I Left My Six-Figure Job at 39. I Wasn’t Prepared for What Came Next
For the first time in a long time, I'm allowing myself to explore what I want, rather than following the path that seems sensible.
When we're young, climbing the corporate ladder is portrayed as this aspirational dream that embodies power, expertise, and prosperity, along with the accompanying fashion. However, the reality is quite different. Early morning alarms before sunrise, eating at your desk to save time, Sunday blues, and an unhealthy reliance on matcha are all part of the picture.
Despite loving the job and the career built over 18 years, spanning media, advertising, technology, and business development, the perspective began to shift. The death of the author's father in 2023 brought a newfound awareness of the preciousness of time, leading to questions about what truly makes one happy. After joining a new company, it became evident that it wasn't the right fit, prompting a decision to leave in September 2026.
With a six-figure salary and a financial cushion, the author realized they had the freedom to make a change at the age of 39. The first few weeks post-quitting were filled with relief, excitement, and fear, as the author explored freelance, consulting, and part-time opportunities while pursuing creative projects.
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