You're Worth More Than Your 9-5 Job

I worked a corporate job for five years, and while some people thrive sitting at a desk all day, I'm not one of those people (and I know many others aren't, as well). Over time, I found myself watching the clock, waiting for my lunch break, or asking myself if it had been long enough that I could take another bathroom break just to get up for a minute.

I tried for a few different promotions and department changes, but was always looked over. You can only be denied a promotion so many times before you start to feel your self-worth slowly draining away. I began doubting myself as a person. Am I really destined to work in an entry-level job for the next 25 years until retirement? Even if I eventually managed to get a promotion, would I even be happy? Nothing really appealed to me, but I thought, maybe if I could just make a little more money, that surely would bring me happiness, right?

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Money can't buy happiness.

I reached my breaking point when I felt completely misunderstood, miserable, and hopeless. I worked Monday through Friday, and I was at the point where I would wake up on Saturday morning and be completely depressed, because I knew I would have to return to work on Monday.

After some encouragement from my husband, I put in my two weeks' notice.

Prior to putting in my two weeks I came up with a plan, but the plan didn't involve any income for at least a few months. Due to my love for real estate, I decided to become a real estate agent, which included spending a couple months taking classes, learning, and passing several difficult tests. And yet, even though I had no income and was working harder than I ever had, I was so much happier.

Things were rough, financially. Even after I got my license, it was quite some time until I finally closed on a property and earned my first paycheck. But even though I had next to no income and couldn't live the same life style financially that I was used to, I was so much happier.

One of the most important things to me - my happy place - is spending time with my horses. I could spend six, eight, ten plus hours a day working, but I could still go out at 2PM or whenever I wanted and enjoy time with the horses.

Working in a field that I love, with the qualities I love (working from home, making my own schedule, genuinely helping people, being as successful as the work you put in) has made a huge difference in my quality of life. Not only am I working harder and more passionately than I ever have, but I've been able to rediscover my self worth. Just because I didn't get a promotion at my corporate job, doesn't mean I can't competently and efficiently complete my current job. I am in charge of my own destiny, my own "promotions". And I've never been happier.

So if you're at a corporate job that you're struggling in, remember you are worth more than their opinion. Maybe it's time for a change. I am incredibly lucky to have a supportive husband who encouraged me to quit my job and follow my dreams, and I know not everyone can just quit their jobs like I did. But don't put your dreams away. Work toward them, even if they feel incredibly far away. It will be worth it. Your happiness is worth it.