I chose myself over stability

In a world that often prioritises stability and predictable career paths, choosing to follow your own path can feel daunting.?

Many of us find ourselves at a crossroads, questioning whether our current path truly aligns with who we are and what we want. My own journey from a stable career in the Tech and Gaming industry to the uncertain world of coaching and entrepreneurship taught me valuable lessons about courage, purpose, and redefining success.?

Here's my story of choosing myself over stability, and why it might be the most important decision you ever make.

I chose myself over stability

It was the hardest, yet the most rewarding decision I've ever made.

I left a well-paid job in a good company to take a year off doing practically nothing. I had no other intention than taking care of myself and figure out where I wanted to go from there.

I come from a humble background and have always been rather cautious with my finances, but then I chose to throw caution to the wind and invest in myself, in my health, in the life I wanted to live, even if I didn’t quite know then what that might look like.

A leap into the unknown

I chose a new career without truly understanding how I would earn a living.

I chose to start my coaching practice spending the first few years honing my craft and getting experience over making money.

Though I'm still building my practice, the skills and growth I've gained have been invaluable, both for myself and my clients

I’m keeping at it because it is a calling. It could be easier to go back to working for a company and start saving and building a pension. Building a business without safety nets has taught me resilience beyond what I thought I was capable of.

I’m not a risk-taker. Quite the opposite. I like to play it safe.?

But what I have gained is priceless

Sometimes it feels like I'm doing everything wrong

Like I’m throwing away the hard work over the 15 years I put into building a career for myself.

What do I have to show for it now?

Everyone who has known me on both sides of my career tells me how much happier I look.?

I may not have the same title or paycheck, but I have something far more valuable: alignment and purpose.

I found my purpose

I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be and I do what I’m called to do.

I have faith in me. I have this strong belief that everything will work out.

And even if it doesn’t, I would never forgive myself if I didn’t give it my all.

It’s not passion, it’s not grit, it’s not even hard work. It’s what I’m meant to do. This is the path I’m meant to walk, warts and all.

The reality of following your own path

I don’t know where it will lead me. I don’t know how long I have, how long it will last.?

I’m exhausted, and I take naps.

I make mistakes, and I learn from them.?

I doubt, and I find my faith again.

And each time I find my faith, I am stronger and more confident.

Choosing and allowing freedom

Ain’t nobody else but me to live my life and make choices about how to live it. I have that freedom and I’m using it.

And I’m grateful that I can.

I’m grateful for everything that happened until this point that led me there and that allows me to appreciate where I am and to have found my purpose.

Before, I often thought I was wasting myself in some way, and that I could do more.

It wasn’t more. It was different.

Redefining success

I’m not defining success anymore through money, title or status.

But by how grateful I am for my life and how on track I am with my purpose.

Because now I don’t wonder anymore what my purpose is.

I know.

I don’t know all the details of it. All the shapes and forms it takes and will take.?

But I know the steps I’m taking are aligned with it.

And despite the uncertainty, despite the challenges, it’s the best I’ve ever been!

For those at a crossroads

If you find yourself at a crossroads in your career, feeling stuck or questioning if what you’re doing is what you really want—know that you're not alone.

The doubts you face could be a doorway to something deeply meaningful, just as they were for me.

If you're ready to explore what that might look like for you, send me a message or book a call with me.?

It might just be the right time to take that first step.

I'm Cecile ???????? and I help quiet, introverted and sensitive leaders untangle their thoughts and choose a direction so they can step up with confidence and clarity in their careers and beyond.

Are you ready to embark on your own transformative journey? Book a free consultation , or subscribe to my newsletter for more insights, tips, and best practices for personal and leadership development. Together, we can help you get where you want to be.

This article was originally published on Walayance .