Glad you took a chance on yourself and it’s paying its emotional dividends. Anytime I hear someone leave their jobs, I congratulate them for putting themselves first. We are worth every risk we take.
This entire piece is stunning. Opting out of the rat race looks great on you! Also, I feel so seen - I similarly quit what others called “a great job” to follow my passion and allow my nervous system to breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you for this. I just ordered The Opposite of An Exodus and can’t wait for it to arrive 😊. Also, you’re radiant, in the golden hour.
You are so sweet, I appreciate you sharing your take on stepping away from what society deems 'good' for your own good. We deserve way more than the flimsiness of empty expectations. Nothing beats that nervous system reset anyway. I also really appreciate you purchasing 'The Opposite of an Exodus'!
And thank you so much, we really were made for the sun
The early ecstasy of unemployment!! Yes yes yes, it’s so real! Last March I got fired (from a gross tech start up, and I probably got fired in part bc I was always the last to arrive and the first to leave bc it was a gross tech start up), and there was something so cool about those first few weeks. Frankly I look back on being fired so fondly. By the time the misalignment between my and the company’s values became so pronounced that they cut me, it was so freeing, and such a relief to know that was a place I fundamentally did not belong.
And to do it of your own volition speaks even more to your strength of agency! I love to see it!!
I'm so grateful that you resonate with this feeling! I'm so sorry that you experienced that chaos in the workspace but I can see that it was necessary for you to witness how far you were from what felt enlivening and what felt loving. We deserve so much more and internally we knew, that's the most important thing. I love the way you articulated it so much. Appreciate you and these thoughts on belonging that you've left us with!
This was such a beautiful read and exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing your art with us ❤️ "I celebrate the way I gently unknotted whatever sat stubbornly in my stomach, the guilt, the sense that writing was a side hustle rather than all I woke up and wanted to do." Hit so close to home 🫶🏾
"Having the sense and bravery to opt out". I stumbled upon your essay almost serendipitously (I was doing research on Belizean music and found your Leela Vernon Article) and, as someone currently experiencing the freedom and all the other overwhelming emotions that comes with leaving a 9-5 to pursue writing, I truly love how you worded that (along with everything else about this).
I love this, so so much. Thanks for being here, I am so glad that Leela Vernon brought us into conversation. I am so happy for your current experience in freedom, it is something that is so precious and I hope it becomes less rare and that more of us have the means, support, bravery, and intuition to create space to break away. Take good care
Amara thank you for sharing your journey. I find myself in an almost eerily similar season, and now finally have the time and the courage to sit with my desires and longing to write and create. I’m still trying to rid myself of the guilt and shame that comes with this decision, but encountering others thriving on this journey is so encouraging. Thank you 🤎
I’m sorry you were treated like that, but proud of you for taking a chance even with the unknowns. I recently was let go from my job, but I was unhappy anymore and was actually relieved when it happened. I woke up so much happier the next day knowing I could now work on myself and my future instead of dreading each day!
I can actually imagine the relief when you woke up the next day without having to compromise how you were feeling. That release is a favourite feeling of mine.
Grateful for your kindness, thanks for seeing me. As unfortunate as it was, it needed to happen to allow me to provide a new reality for myself. So sweet seeing how many others feel the same way.
i feel so grateful to have come across this post and comments section today, amara. im currently on day two of calling in “sick”myself. im burnt out on the rat race, yearning so deeply for something different. your words bring me hope that something different is not just possible, but near🌀
Kenzi I'm so thankful for this comment. It is perfectly timed!!! And I am praying that you arrive at the place you're supposed to with ease. It is near!! What an affirmation, I appreciate this and you always.
I love this. Especially "my long love affair with having the sense and bravery". What taking a truly courageous leap can do for one's soul! Thank you for sharing!
Mmmmm, thank you so much for sharing this. It is absolutely our time (endlessly). I'm so composed (air sign) but fr I sometimes wonder how it would've gone if I wasn't a think first, act after person loool. Truthfully, I feel like I needed to leave that space to truly acknowledge my power, the way it exists always in me and my worthiness in general. It was, as you can tell, a toxic space in a very British way and so any form of acting out felt misplaced for me. But it could never run today, there is not a soul on Earth who can disrespect me in the name of power dynamics. With maturity and self-knowing, it's a blessing to know how to navigate and remove ourselves from that with urgency. I honestly lovee this topic, the turning point (and innate self-protection) for Black women is honestly my favourite thing to witness. So glad you're on your journey now
I am sending love as you find your footing through this!!
Glad you took a chance on yourself and it’s paying its emotional dividends. Anytime I hear someone leave their jobs, I congratulate them for putting themselves first. We are worth every risk we take.
Yes, exactly this. Knowing our worth is everything. Thanks for this reminder!
👏🏾 THIS! Well said!
This entire piece is stunning. Opting out of the rat race looks great on you! Also, I feel so seen - I similarly quit what others called “a great job” to follow my passion and allow my nervous system to breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you for this. I just ordered The Opposite of An Exodus and can’t wait for it to arrive 😊. Also, you’re radiant, in the golden hour.
