This is the first time I haven’t worked since I was a teenager. Two months ago I jumped off the corporate ladder and here are some things I’ve discovered about myself.
Working and being busy is expensive AF. I know some of this won’t resonate with everyone- I am a very introverted person, so I don’t need to see people everyday - but I still wanted to share this journey.
I worked in a high stress environment, with that came things to manage stress like medication, clinical strength soaps, the WINE… So much wine.
When you’re busy, you don’t have time to cook. Or worse, when you’re burnt out, and simply don’t have the energy to cook. So you revert to take-out or the instant meals.
Then there’s the GAS. This one is a little self-inflicted living outside the city.. But still gas has become a luxury even for a plug-in hybrid driver.
Leaving my house has proven to be a costly adventure. Sometimes it’s fun of course, I love catching up with friends and family on occasion (which I actually enjoy more now that my social battery isn’t as depleted from work) but it doesn’t need to be the norm for me.
Then there’s the time. 8 hours working for myself and my home vs. 8 hours at a desk has proven to be a very healthy switch. It’s peaceful not dealing with clients or coworkers all day, it’s just me, the critters and spouse on his days off. My ass hasn’t been this firm in YEARS and my vision has actually improved from the reduction in screen time.
I’m realizing the cost of working.
What I’m going to do with this information is still up in the air. I can’t exactly afford to be off forever at the age of 35.. But it certainly sparks curiosity if I can make working less damaging.
