The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

“I stopped liking my job but I keep working because it pays well, and that makes me feel sick but not sick enough to quit which makes me even more sick” – from the movie Good Grief (2023) After spending nearly 13 years in the BPO industry, I've held a variety of roles, from a regular agent to a managerial position. While I've achieved success and gained valuable experience in this field, I've begun to question if it truly aligns with my long-term goals and personal aspirations. Despite the security and comfort of my current position, I've been feeling a growing sense of dissatisfaction. The daily grind of meetings, KPIs, and client management has become routine, but it no longer ignites my passion. I yearn for a career that is more fulfilling and aligns with my true self. As I contemplate this career shift, I'm grappling with the fear of the unknown. Leaving a stable job and venturing into a new field is daunting, especially when it comes to providing for my f...

Thirty-five years have flown by, and while I can't claim to have life figured out, I’ve certainly had my share of adventures. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, each experience shaping the person I am today. In this post, I’ll share three invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way that continue to guide me as I navigate this next chapter of life. Overcoming Overthinking “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Seneca’s words have been a constant reminder for me. I’ve always been someone who struggles to express emotions, and when I can’t articulate my feelings, my mind races, creating countless worst-case scenarios. These imagined catastrophes often caused unnecessary anxiety and prevented me from fully enjoying the present moment. To combat this, I’ve started practicing mindfulness and meditation through running. These techniques have helped me become more aware of my thoughts and learn to let go of those that don’t serve me. Additionally, I’ve made a consci...

Introduction Turning 35, I found myself lost in a social media maze. A podcast about beating money worries sparked a lightbulb moment: I needed to share my story. Inspired by financial experts, philosophy gurus, and the freedom of running, I decided to start this blog. It's a place to talk about money, life lessons, and finding my pace. Overcoming Debt I was buried under almost 100K pesos in credit card debt. The weight of it felt crushing. Every payday was a battle, with most of my income swallowed by interest payments. The constant anxiety of falling deeper into debt was a heavy burden. It was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn't continue living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in a cycle of endless consumption. The decision to break free was difficult, but necessary. My first goal was simple: eliminate the debt. I created a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and allocated as much as possible towards debt repayment. It was a grueling process, filled with temptat...