There comes a point in every person’s life, wherein we have to choose which path to take – be it in marriage, career, or even life itself. Mine was LIFE.
For one year that I’ve worked in a corporate world as an engineer, I am really glad to say that I have no regrets the day I’ve decided to resign. Mainly for two reasons: I now control my time, and I now control my destiny. No more overtime and no boss telling me what to do and what not to do. YES! Now I have FREEDOM.
My primary reason to work in the corporate world is to better myself and learn the skills I'll need to put up my own business. That I know for sure from the very first day I started to work for someone else. Some people upon working in the corporate world lose themselves. They are there to EARN but forgot to LEARN. Get up, go to work, then pay your bills. Promotion or pay raise comes, then the cycle repeats itself, get up, go to work, pay your bills. I have come to realize that regardless of the salary range, I almost always hear the same statements from people around whatever the background may be, “No time. No money. Not enough. Too many bills. Too many responsibilities. Etc..” Then I asked myself, when will this scenario change?
When I was still in the corporate world, I never dreamt of seeking higher positions or higher paychecks. I'm just there to learn how the business operates, discipline myself with time management, stress management, people skills, communication skills - all of which are very crucial if you want to put up your own business later on. This is who I am.
Performance review came third quarter of the year and that's the turning point. For other average person, they would be thrilled and excited what lies in front of their career path and the corresponding pay raise. My boss has set it out for me, and I just simply have to do it. That's the time I've realized that I don't want the path that they're planning ahead for me. That I should be the one dictating where the path I would want to take and not the path that they want me to take. I can’t see myself doing those things for the following year. I know I will not be happy and be fulfilled if I decided to stay. I resigned then the path for me became clearer. That the path that I wanted to take is not the one presented before me during my performance review. I started to look for other bigger opportunities (I mean, not in another corporate world where I will just end up doing the same thing) where I can better myself more. I believe deep down inside that I can do better things, I can contribute to the society more, do greater stuff, and be a greater person.
True to the saying (complete version): "When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." - Alexander Graham Bell
Taking the road less travelled, I now embark on a new journey toward true meaning of having BOTH money and time freedom. I have found great mentors who will guide me in this exciting and challenging adventure. I have found great people who will encourage me every step of the way. And together, united as one community, we all face the obstacles and continue on our journey towards being FINANCIALLY FREE*.
I write this blog now so that you too could realize that “Are you on the right path?” I AM ON THE RIGHT PATH now. I am happier now. I have freedom to do with what I want to do with my own time. I can spend time with my loved ones. I can be ME.
Hope you could also find your own path that will lead you to happiness and freedom.
* - Financial Freedom is defined as the ability to live the lifestyle you desire without having to work or rely on anyone else for money.
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