The year was 2020. We’re at the beginning of the pandemic and I can see the concern in my brother’s eyes.
“You sure you want to quit?”
That was one of the hardest questions I had to answer.
You see, I landed a good position in the government shortly after college.
(that’s me on my first day)
But I chickened out… 8 months after.
Such a Gen Z thing to do right? I know.
I can feel everyone wants to stop me if they could.
Can’t blame them.
I had a good start on my career because I got the job shortly after graduation.
Plus it was a job with good pay (for a fresh grad).
But the stress and the uncertainties during the pandemic flipped a switch in me.
Life’s too quick and too wide just to be stuck in a career you don’t love.
And to be honest, I have yet to discover the best way to go about it.
But after 2 years, I can say I have come a long way.
So today I want to mention 3 points that my 2020 self could use before answering that question.
Let’s dive in.
Find the closest thing to happiness
This sounds dark but here goes nothing. You might never know what happiness feels like.
Or maybe you did. Maybe not yet. Or maybe not ever.
But that doesn’t matter.
There will be that thing that you can willingly get lost into every single time you do it—something that makes you forget and makes you feel alive.
You should find that. Or well at least find something very close to it.
That’s all you need.
And once you do…
Don’t quit your job right away
Hold on a bit longer because this is where you might fuck it up.
I love your confidence but you still need to survive and your family might need a little more help funds-wise.
Plus how about date nights and your dog?
Buckle up and continue getting paid.
If you really want to quit, find the most boring job you can enjoy.
But make sure of this:
Do that something you love on the side.
Because jumping right into your passion, making it your focus, could set you up for a disaster.
So after office hours, during your hellish commute, and on weekends, block out work stuff.
Build a passion project and learn a skill. Make time for them.
And finally–
Stop explaining yourself
Most (if not all) people you love won’t understand.
But never let that stop you.
You’re not alone. So continue expressing but keep away from explaining.
Like Nietzche said:
Even though you’re the worst dancer, keep on dancing.
After two years, times will still be tough but goddamn it, you're tougher.
And guess what. Your words could help a lot of friends.
So in another year or less, it’ll be us who’ll build something that can help make the world a little better.
I still don’t have it now, but we’ll work on it.
Sincerely,
Johnrille “the present day” Manalo
P.S. Thank you so much for reading! Sorry I kinda got lost talking to my past self. Anyway, if you can relate to this, give me your thoughts. Post a comment or drop an email!
Thanks for these reminders. Hehe.
I always say this, but I'll say it again - you're brave for taking the leap of faith, and discovering what you really love. May everyone get the same courage. You deserve every bit of success because you work hard for it.