I was driving in traffic a few months ago on my way to work and listening to Darren Scott from KFM share which careers people were happy working in. Listeners guessed what they were, but no one knew that people in construction were the happiest! Although it was grueling labor-intensive work, they got to work outdoors and simply loved it! Listeners called in and complained about how much they hated their jobs. I was shocked – I thought it was only me sitting in a job trying to make ends meet, while my mental health was deteriorating daily. Yet here I was telling myself – I must survive to pay the bills!

I started my career at 18, straight out of high school, starting in Government in a career that spanned 30 years. I was even promoted to a position where I travelled extensively, but soon left despite earning a big salary. For me spending time with my family was more important than all the money in the world.

I was dedicated, professional, efficient, and a prize worker. I was loyal, protecting my bosses, preserving the image of the Departments I worked in. I instilled boundaries where they needed to be, fought for fairness, not only for myself but for others too. When it wasn’t accepted, I backed down and tried alternative options. Soon I became tired of not being recognized for my work, not paid my worth, and having no one fight for me when I needed them.

Making the decision to resign takes guts. Thinking how my life will change without a stable income, the adjustments in the home takes huge sacrifice. Yet my happiness and doing what I love at this stage in my life was crucial. Having the backing of my family in this decision was all I needed to take this leap.

Serving my letter to my boss was hard. The Department didn’t want me to go, they wanted me to stay for a while or take leave to think about it. I had certain demands I requested be put in place should I consider staying, but they refused. It left me with no choice but to continue with my decision.  I received a fitting farewell and shared my last words with my colleagues.

It’s been a week of sitting at home after my resignation from work. I’m free from the bondage of working hours, sitting in traffic, and answering to a boss. I get to exercise when I want, go where I want, read and watch tv as I like. But my mind still wanders back to the office, to the people, to the routine of my working life.

Change is never easy, letting go is hard, but staying in the same place and position for years is torture.