Through Corporate Highs and Lows

Today, I'm feeling like sharing a bit about my journey in the corporate world – no fancy words, just real talk.

I started at the bottom, just like most of us do. A junior staff at 19, finishing high school, coming from a not-so-well-off family, and struggling financially at home. It wasn't easy. I worked and studied part-time, knowing that without a certification, I wouldn't get anywhere. I worked the hours, learned the ropes, and slowly climbed the ladder. Over two decades, from one rung to the next, I made my way up.

With every step up, I expected things to get better. I became a manager and landed the title of Regional Finance Director. Sounds impressive, right? But let me tell you, the higher you go, the harder it gets. Does the big title and big money really make up for the stress and health trade-off? Something to think about. My mum worked her entire life, and in the end, she didn't get to enjoy the other half of her life. Even after almost 10 years, I'm still angry with myself about it.

More responsibility meant more work piled up. There was no balance between work and life. Late nights at the office became the norm, and family time became a distant memory. It just didn't feel right.

The higher up, the more I felt stuck in red tape. Decisions took forever, and creativity was suffocated. Then there's office politics – a game I never wanted to play but found myself in. It's draining, to say the least. I thought climbing the ladder meant leaving these games behind, but they only got more complicated.

Reaching the top didn't mean having a say in things. Micromanagement became the new normal. I craved autonomy and the freedom to make decisions, but the higher I went, the more control I lost. At one point, a subordinate, unaware of the full picture of the company's financial situation, undermined me and went to higher management to report me. They believed her, started an investigation, and later found out it was all one-sided. She got terminated for defamation, and I didn't feel sorry for her because her head had grown bigger than mine at that time. I was losing hope in that company after 7 years of broken promises by the holding company, which brought unnecessary stress and damage to my name. I felt unappreciated.

I always believed in doing things right, but somewhere along the way, the company's values and my own started drifting apart. It became more about profit and less about people. It just didn't sit well with me.

I joined a new startup owned by a close friend and was really happy working with them because it felt like family. Of course, I had a nice title - CFO doing the same job as before. I made it clear I would leave after 2 years once the company stabilised, but due to Covid and the company's growth, it extended to 3 years. Then, new shareholders joined, taking a bigger share.

So, here's the real deal. After all those years, I decided to step down from my big job. Why? Because it wasn't fun anymore. The joy of work was gone. The stress, the politics, the never-ending workload – it just wasn't worth it.

Leaving the big company was scary, but it was also liberating. Now, I'm exploring new paths, looking for work that aligns with my values and returning to a life that makes sense.

Why share all this? Because I know I'm not alone. Many of us go through these struggles in the corporate world. It's okay to admit it and make a change.

Remember, it's your journey. Don't let it be defined by titles or fancy offices. Find the joy, keep it real, and enjoy the ride.

Image created with Microsoft Designer 

Cheers to new beginnings,

May x

Reflecting on 2023 and Embracing Transformation in 2024

 

Photo by: May

I know this post is late, but I will share my reflections anyway. 😊

As I sit down to contemplate the year that has just bid us farewell, my heart overflows with gratitude for the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped my 2023. The highs and lows, unexpected twists, and moments of sheer joy have etched an indelible mark on my heart.

In 2023, my heart found fulfilment in sponsoring more children and visiting them in different corners of the world. Witnessing the impact of these simple acts of kindness was humbling and profoundly rewarding. However, the year also presented challenges. Battling through my first encounter with COVID-19 reminded me of the fragility of health.

As the calendar flips to 2024, a renewed sense of purpose propels me forward. Learning from the past, I am determined to live healthier, reignite my passion for marathon running, and strive towards a lofty goal – completing an Ironman before I turn 50, a challenge I eagerly embrace at the age of 43.

My focus for 2024 extends beyond personal milestones. I aspire to inspire those around me to adopt healthier lifestyles. I hope to create a community dedicated to fitness and well-being through training updates, motivational stories, and encouraging words.

In the spirit of giving, I plan to initiate a fundraising effort. While the cause remains undecided, the goal is clear—making a positive impact. Additionally, visits to my sponsor child in various locations will continue, fostering the connections forged in 2023.

Looking ahead, the dream of completing all 6 major marathons takes shape. The plan is to achieve this milestone before reaching the age of 50. As the journey unfolds, it becomes not just a pursuit of medals but a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the joy found in every step.

Join me on this expedition of self-discovery, resilience, and pursuing a healthier, more fulfilling life. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation—one step at a time.

May x