You are so sweet, I appreciate you sharing your take on stepping away from what society deems 'good' for your own good. We deserve way more than the flimsiness of empty expectations. Nothing beats that nervous system reset anyway. I also really appreciate you purchasing 'The Opposite of an Exodus'!
And thank you so much, we really were made for the sun
The early ecstasy of unemployment!! Yes yes yes, it’s so real! Last March I got fired (from a gross tech start up, and I probably got fired in part bc I was always the last to arrive and the first to leave bc it was a gross tech start up), and there was something so cool about those first few weeks. Frankly I look back on being fired so fondly. By the time the misalignment between my and the company’s values became so pronounced that they cut me, it was so freeing, and such a relief to know that was a place I fundamentally did not belong.
And to do it of your own volition speaks even more to your strength of agency! I love to see it!!
I'm so grateful that you resonate with this feeling! I'm so sorry that you experienced that chaos in the workspace but I can see that it was necessary for you to witness how far you were from what felt enlivening and what felt loving. We deserve so much more and internally we knew, that's the most important thing. I love the way you articulated it so much. Appreciate you and these thoughts on belonging that you've left us with!
Thank you for this you’ve left me with some reflections on what it would look like for me to leave my job💚
i love this. sending you love as you step fully into that 🤍🐚
This was such a beautiful read and exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing your art with us ❤️ "I celebrate the way I gently unknotted whatever sat stubbornly in my stomach, the guilt, the sense that writing was a side hustle rather than all I woke up and wanted to do." Hit so close to home 🫶🏾
Thanks so much for this comment! Appreciate you and glad that you align with this 🤍
"Having the sense and bravery to opt out". I stumbled upon your essay almost serendipitously (I was doing research on Belizean music and found your Leela Vernon Article) and, as someone currently experiencing the freedom and all the other overwhelming emotions that comes with leaving a 9-5 to pursue writing, I truly love how you worded that (along with everything else about this).
I love this, so so much. Thanks for being here, I am so glad that Leela Vernon brought us into conversation. I am so happy for your current experience in freedom, it is something that is so precious and I hope it becomes less rare and that more of us have the means, support, bravery, and intuition to create space to break away. Take good care
Amara thank you for sharing your journey. I find myself in an almost eerily similar season, and now finally have the time and the courage to sit with my desires and longing to write and create. I’m still trying to rid myself of the guilt and shame that comes with this decision, but encountering others thriving on this journey is so encouraging. Thank you 🤎
I'm glad you found this at the right time, it seems so many of us have similar experiences. I'm sending you love on that journey❤️
Yes, so many of us on this journey of unraveling from grind culture. Thank you so much Amara 🤎
Such a beautiful, beautiful read. 🥰
Ah, thanks so much for your kindness and time spent with these words❤️
Mustering up enough courage to embark on this journey. Your words give me hope. I am so happy it worked out for you!
thank you and I'm sending love your way for you journey, however it took shape
I absolutely loved this and a massive congrats on taking that leap for yourself!! I am so happy to read it paid off
Thanks for the love, and I'm so glad this reached you and resonated
I’m sorry you were treated like that, but proud of you for taking a chance even with the unknowns. I recently was let go from my job, but I was unhappy anymore and was actually relieved when it happened. I woke up so much happier the next day knowing I could now work on myself and my future instead of dreading each day!
I can actually imagine the relief when you woke up the next day without having to compromise how you were feeling. That release is a favourite feeling of mine.
Grateful for your kindness, thanks for seeing me. As unfortunate as it was, it needed to happen to allow me to provide a new reality for myself. So sweet seeing how many others feel the same way.
mmmm yes this resonates💓
i feel so grateful to have come across this post and comments section today, amara. im currently on day two of calling in “sick”myself. im burnt out on the rat race, yearning so deeply for something different. your words bring me hope that something different is not just possible, but near🌀
Kenzi I'm so thankful for this comment. It is perfectly timed!!! And I am praying that you arrive at the place you're supposed to with ease. It is near!! What an affirmation, I appreciate this and you always.
💓💓💓
Self love and care is important.
deeply. I'm grateful to not deprioritise this in the life I live and imagine for myself.
I love this. Especially "my long love affair with having the sense and bravery". What taking a truly courageous leap can do for one's soul! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, I'm glad this resonated!
Loved every second of this
Aw I'm so glad you did!!
You're a more patient woman than me, i really would have cussed her tf out 😭
This is beautiful and inspiring, i love to witness black women win -- It's our time!
Literally on that journey now (minus being scolded)
Mmmmm, thank you so much for sharing this. It is absolutely our time (endlessly). I'm so composed (air sign) but fr I sometimes wonder how it would've gone if I wasn't a think first, act after person loool. Truthfully, I feel like I needed to leave that space to truly acknowledge my power, the way it exists always in me and my worthiness in general. It was, as you can tell, a toxic space in a very British way and so any form of acting out felt misplaced for me. But it could never run today, there is not a soul on Earth who can disrespect me in the name of power dynamics. With maturity and self-knowing, it's a blessing to know how to navigate and remove ourselves from that with urgency. I honestly lovee this topic, the turning point (and innate self-protection) for Black women is honestly my favourite thing to witness. So glad you're on your journey now
I am sending love as you find your footing through this!!