A gift to myself for my 25th birthday

8 May 2017, the day I turned 25 years old. The number most would coin as a quarter life crisis. No, this is not a rant about being a directionless millennial. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

I was never fond of birthdays, I didn’t like receiving gifts as well because it meant I had an obligation to reciprocate. Needless to say, I never gifted myself anything in the last 24 years. However, this year was different, I gave myself a present by “choosing myself”.

The months leading up to my resignation was tiresome, I woke up feeling dejected, unmotivated and lost. I was constantly questioning myself what was more important to me. Getting a paycheque at the end of the month but feel miserable or to quit and be met with the possibility that I might be jobless for quite a while due to the bleak job market. What made matters worse was when I told my mother that I wanted to quit without securing another job and she was strongly against it. My mother was someone who embraced the status quo but somehow she enjoyed the thrill of being at the blackjack tables. Somehow I find it rather paradoxical that she loved taking risks at the tables but when it comes to life she was very risk averse. Perhaps that’s what every parent face, they are unwilling to take risks at the expense of their kids.

She tried talking me out of it by telling me about the financial burden that I was about to put on myself, but luckily I did save up at least 6 months of expenses. To be honest, I almost changed my mind because of the constant nagging. Still feeling lost and confused, I asked around for advice but none of it resonated with me until I chanced upon this video by Noah Kagan. There were “4 Ps” to base your decisions on whether or not to be an employee or an entrepreneur. Even though it was targetted at people who are in a dilemma whether to start a business or stay as an employee. I feel that it’s a great thought process that will decide whether to stay at a job or not.

Purpose

I did not think the profit generated from the event was worth the time and effort. I certainly did not want to be remembered as the guy who coordinated events. Without establishing a purpose, I see no reason to stay.

Product

To others who loved coordinating events, they derive satisfaction from organizing a successful event. As for me, I felt relieved, I did not derive fulfillment even though the event went rather smoothly. This reaffirmed my decision to quit because I certainly disliked coordinating events.

People

Firstly everyone was nice in the company, I did not have any conflict with my colleagues but it did not make me become a better person either. Sure enough, my superiors were experienced in coordinating events but I never felt like I picked up any skills from them. Personal growth is imperative to me and without it, there was no reason for me to stay anymore.

Price

Nobody will complain about having too much money and of course, it wouldn’t hurt to be paid more. So I guess this will be a “P” that will never be fulfilled since we will always demand a higher paycheque.