Quitting my corporate job meant freedom for me. Seven months ago, after much thought, I decided to quit my job and became a housewife, indefinitely. Forgoing the stability of a monthly paycheck and medical insurance benefits, I took the plunge. I didn’t want to be 40 and still be in the same job that didn’t speak my heart.
Last month, I came across an article on the newspaper about women who left their corporate jobs to spend more time with family, in the process some turned their hobbies into small business or do work from home. It goes…”Yes, there is life after a full-time job – especially when it means spending more time with family.” I could really relate to that. I wasn’t alone. Neither of the women mentioned missed their corporate jobs. They are happy living simple lives as housewives (with or without kids), with time to focus on their interests and things that matter to them.
My husband and I don’t have kids. By normal standards, what’s the point of being a housewife if you don’t have kids to take care of? Other people would ask, “Don’t you get bored at home?” You know what? Not really. I always find something to do at home. In fact, I enjoy it a lot.
I realize most women I talk to would want to quit their jobs and rest for awhile. But they don’t have much choice because they have dependents. I am fortunate enough to be spending time with my bestfriend 24/7, since my husband works from home. He works at his own time, so we get to have a lot of quality time together. Many people don’t have that luxury.
God has been good and faithful to me and my family. We live simply but never lack a thing we need. Although, I did have to cut down on shopping. I am basically a simple person so it wasn’t that hard. Stress drove me to shop in the past. Now, I no longer have the urge to shop on impulse.
But most of all, I have become ever dependent on God. I know He is the source of all. I must say my relationship with God has grown, simply because I now have the time. Before, I used to have work on my mind all the time. Full of worry and stress. My day-offs would be spent sleeping and vacation leaves spent queuing at doctor’s clinics for routine check ups. I was working so I could keep my medical insurance because I felt sick most of the time. I realized this was not how I wanted to live the rest of my life. (Thus, my Happiness Project was born after a disheartening visit to one of my doctors.) It is a wonder I lasted that long in my job (but not without serious health repercussions).
Now after a long pause, I am trying to make a go at working again. But this time connecting my passion and interest with work. I am starting from scratch and I feel anxious. For starters, I will be earning less than what I used to get. Long before quitting I thought about those things and decided to forgo them. But here I go again, asking myself If I am doing the right thing. My loving spouse tells me, “What are you even worried about? I can still support you even if you didn’t have a job.” I am truly fortunate to be in this position where I can now choose to follow my passions without worrying about the paycheck.
I am going to do it one day at a time. I am now in the process of becoming an online English consultant (a.k.a teacher) and a writer too. Not the most esteemed and high paying careers in the world, but this is what I really want to do. Nevermind if I labor in obscurity and get minimal pay for now. I have nothing to prove to the world. What matters is I am learning and loving what I do.
One aspect of my happiness project is discovering my passion and relating that passion to work. I guess I’m on the right track. I can say that it was through prayers that I have gone this far in my journey. I know I still have a long way to go, but I am in no hurry. I am simply trying to enjoy each day as it comes. No stress, please.
I am going to work out of love. Hopefully, someday by God’s grace, I will earn enough for doing what I love.
thecorkedboard 