It's been exactly 34 days since my unemployment phase began. On July 1, when I announced that I left my old job, I got some weird yet consistent reactions from my sisters. They were actually happy for me and they even congratulated me for doing such a bold move. Wow!
I never officially told my parents about my resignation. But I joked about it to my mother one time and she told me "naunsa man ka oi?" and she laughed afterwards. My tatay, on the other hand, knew about my plan even months before I actually had the courage to hand in THE LETTER to my manager. He did not have any objection nor did he ask why I wanted to leave my job. He even suggested that I go freelance just like my other sisters.
I was lucky my family was not all fussy with my decision despite the fact that my parents are the traditional type who'd want their children to work in the corporate world or to practise the degree they have graduated from in college. Sadly, such work scenario do not appeal to the majority of us siblings. Although my elder sisters did work for some companies before, they eventually left their jobs (no matter what their positions are and how big their salaries are) and chose the low-profile money-making ventures. My mother had to endure all the gossips around our small mountain city, though. People were talking about her supposedly intelligent daughters not working in the corporate setting or in the government. Nanay, too, did not understand that at first. But I guess she gave in after seeing my sisters happy and free.
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| My sister in Cambodia |
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| In Laos |
I want to have the freedom that my sisters are enjoying now. At any time, they can travel anywhere without worrying about filing a leave or about any pending tasks at work. It's always been the life I've wanted--to be in control of my own time. After all, life is short. Why would I spend it boxed in my cubicle for years until I reach the retirement age?
Anyway, there have been a lot of speculations about my resignation. Some people outside my circle could not tell that I'm unhappy because I have been consistently hitting more than what is required of me to write. But at the end of the day, it always comes back to my longing for freedom. No, I didn't hate my job. I loved it so much that was why I never fell short of what was expected. It's just that, I felt like being boxed will not work for me anymore. The world is such a big place and I want to explore it. And again, I cannot do that if I have a full-time job in an office.
Now, I got what I wanted. But I must tell you that being jobless is challenging especially that I am not relying on my parents for financial support. Unlike before, I could no longer splurge as much as I want to because I have to save a lot especially to fulfil my travelling dreams.
I still have a long way to go but I am commencing with baby steps. I will get there in time and that is for sure.Labels: musings, travel
