6 REASONS WHY I STAYED ON THE JOB I AM NOT HAPPY

As we continuously do the same thing everyday, we unconsciously build our comfort zone without realizing the value of important matter outside the tiny world we've created. Thus, finding ourselves stuck. Sadly, I am not an exception to such experience.

What made me say that?

Let us take a trip back to life after college. Graduating from a 4, 5 or more-year degree in college is the most rewarding feeling ever. There's no word to describe that significant event because finally it's the time to conquer the world; to be independent, to fully grasp the hope-for freedom and face-the-real-world-kind-of-thing.

The main setback however, which our system has yet to register, is LOOKING FOR A JOB. If you don't have any big time connections to companies that could get you hired quickly, you have to go to a bunch of job fairs, send out thousand of resumes on different job websites, and personally hand out CV's to companies around the city (it's kind of an old school, but desperate times call for desperate measures). And so the wait begins...

So technically, getting a job is a big relief regardless if it is the job you wanted, but the true satisfaction is being freed from the anxiety and anticipation whether or not you will get the job or face another ice cold rejection.

With that said, I made my list of excuses why I stayed on the job I know I'm not happy anymore.


1. I HAVE A JOB

As simple as that. "Don't be picky, it's difficult to look for work these days", as they say; which is true. There are thousands of people looking for any kind of work so long as they have a job, with that mindset I grabbed my first job offer without even thinking if that's what I wanted. We've all been there, excited on our first day at work. But I realized later on that I wasn't happy doing what I do, I found myself trapped with my fears to leave in exchange for something uncertain.

"Maybe it's a natural thing, not all people love what they do.", I said to myself.


2. COMPENSATION WISE

It is everyone's priority as to why they are working. "It's all about the Benjamins" baby. Hence, to be an employee in the corporate world has its perks. Aside from the monthly pay, there's company insurance, health card, yearly allowance, and BONUSES! How can you resist something like that CHAA-CHING!!! (blinded by money)


3. SHOPPING SPREES & TRAVEL DELIGHTS

With cash on hand, I can shop whenever and whatever I want, I can eat all the time, and I can travel whenever I want. I just have to sacrifice and save a few months of salary, and the next thing you know, I'm in Bora (Boracay) sipping Margarita. You also get vacation, and sick leaves with pay.


4. EGO & PRIDE

Just by having a job is already considered a bragging right, but in my case it's much more than that. Not to brag but I graduated with good scholastic record so I am offered an assistant managerial rank with a good position. How cool is that huh?! So during family reunions, and friends gatherings, I am highly regarded and praised, and to be honest I love the attention and respect given to me, despite knowing that deep within i'm fooling myself to feeling good.


5. BROAD CONNECTIONS

I get to know and meet important people in the company. I get to work with the top management on different projects and develop a professional relationship with them. And let's all be honest here, you get that sense of pride when the big bosses acknowledge and recognize you. It somehow makes you feel that your're also as important as them.


6. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

This actually is a given to anyone working on something new, whether your personal growth leads to a positive or a negative effect. I have grown in both good and bad ways -- personally, socially, emotionally, psychologically and professionally.


All that I have mentioned are essentials, and all are the very reasons why it is difficult to just leave. We may even share the same reasons however, more often than not, it all really boils down to MONEY! MONEY! MONEY! which isn't bad; realistically speaking (as I reiterated to myself then).

But at that moment, I have no obligations and big responsibilities yet, so I asked myself to what really matters most -- the "Money & Luxury", which I am enjoying, or the "Passion & Happiness", which I still need to find. This is really a tough decision to make.

Lucky, if you're already paid to practice your passion, but as for the rest, what choice would you choose?

There's no judgement because there's no right or wrong answers. The justifications we give for our choices differ based on the priorities we set for ourselves.

As for my decision, I am pretty sure you've already guessed what option I picked between the two. I'm still scared but better face the challenges now than have regrets later.

I do hope you make the right decision for yourself.

Best of luck!