She Strengthens

A Year of Self-Discovery: Reflections on Leaving Corporate Life

It’s been a year since I took the leap and left my corporate job to venture into self-employment. Looking back, I’ve come to realize that this period was more like a “gap year” – a time of exploration, growth, and self-discovery.

The Road to Resignation

I vividly remember the months leading up to my resignation. I was unhappy with my work and felt unfulfilled. I daydreamed about doing something more meaningful, like being a financial analyst or a business strategist. But when the opportunity to transfer within the company presented itself, I realized that what I thought I wanted wasn’t what I truly desired.

Challenging the Status Quo

Growing up, I was led to believe that there’s a default instruction manual for life: go to school, get a degree, find a stable job, get married, buy a house, and settle down. But I wasn’t happy following this script. I was afraid to deviate from the norm, fearing that I wouldn’t be successful or happy. It took me a while to realize that this fear was holding me back.

The Gap Year

With my savings as a safety net, I took the plunge and left my job. The initial excitement soon gave way to exhaustion and anxiety as I took on multiple projects simultaneously. I was trying to find my passion, but instead, I found myself unhappy and burnt out. It wasn’t until I took a break and went on an extended holiday to Europe that I gained a new perspective.

Lessons Learned

During my trip, I cultivated habits that tweaked my mindset. I learned to let go of worries, gained confidence in my abilities, and became more comfortable seeking help when needed. I saw people living contentedly with a work-life balance, which challenged my own perceptions about career and happiness.

Rethinking Happiness

As I reflect on this past year, I’ve come to realize that finding fulfillment is an ongoing process. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to happiness. Every new experience challenges me to question, reorient myself, and make tough decisions. My gap year has been unpredictable, but it’s also been revelatory.

At the Crossroads Again

A year on, I’m still unsure about my path forward. Part of me craves the structure of a corporate environment, while another part wants to continue on the self-employment journey. But one thing is certain – I don’t regret taking the leap into the unknown. This past year has been a journey of growth, and I’ve progressed more than I did when working full-time. That, in itself, is an achievement.