Today is the start of another tough journey in my life, - I'm quitting my job. I've already told my friends and family and so far their reactions are really not that encouraging.
Let me explain their side :
I currently work with one of the biggest food and beverage company here in the Philippines. I receive a high pay, and on top of that my company offers very good benefits. At this very day, my boss has already told me that I am already being groom to move up to higher position soon.
At my age and position in the company, a lot of people would really love to exchange their jobs with mine. I am paid well. I have an "elite status", because everybody thinks our company is very stable. I have a car provided by our company. I receive great healthcare benefits. Aside from my salary, we have many monetary bonuses and I earn monthly commissions by hitting our targets.
In summary, I can afford to choose a higher lifestyle than the common Pinoy.
So now you know why my friends and family do not really agree with my decision. So why am I quitting?
Here are my reasons:
1. I don't have time for myself
Everyday, I leave at 7am in the morning for work and go home between 10pm to 1am in the morning. I can't even talk to my wife. I can't even do my usual night prayer. I can't enjoy our air-conditioned room. Heck, I sometimes even forget to brush my teeth. (I'm not kidding!)
Like what I discuss on my last post, between time and money, time is the greater asset. So I'm choosing the greater asset - TIME.
2. I longer can do my sideline businesses
At the age of 18, I already decided that I will be an entrepreneur. Although just like Robert Kiyosaki, I needed to put food on my table, hence I am currently working as a sales manager. In spite that, I am committed to build and start small businesses on the side.
Like what they say, "you can't serve two masters at the same time". For me this does not much business, only common sense.
3. My job is the main source of my stress
Due the process of leading a sales group, management expects a lot from me and my team. So in essence, my work is always full of pressure in trying to achieve our sales targets. This pressure is equals to stress.
Specifically, since I lack rest the stress further grows in me and is slowly affecting my health. I can feel it through the ulcers and acids in my stomach. I know for a fact that if I'm able to have enough rest (usually on sundays), I feel very healthy.
Also I've notice that whenever I lack rest, my temper is easily disturb and I can't clearly focus on what I'm doing. So STRESS is a non-negotiable qualification in a job or business.
4. More importantly, I no longer have time for my relationships
In becoming a successful entrepreneur, I believe that you have to be win in all areas of your life. You can amass all the wealth in world but at the end of the day, if your not entirely happy with your relationships all the money in the world will not help.
So the problem with the kind of job I have is that I can't spend the needed time to nurture my relationship with my friends, my family (my siblings and parents), and my business mentors. Worse it is also starting to affect my relationship with my wife.
Along time ago I already made a decision to prioritize my relationships over money, and my relationships really need time to nurture. In fact, I highlight this part because I believe among anything else in the world, our relationships are the most important ones.
So what is my plan?
I'm choosing the more important things in my life. I'm choosing time. I'm choosing to build my businesses. I'm choosing my health. And more importantly, I'M CHOOSING MY RELATIONSHIPS.
Dedicated to your business success.
Jake Bere
