Why Leaving My Professional Career Felt Like a Personal Death
I still remember the day I composed my resignation email. Before hitting send, it felt a strong sense of energy holding me back. There was an inner resistance, and my fingers trembled with fear. It felt like a part of me was dying.
To deal with this, I reminded myself why I was resigning and gathered all my courage to press send. Instantly, I felt a huge wave of relief, as if a burden had been lifted. I could literally feel lighter even as I was walking.
Reflections: Later, reflecting on my feelings, I realized since I was little, a big part of me had been conditioned to work a traditional job. I was taught the skills needed to excel, given role models to motivate, and compared to others. I took courses, endured the struggle of job hunting, faced rejection, and experienced failure. When I finally landed a job, I felt liberated and excited to be independent.
In my professional journey, I learned to be a team player, a leader, and a continuous learner. My life revolved around my career to the point where my personal life was shaped by my job.
After years of living a job-centered life, deciding to quit felt terrifying. It felt like a significant part of me was dying. But then I reframed my perspective: it wasn't an end; it was a rebirth.
The IT professional in me is now transforming into a yoga and meditation guide. I’m moving from working for organizations to creating my own, built on my ideals and values. In this new venture, I aim to help people connect with themselves and others in meaningful ways, to build a lively and caring community.
I am grateful for the courage to make this decision, the support to follow through, and the luck to sustain this new path.
Sundar
Founder, Open Circle Yoga