If I could snap my fingers today, and change one thing about my life, that would be starting to trust myself and my body much earlier. Then I wouldn’t have lost so much time feeling anxious, stressed and trapped in an unfulfilling job.
Instead, I would have recognised the signs when they first started to emerge. And they did start to emerge quite early into my carrier as a Software Engineer.
I remember the time, after my daughter was born and my maternity leave came to an end – I had to go back to work, but I didn’t want to leave my baby at nursery and go back to office. What’s the point? – I thought. The money I will make on the job, I’ll have to pay to the nursery. Moreover, I will miss spending this time with my baby, I will miss important milestones – first words, first steps etc.
So I decided to request from my company to allow me to work from home for a short while. Which they refused.
That left me with no choice, but to give my resignation, immediately. I literarily sent an email in the morning, and left by lunchtime lol. It was one of the most empowering actions I’ve ever taken.
I remember, feeling such a relief, I was so exited for the fact that I will no longer need to go to work again. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
At the time, I was staying with some relatives.I bought chocolates for everyone, out of happiness. They were surprised – “People usually buy chocolates when they get a new job, and you just left your job. – they exclaimed.
I didn’t care. I was so exited for the unknown future that will unfold for me.
So if I could change one thing about my life, I would have made myself see and understand that my happiness at that time was a clear sign that I need to stay clear of the occupation as a Software Engineer.
Instead, shortly after I went back to work for another company, more flexible company – they allowed me to work from home. But that didn’t make things much easier for me. And stress and anxiety started to pile up quickly.
It took me many more years to realise that my passion lies elsewhere.
But how amazing it would have been if I came to this realisation at that time? The year was 2018 – that’s 7 years less of struggle.
But hey, maybe I wasn’t ready. Maybe there was something I needed to learns, maybe there was something I needed to experience.
Anyhow, I’m grateful and happy that now – in 2025, I am finally on track. I feel completely aligned with my purpose and my dreams. And that happiness I felt on the day I gave my resignation, I feel that every single day. I feel so blessed and grateful for finally gathering the courage to leave my job, forever. And to start living a life for myself.
How about you?
What would be one thing that you would change about your life?