The Real Best Decision of My Life: A Career Abandoned

Ever considered giving up a promising career for something less? I did, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. Let me share my story with you.

Lessons Learned from Fast Food Employment

Back in 2009, I had a job working as a road worker. Service isn't exactly the most popular career, and it's fraught with challenges. Despite my efforts to improve the situation, the work environment was unbearable. People would shout abuse at me, drinks would be thrown, and I even received serious death threats. Each incident was recorded; there was no doubt about the chaos and hostility. Given the choice, I would have quit on the first day. My decision to leave that job was undoubtedly the best one I've ever made.

The Influence of Family Expectations

My father always wanted me to stay in the fast-food industry and work my way up to a store manager position. While I didn't find the job appealing, I still considered the possibility. However, my heart was set on achieving more. The career that I truly gave up, though, was software engineering. I had a decade of experience and even a master’s degree. I ultimately decided to pursue a PhD. While the decision wasn't about the degree, the change to a more challenging and fulfilling career was worth it.

The Architectural Pursuit

Another career I abandoned was architecture. I started my journey as a draftsman in the early 1970s. Over the years, I worked my way up to being a junior and senior designer, preparing myself for the Architectural Internship Exam (AI test). However, in 1975, we faced an economic recession. All of the architects my age were laid off, while those in their fifties kept their jobs, though there was nothing for us to work on due to the halt in construction. Daily life felt drawn out and tedious without the aid of modern technology. I requested to be let go, and I went on unemployment. I then found a temporary job in construction and later enrolled in a six-month corporate travel program, obtaining a degree that was essentially meaningless. This led to my employment with a travel agency, where I received a lower salary but also earned commissions. Eventually, I left the agency, started my own travel business, and slowly expanded it.

Lessons and Reflections

While the decision to leave my previous careers was challenging, it allowed me to pursue what I truly wanted. True, the financial gain wasn't as significant, and I had to work fewer hours, but the trade-offs were worth it. I had achieved what I wanted in the field and was looking for new challenges. In retrospect, it was the right decision, and I don't need to dwell on it more than that.

Every decision we make has its pros and cons, and sometimes the best choice isn't the one that pays the most or involves the most work. If you ever find yourself grappling with a significant career change, remember that the road ahead might be long and challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Make a decision based on what truly matters to you.