It’s been two months since I made the best decision of my life, and I don’t regret a thing. In fact, I should’ve done it sooner.
When I got my first job, I knew within a week that this was definitely not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I told myself I’d give it seven years to learn as much as possible, build my skills, expand my network, and prepare for the future. But that plan didn’t last long.
Last year, when I sat down to evaluate my goals, I realised I couldn’t push through for another two years. Ain’t no ways. I had always known I wanted to escape being an employee, but not this early. In October, I prayed and asked God to prepare me to go full-time with my business by the end of 2025. Long story short, here we are now.
6 jobs in 5 years… not a flex
Over the past five years, I’ve had six jobs. I kid you not. And no, it’s not a flex, it’s actually a bit embarrassing. I was miserable in every role I took on (it wasn’t them, it was me). Something was always missing, fulfilment. I never felt like I belonged anywhere. Still don’t, lol. But let’s stay focused, I’m talking about job-wise.
I kept running from the truth: I wasn’t meant to be tied down to four walls. And when you keep forcing yourself into places that aren’t meant for you, it will never work out. I figured this out by my third job, but I still let myself get pushed into roles that weren’t right for me. I was chasing this idea of “seven years of corporate experience,” something I thought I needed but, in reality, wasn’t for me.
I wanted to sit at a table that was never mine to begin with. I kept looking for fulfilment in all the wrong places. And because of that, nothing worked out. Every table I sat at became more uncomfortable, more unfulfilling, until I finally had enough.
No backup plan, just a girl and her dream
In the end, I resigned abruptly because the push to leave kept getting stronger. I didn’t have six months of savings. I didn’t have a plan. And whatever else famous people tell us to have. Nothing. Just me and my dream. Luckily it ended up working out, pheew!
But I do encourage you to have an emergency plan when thinking of venturing into self-employment, we won’t all share the same experiences.
For the first time in a very long time, I felt fulfilled. I get to do life at my own pace. I get to work from the comfort of my own space. I love cafes, so I spend most of my time working from them, and when I feel like I need a change of scenery, I simply jump to the next coffee shop. 9-to-5 could never. I can stay in bed when I’m unwell. An introvert’s dreams! Life is good on this side, ohhh.
And if I could relive this moment again for the first time, I would. And I’d bring someone with me to experience it too.
Now let’s be real…
For the first two months, I was still operating with the same freelancer mindset I had before. Not realising that I’m actually running a business that, by force, my life depends on. I needed structure, and because I lacked it, I was all over the place, overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and constantly playing catch-up.
I had to stop and remind myself: this is my first time doing this. I’m figuring it out alone. No mentorship. No guidance. Just me, myself, and I. (Not by choice but by force. Eintlik, where do people find mentors? I’m suffering.)
Anyways, I sat down and built a system that actually works for me. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. The best part is that it’s a system built around me, not some generic formula, but something that fits how I work, how I create, and how I run my business.
So far, I give myself a 10/10 for taking that risky leap. SMASH!
If you’re thinking about quitting…
No, this is not your reminder to leave your job abruptly like me. If you plan on leaving, please be sure. Be disciplined. Have your backup savings. Have a plan. Have a dream. And most importantly, trust God’s timing.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re stepping into something that truly aligns with who you are. Because once you do, there’s no greater freedom.
And that’s a wrap for this edition of The Creative Corner! If you’re thinking about making that leap, remember to take your time, plan, and trust the process. Your journey is unique, and the freedom that comes with pursuing what aligns with your true self is worth it.
Until next time, keep creating and trusting your path!
— Fiona
Instagram: @fionurr | Linkedin: Fiona Nandago | Website: www.fionurr.com
