Left My Job 1 Year Ago - & here’s what I Learnt
Hey SGFC Fam! ☀️
Happy Monday! Hope you guys are enjoying your PH thus far.
It’s the start of June, which means I’ve officially been away from my corporate job for a year now. Yay happy anniversary to me. 🙃
Over the past year, I feel like I’ve changed a lot. Mostly for the better! 🎉
I’m sleeping better than before and honestly can’t remember the last time I had a headache.
My anxiety has improved tremendously too, apart from the occasional episodes when I drink way too much coffee. 😅
But the biggest change isn’t physical.
It’s the relationships around me.
I now have the bandwidth to text people first, check in on friends, and genuinely care about what’s going on in their lives instead of being constantly preoccupied with work.
I’m also much closer to my wife and daughters. I’m more present during conversations, less distracted, and no longer thinking about emails, sales targets or meetings while spending time with them.
A year ago, I thought leaving corporate was just about buying back my time.
But it wasn’t. It gave me back something I didn’t realize I was slowly losing which includes my peace & my presence. ❤️
The ability to be fully where I am, instead of constantly worrying about where I need to be next.
And for that, I’ll always be thankful for the leap of faith I took when I decided to leave my job. And I hope, this will inspire you guys that it will one day be yours to own too. 😍
#mondaymotivation #lifebeyondwork #intentionalliving #time #family
Leaving a corporate job can feel like stepping into the unknown, but the changes it brings often reach far beyond just buying back time. One of the most profound shifts I’ve experienced over the past year is becoming more patient. When I worked in the corporate world, everything was a rush—rushing to meetings, deadlines, and trying to maintain a packed schedule. This constant hurry even impacted my daily interactions with my family; simple things like waiting at a traffic light or moments when my children take longer to get ready would make me impatient and irritable. Now, without the pressure of a 9-to-5 grind, I allow myself to slow down. I wait calmly at traffic lights and join my children in small joys like spending extra time on the swing. This new patience has improved the quality of my relationships and my own mental peace. The biggest gift of leaving corporate life has been the ability to be fully present. Previously, even when I was physically with my family, my mind remained entangled in work—checking emails, preparing for sales targets, or thinking about upcoming meetings. It felt like I was never truly there. Since stepping away, I have embraced intentional living, which means giving undivided attention to my loved ones and cherishing daily moments that were overlooked before. I noticed their happiness grow too, as they appreciate the time and focus I now offer. Another surprising change is my gratitude for the small things. Working in a high-pressure environment conditioned me to constantly chase bigger paychecks and promotions, always focused on the next milestone rather than the present. But slowing down has allowed me to recognize the beauty in simple experiences—a beautiful weather day to walk the dog, a casual lunch with a loved one, or quiet time with my family. Happiness, I’ve realized, isn’t about having more but appreciating what’s already here. Financially, I may not be wealthy by traditional standards, but I feel rich where it truly counts: time, peace, and meaningful connections. My advice to anyone contemplating leaving a demanding corporate job is to assess what 'wealth' and happiness mean to you personally. Sometimes, desiring less brings more contentment than acquiring more. Taking this leap of faith was scary, but it has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. If you’re struggling with burnout or feeling disconnected, remember that life beyond work can offer so much more—presence, peace, and the chance to live intentionally. It’s not just about escaping a job but rediscovering yourself and what truly matters.
Thank u for this sharing! Resonate w learning contentment :)