A Pause and a Question Mark: Life After Work

Almost two weeks have blurred by since my terminal leave began. And if I'm honest, a sense of direction is proving elusive. While I'm taking things one day at a time, my days have settled into an unpredictable rhythm of social media scrolling, dipping into books, podcast binges, anime and movie marathons, journal entries, and portfolio reviews.

This unstructured routine, post-work life, has become a stark reminder of how uncertain I feel about this next chapter. Even my Saturday culinary class, something I enjoy, hasn't yet illuminated a clear path or purpose.

Interestingly, much of my time is also spent with my partner – enjoying meals out, lazy mornings, and movie nights. Yet, even these comforting moments can't entirely mask the feeling of being lost. I'm aware that filling my days with seemingly "non-sense" activities won't magically lead me to the life I envision. However, there's a part of me that believes this pause is necessary – a space to truly recognize what I've left behind and to thoughtfully consider what lies ahead.

I hold onto the belief that something meaningful awaits me. But I also know that reaching it requires action, starting now. So, for the time being, I'll navigate this journey step by step, slowly but surely.

Comments

Reflections from the Road: The Great UP Run and the Shared Finish Line

The first quarter of 2025 culminated fittingly: on the familiar paths of the UP Academic Oval, tackling my first-ever Great UP Run in the 10km category. As a newcomer to this specific event, I approached the start line with measured expectations. What unfolded, however, was a powerful testament to the vibrant and rapidly growing running culture here in the Philippines. Sharing the road with over 4,000 participants in just the 10km race alone was a sight to behold – a river of determined individuals filling the Oval. The 4:30 AM gun start plunged us into the pre-dawn darkness, reinforcing the wisdom of the organizers' advice to bring headlights. Navigating the early stages was a lesson in managing chaos. The sheer density of runners made finding a consistent pace challenging. Observing several stumbles nearby served as a stark reminder of the need for mindful footing and pacing, especially when visibility is low – a reminder that haste often undermines progress. My initial strate...

Master Your Money: A Simple Budgeting Guide

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? You're not alone. Taking control of your money is essential for achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Budgeting is a powerful tool that can help you make the most of your income. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-true budgeting method that has transformed my financial life. While everyone's financial situation is unique, the principles outlined here can be adapted to fit your specific needs. Let's embark on this journey together towards financial well-being. Budgeting Steps Categorize Your Expenses: Start by listing all your expenses for the past three months. Divide them into categories like housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. This will help you identify your spending habits and prioritize essential costs. Prioritize Savings: Dedicate a specific amount of your income to savings. Determine how much you can rea...

Stepping Away, Stepping Forward: My Resignation Story

For quite some time now, the idea of resigning has lingered in my mind. This feeling intensified last year when the account I oversaw closed, followed by some unsettling internal team movements. I chose to stay, believing that something positive would emerge from the uncertainty. Indeed, a redirection did happen. I was assigned to a new group where I lacked familiar support, relying solely on my past experience. I stepped into a situation where I constantly had to extinguish fires, a burden that eventually became overwhelming. Despite this, I dedicated myself to navigating these challenges and managing my internal struggles. As months passed, I hoped to gain control of the situation and my emotions. I believed that simply showing up and navigating each day would eventually lead to a resolution. However, life presented unforeseen challenges, one after another, leaving me feeling suffocated. This was compounded by the difficulty of leading a team without clear direction amidst ...

The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

Search This Blog