At 60, I Quit My Job, And Started Afresh…
( words)
.png)
*For representational purpose only.
The high-powered job and the mad rat race amongst corporate sharks has long been an unequal race for me in this ‘man’s world’ and even more of an uphill journey for a single mother.
But my innings of almost four decades has not been without the rush of adrenaline that accompanied me as I progressed on the corporate ladder.
Yes, I continued to climb unscaled heights by my sheer hard work, combined with ambition and passion. But then, before I knew it, insecurities crept in, and thoughts about the future, along with mounting work pressure took over. It didn’t help that my work environment was a toxic one.
I was riddled with anxiety that sooner or later, I would slip into oblivion, or worse, land up in the hospital. I had nightmares of my own death. I could clearly see my unfulfilled dreams near a picture of my face hanging on the family wall.
As I inched towards 60, I realised it was time to unfetter myself from the tentacles of corporate slavery, that had caged me for over 40 years of my life. I wasn’t ready to hang my boots, but I knew that I wanted to restart. I was in a hurry to regain my sanity, restore my life on an even keel and to finally live for myself, before it was too late, and I was left with nothing but regret.
But what did this new journey that I have embarked upon really entail? Restoring my confidence in my own ability and to explore the choices that I have on the other side of life.
A reigniting of all that I have missed out on when I have been lost in the corporate maze.
A reinvention of a life where I am my own master with the command-and-control buttons in my hands. A rediscovery of my priorities for the remaining time I have at my disposal.
A reset of my time schedules to encompass the wide myriad of work, projects, and passions I want to pursue.
A reigniting of broken connections with friends and loved ones that were lost in my journey in the corporate jungle. A restoration of my confidence in my own ability to pursue my dreams and what I thought was impossible when in a job.
Rejoicing of connecting with yourself and understanding your true calling. Reopening of unexplored vistas and opportunities where the sky is the limit and waiting for you to unravel and chart out.
A life for myself and unencumbered from the past and future as all that matters in life is now. Reimagining of life which is more about the freedom and luxury to do for yourself than for others. How has this journey been so far? Not without feeling that life is no longer programmed and structured.
Not without regret when you are pulled into the mundane routine of life which you had long forgotten. Not without missing your colleagues and peers who had become family to you. Not without missing the water cooler gossip and the endless cups of chai.
Not without the hunger pangs for the fancy trappings of designation, status, power, and a full-on job that has been my life for 30 years or more Not without feeling your own family now takes you for granted. Not when your own time is not always your own and you have to keep readjusting to the convenience of others’ time. Not without obstacles as you move out of your comfort zone to hitherto unexplored territories. Regardless….
It is not what is happening right now that is important but the direction that I have taken. It is never too late to restart and do what you earnestly want to and look at the world afresh. It is far more rewarding and meaningful as it is one of rejuvenation of myself and looking at inside ourselves.
The End Goal? Well, there’s nothing to stop me now. I keep telling myself to move with faith and confidence in my dreams.
Nothing deters me from creating a legacy of all that I am and will do now that will unfold a better version of myself in time to come.
Nothing is as challenging as challenging yourself to excel and succeed and will perhaps outweigh the kudos and accolades earned in the corporate journey.
An old building needs upgradation and refurbishment and so does your life at 60 before it crumbles into dust.
