Embracing Change: My Journey from Tech to Writing Full-Time
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Chapter 1: The Uncertain Future
When asked about my career aspirations for the next five years, I often find myself at a loss for words. I genuinely don’t have a clear answer. What I do know is that my priorities are happiness, health, and financial stability—without the stress of bills and unforeseen costs.
Achieving this isn’t as straightforward as one might assume, but I’m finding joy in the journey toward my goals.
Photo by Santiago Lacarta on Unsplash
Throughout high school and into my freshman year of college, I had my life meticulously mapped out: my field of study, career trajectory, and even a timeline for marriage. However, none of those ambitions—pursuing Chemistry to become a Doctor in my mid-20s—materialized.
If my younger self could see me now, working in tech, earning a decent salary, yet contemplating a career change, I would have been met with disbelief. Ten years ago, I would have thought, "But look at the paycheck!" Today, my perspective has shifted: "But I’m not fulfilled."
In hindsight, I’ve learned that wealth alone doesn’t equate to happiness. If it did, I wouldn’t be here, reevaluating my career choices in pursuit of financial gain while knowing I could continue progressing in my current field and maintain a similar income level.
Recognizing my dissatisfaction, I am actively seeking a plan to move forward. I’m still relatively young, and I refuse to spend my life feeling unfulfilled. If I can transform a hobby into a side hustle and eventually a full-time career, why not take that leap?
Certainly, there’s a risk involved in turning a passion into a profession, and I might discover that I dislike it. However, I believe that even if I grow weary of something I love, it won’t be as burdensome as a job that causes me significant stress, making the high salary feel unworthy of the toll it takes on my well-being.
My goal is to uncover my true passions and find ways to earn a living while doing what I love, so I don’t dread waking up for work each day.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Self-Discovery
To navigate this journey, I’ve embraced a few strategies. Life is unpredictable, and while it sounds grim, the truth is that none of us can guarantee tomorrow. The only certainty is that we will all face the end someday.
Thus, it’s crucial to identify what excites us enough to lose track of time—activities that I would eagerly engage in during my free hours, whether late at night or early in the morning.
For me, that passion currently lies in writing, reading, and enjoying my favorite TV shows. There’s a possibility I have even more interests to uncover as I continue this exploration.
Subsection 1.1.1: How to Identify Your Passion
Reflecting on my skills and what others appreciate about me has also been enlightening. Here are some qualities that people have recognized in me:
- Empathy and Emotional Insight
- Passion for Knowledge
- Strong Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
Additionally, I’ve acquired a set of skills through my tech career and various experiences:
- Effective Communication
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Empathy and Customer Focus
- Attention to Detail
- Research Skills
- Time Management
- Continuous Learning
- Collaboration
For a long time, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of ideas and careers I wanted to pursue, leading to a sort of paralysis where I hesitated to move forward.
Now, using the insights I’ve gathered, I’m considering areas to explore that can help me make money online while enhancing my skill set:
- Writing
- Blogging
- Affiliate Marketing
Am I completely confident I’ll succeed in these endeavors? Absolutely not. Am I certain I won’t change my mind in the coming years? I can’t say that either.
Nonetheless, here I am, writing on a Saturday night at 7:30 PM, feeling more excited than I have in years. The prospect of sharing my ideas and words fills me with anticipation, even if just one person happens upon this post and finds it meaningful.
Chapter 2: Taking the Leap
The first video, "Why I Quit My Dream High Paying Tech Job," delves into the challenges and realizations faced when prioritizing happiness over financial gain.
The second video, "Why I Quit My Job At a Startup With No Backup Plan," highlights the risks involved in pursuing a passion without a safety net and the lessons learned along the way.
This is why I’m confident I’m heading in the right direction. If I don’t take action, I’ll never know if I can succeed in these areas. Keeping my thoughts locked away won’t lead to failure, but it also guarantees that I’ll miss out on any opportunity for success.
I intend to explore the options I’ve outlined and observe how my interests and abilities evolve as I grow.
It’s perfectly acceptable to adjust your plans if something else captures your interest. Life doesn’t have to follow a straight path.
For now, I truly believe I’m on the right track, and I hope you discover your own path, even if it’s unconventional or doesn’t seem financially viable at the moment.
As long as you commit to personal growth and persistently move forward, you’ll eventually uncover what you truly want to pursue—or at the very least, what you don’t want.
Join me in my quest for a more meaningful life, rekindling my love for writing, and ultimately breaking free from the 9-to-5 routine by finding ways to earn money online.
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