Sometimes it pays to take a risk & quit your job.
There is not enough money in the world to make you truly happy.
And if anyone tells you differently, they are lying to themselves.
Today marks 5 weeks and 4 days since I quit my job as a forensic investigator. And although the past 6 weeks have been a whirlwind with lots of other stuff happening, I honestly feel like a mountain has been lifted of my shoulders.
As some of you, who have been following me for a while, might know – I studied Forensic Accounting and that was my full-time job description until 5 weeks ago. I am still adjusting to the radical career change, but I am so excited about what lies ahead!
For almost 4 years I have dreaded every single day of my day job, no kidding. Every single day. There were numerous occasions where I wanted to quit but held my head high and kept going. Disclaimer (before anyone gets upset): I know that jobs in South Africa are not easy to find and that most people might think that I am a 20-something-year-old who acts like a millennial. But let me explain.
I studied to become a forensic accountant/investigator/auditor. I did end up doing investigations, however - the industry in which I worked was not my scene. Although many people truly love that sector – I did not. The sector in which I worked - was not entirely in the field of my studies. I truly feel that if it no longer works for you, whether it’s your work or personal relationships that doesn’t add value to your life – then leave. It is never worth staying in a job that makes you unhappy and that does not ignite your passion. So this choice of mine has been a long time coming. I still truly love forensics, like the real deal investigation of fraud and corruption. And if I ever get a chance to work in the line of work that truly is forensics to the core – I would most likely grab onto it with both hands! But for this season in my life, this was the perfect choice & I am thankful for the radical change every single day!
I am NOT telling you to quit your job. Not at all. I am not full time into fitness. There are millions (literally) of people in the world who are into fitness and became trainers. And at this stage of my life, fitness cannot cover the bills.
I only quit my job as a forensic investigator, after I secured another steady income. As most of you would know – I am a swim coach for toddlers and babies. I teach swimming 4 afternoons a week. And the opportunity arose for me to take over the financials of the swim school. So, I did not jump into something head over heels, and quit my job like an irresponsible person.
However, what I am saying is that life is short. There are so many negative things happening in the world every single day. And if your job does not bring enough joy to your daily routine – stick with your job until you find something else that you do enjoy. We can not all quit our jobs simply based on the fact that we don’t enjoy it. What we can do is try and make the best of the non-joyous situation and keep your eyes open for new opportunities.
Your job will never be able to make you happy. You need to be happy with who you are, not what you have or dependent on what your job description entails. If you quit your job in a search of a job that will make you happy, I can promise you – you will never find that job and you will never be happy.
Happiness is most definitely an inside job. You first have to happy with yourself and then you will realize that no job, person or relationship can determine your happiness. Yes it might increase or decrease the amount of joy you experience on a daily basis – but it can NEVER be your source of true happiness.
So I am over here, figuring out my life as a 27-year old wife, sister, daughter, dog-mom and small business owner. I am happy with every single bit of myself. And I am most definitely not saying this in an arrogant manner. But I am at a stage in my life where I create my own happiness. And if something in my life does not add joy – I remove or adjust those things accordingly. We all deserve to live a life we love & it is your own responsibility to continue moulding your life into something you love.
I end off my post with the same words that I’ve started it: Sometimes it pays to take a risk & quit your job. There is not enough money in the world to make you truly happy. And if anyone tells you differently, they are lying to themselves.