If you are a careful Casey like me, taking an unmitigated risk is like asking you to manually shed your own skin. I know graphic content for added drama, but what I mean is that it would be extremely painful and therefore highly unlikely for you to elect to do. The problem is that the key to success is to do things that you wouldn’t normally do.
This post is inspired by a recent life transition where I did something that spiritually I feel isn’t right for me, but financially made so much sense. I went back into management. Now, that doesn’t sound so bad. However, the decision has slightly moved away from the 2024 life plan I set before myself. And although it is opening me up to more opportunities which is always great, I am left asking myself what is more important following the status quo or leaning into the new vision that honestly is extremely scary?
Happiness is a goal and I have only realised this within the last few years. My previous concept of happiness was target oriented. Working my way up the organisational chain, and at some point hopefully owning a piece of the pie that would better people’s lives as I have remained passionate about my craft. Nowadays, I see beyond the humdrum corporate life and want to experience pieces of the retirement plan a lot earlier. As a millennial, Gen Z is like that annoying sibling you never wanted but always needed. Their view on life not being about merely just existing, working yourself into the ground is utterly inspiring. If a lot more of us were honest with ourselves we’d admit, we are jealous we didn’t think of it first. The unpredictability of the universe shows that we have no idea when our book is gonna come to an end, or if the evil villain becomes victorious in our life story. We aren’t guaranteed to live a long life, we’re just given the opportunity to have one.
I have been saying for a while that I am over UK living, and yes the unpredictable weather and cozzy lives are heavy deciding factors. Although more importantly I want to live in a place where I am loved, and appreciated. Despite London being my place of inception it is a far cry from what I knew it to be. Every day feels like a mental struggle and even though I am winning the battle, the overwhelming exhaustion is played out. I used to think the question was whether I could make it abroad. But my life has shown me that when I put my mind to something, I will ensure I survive. So the destination isn’t an issue it’s my ability to believe in my bounce back.
The TikTok I saw this week let me know that main character energy isn’t something you learn, you are born with it. For years I have been running away from the natural-born leader that lives within, hiding from the strength I was given to create something that will make future generations proud to continue. The key to being happy is going after what your heart desires and unfortunately, that requires to leave your comfort creatures behind. It will be frightening, but who wants to be 80 years old reflecting on the hard knocks when you could be enjoying sweet sweet memories?
5 Comments
I agree – as a Millennial I found Gen Z to be tiresome but overtime, I love some of the generation’s trait such as prioritizing work-life balance, and being vocal on important matters. Leaving a comfort zone can be difficult but most of the time, it’s worth it! The more you do it, the more easier it gets to face new challenges and opportunities.
Who’d have thought those pesky Gen z’s had it right all along! Goes to show how much conditioning has an affect on how we do life.
I think taking that plunge to enjoy a well-rounded life of happiness may end up being the best decision to make. Thank you for this insightful post.
Amen, it may be hard to do intially but you always feel better for doing it.
I think finding what brings quiet contentment and joy into our lives is essential, and it’s good to look at what changes may bring those things to us. I know that a lot of people in my generation (Gen X) who are also very much about finding balance like many Gen Zs as I think it’s about reaching a stage in life where you no longer buy into the things that are socially pushed (hustle culture, life being about specific targets). It makes sense that Gen Z feel this way as those in my generation are likely their parents and have probably passed some of that on. Leaving a comfort zone can be hard, but it’s usually worth it as you learn so much about yourself. I wish you well with it all!