A Comfortable Position

For five years, I held a position at the largest public IT firm, enjoying a plethora of benefits: consistent employment, free parking, comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, meal vouchers, paid vacations, and even recreational facilities. It was a comfortable life, to say the least.

The Shift in Perspective

However, after a few years of this routine, my enthusiasm began to wane. Despite having acquired a car, home, and various luxuries, the job started to feel less appealing. The obligation to clock in became stifling, and endless meetings felt pointless. The outdated technologies and bureaucratic hurdles became increasingly frustrating.

Initially, I tried to be proactive, hoping to contribute to a positive shift in the company culture. But after numerous team changes and personal reflections, I realized that transforming a massive organization with 11,000 employees and half a century of tradition was an insurmountable task. I was trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction, struggling to reconcile my desire for change with the security of my government role.

This internal conflict led to physical symptoms of stress, including persistent dermatitis and eyelid twitching, exacerbated by my deepening discontent each time I sat at my desk.

Seeking Clarity

In search of resolution, I turned to therapy to address both my health issues and my mindset about my job. Engaging in psychoanalysis, I explored my past and its connections to my present situation. After months of reflection, the goal was clear: I needed to find a way to reconcile my feelings without resigning.

Despite taking a couple of months off to recharge, I discovered that while my job was beneficial on paper, it lacked the personal fulfillment I craved. Essentially, I had reached a plateau on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

The Decision to Leave

Why was my job so unfulfilling? The answer lay in my entrepreneurial spirit, which had always driven me. I had been freelancing since the early days of computing, tackling small jobs from formatting to programming.

It became evident that the mismatch was not merely with the company or myself but rather my innate tendencies. I realized that I needed to pursue a path that aligned with my aspirations. The transition from decision to departure took two years, during which I prepared to minimize the risks involved in leaving my stable job.

Preparing for a New Path

I enrolled in various online courses, recognizing that mere programming skills wouldn’t suffice in a competitive landscape. The first course on personal finance transformed my understanding of money management, reassuring me that I could thrive even with a reduced income post-departure.

Next, I delved into digital entrepreneurship, which ultimately inspired me to create a beginner's programming course as a practical application of my learning.

In retrospect, these experiences were pivotal. During this time, I also had opportunities to speak at conferences about programming for newcomers, where I connected with diverse professionals in the field.

One encounter led to a collaboration with a programmer seeking assistance after his partner left for a public sector position—ironically, the very company I was preparing to leave. What began as casual discussions eventually evolved into a formal partnership, setting the stage for my future endeavors.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing persistent dissatisfaction in your work is not typical. If you find yourself in this situation, know that there is usually a root cause and a possible solution. The key is to take actionable steps toward resolving it.

To truly realize your potential, it's essential to have faith in your pursuits. Without that belief, even financial security can only provide fleeting happiness.

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