One of the biggest changes since leaving the corporate world has been the shift in my mental health. In the past, I was surrounded by self-minded people, corporate politics dominating every interaction, constant \u201ctech talk\u201d, and a feeling of mistrust toward management. My energy was split between maintaining my place in an industry that didn\u2019t resonate with me and quietly nurturing dreams that felt too distant for reality. This tension built up over the years, manifesting as unhappiness, frustration, and a growing sense of misalignment with who I truly was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

I carried a lot of guilt and shame throughout my days. I despised having to put my own desires aside for work, yet felt guilty when I leaned into them. Oftentimes, I would find myself working late into the evening or catching up on a Sunday night, because I had let my personal agenda – what I really wanted to do – take over the day. Even then, I couldn’t fully enjoy myself, as there was always a nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I “should” be working. No matter which side I leaned toward – work or personal fulfillment – I ended up feeling like I had fallen short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stepping away from that toxic environment has been cleansing for my soul. In hindsight, I didn\u2019t realize just how deeply I had been affected until I was free from it. Leaving that world allowed me to stop pretending – no more masking my true self to fit corporate expectations, no more pushing aside my passions for the sake of project deadlines. I was no longer weighed down by the constant pressure to  \u201ckeep up\u201d in the race for success (people have seasons too!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This transformation has been about more than just leaving an industry that didn\u2019t suit me. It\u2019s been about moving toward a life that genuinely nourishes me, mentally and physically. I had to take a risk, step into the unknown, and trust that my heart\u2019s desires would lead me to a better place. With the inherent fear that comes with paving my own path, comes the courage to do what’s right for myself. And in choosing that, I have peace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This new lifestyle might not have the security of a corporate job, but it has brought me something much richer: health, happiness, and the adventure of living authentically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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