" description: "\"“I worked thirteen years, got me nowhere. I feel like I tried it their way, and to hell with them. Now I'm going to try it my way.”\" — Lee Child" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7de/lee-child-980_jack-reacher_i-worked-thirteen-years-got-me-nowhere-i_3167588.jpg" --- # I worked thirteen years, got me nowhere. I feel like I… ![“I worked thirteen years, got me nowhere. I feel like I tried it their way, and to hell with them. Now I'm going to try it my way.” quote by Lee Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7de/lee-child-980_jack-reacher_i-worked-thirteen-years-got-me-nowhere-i_3167588.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7de/lee-child-980_jack-reacher_i-worked-thirteen-years-got-me-nowhere-i_3167588.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7de/lee-child-980_jack-reacher_i-worked-thirteen-years-got-me-nowhere-i_3167588.jpg) > ““I worked thirteen years, got me nowhere. I feel like I tried it their way, and to hell with them. Now I'm going to try it my way.”” [Lee Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-child/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. After years of following others' methods without success, the speaker decides to pursue a personal approach. **In simple terms:** Tired of others' ways, I will try my own. Key Takeaway Embrace your own path. Themes determination independence self-reliance Mood motivated defiant Type advice motivational When to use this quote - career change - entrepreneurship - creative projects - personal development Key Concepts personal agency resilience Questions to Reflect On - What personal strategies have you ignored? - How will you measure success on your own terms? 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