My mental gymnastics into tricking my brain it’s ok to take a gap year at 29

In January I quit my stable job to take a gap year. I decided the rewards of stepping back from the 9–5 is greater than the consequences of unemployment. I could, if I wanted, take up an offer too. But I needed the break. Before you think that this is a total kick ass move, please note that it took me years before I was able to send that resignation letter because frankly, it’s financially unwise and borderline irresponsible (or at least what the South East Asian aunties would say). And I don’t want to send the wrong message.

Unlike some people who were able to quit their jobs and come out the other end successfully, I would tell you that I don’t have anything going for me. I don’t have a side hustle or business that’s bringing in meaningful dough, or any volunteer work that could potentially offset my expenses. Instead, what I have is the delusion that I could handle the worst thing that could happen if I quit my job.

Ok — maybe I did prepare for this. Coming from a low income household growing up, I found later in life that I’m very risk averse. I took on multiple insurance, took on insurance for those I hold dear, and built a sink fund that should give me a 6 to 12 month runway depending on my lifestyle. But that’s about it. Other than that, I’m lowkey broke dawg.

I will cover how I prepared for this season in another post, but for now — I feel like talking about my mental gymnastics. The things I told my self so that my brain…