Escaping the Corporate Maze: A Journey Towards Creative Fulfillment
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Meaning
As a child, my greatest joy came from play—whether it was hanging out with friends, discovering new places, or immersing myself in games. Fast forward to my mid-30s, and that spirit of fun remains alive.
I distinctly remember my high school graduation at 18, surrounded by peers eagerly discussing their future studies and career aspirations. I was perplexed by their acceptance of the notion that we had to commit to spending eight hours a day confined to an office. It didn’t seem enjoyable, did it? My dream was to pursue music, playing the drums and traveling the world with friends, but there was no clear path to a career that could support that lifestyle. The reality of being a musician can be quite tough.
However, I had a knack for technology, spending countless hours on my computer, tinkering with its components, and exploring various settings. Thankfully, my father recognized my tech abilities and steered me toward a career in IT, which promised financial stability. I enrolled in college, obtained my diploma, and within two years, I began my journey in IT tech support.
Now, 15 years later, I find myself still in the tech industry, having moved from Australia to the Netherlands, happily married and settled in a house. Life is indeed good.
But…
The yearning for fun, freedom, and adventure hasn’t faded. My love for technology has provided enjoyable moments, but corporate life often feels unfulfilling. Why do we spend so much time and money commuting to a place filled with people who seem equally disinterested, confined to chairs for most of the day, staring at glaring screens, and engaging with technology all while being pushed to "do better"? It feels like an endless maze with no real reward.
Section 1.1: Reflecting on the Creative Journey
Over the last 15 years, I have pursued various creative endeavors in an attempt to break free from the traditional 9 to 5. I played in a band during high school, and although we had dreams of making it big, life took us in different directions. I joined another band that gained some traction, recording and performing in Sydney, but the challenging path of a musician eventually led us to part ways.
I ventured into digital marketing with a friend, but despite generating some income, our differing visions made it unsustainable. This was around the time I moved to the Netherlands with my wife in 2020, amidst the chaos of COVID. It was a tough transition, yet it brought new adventures and experiences as we settled into our new life, found jobs, and purchased a home.
After this period of adjustment, I turned to content creation, believing it could be a fulfilling career that would allow me to share what I love. With more free time during lockdown, I tapped into platforms like TikTok and Instagram, sharing my perspective as an Aussie in a Dutch landscape. I gained around 30,000 followers, fueling my excitement for a potential full-time creative career.
However, I soon realized that follower counts don’t equate to financial success, particularly on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. I found myself caught in a cycle of vanity metrics, feeling pressured to constantly entertain to maintain my numbers. This routine led to increased anxiety, especially when I invested time and effort into content that didn’t resonate as expected. I lacked a clear strategy.
Section 1.2: Reassessing My Approach
Recognizing the need for a change, I decided to take a step back. After 15 years in a corporate job, I felt unfulfilled and determined to pursue a life filled with joy, freedom, and exploration. Following my wedding in Australia in October 2023, during our honeymoon, I had the opportunity to reflect on my content creation strategy. I pondered how successful creators generate income and watched numerous YouTube videos on their processes, realizing that writing and strategy were at the core of it all.
The key strategy I identified was repurposing content: scripts for YouTube videos can be adapted into blog posts or newsletters, which can then be transformed into tweets or short-form videos. This revelation made me realize the importance of writing in my journey.
I began researching blogging platforms and, being tech-savvy, considered creating my own website. During this exploration, I discovered a remarkable YouTuber and writer, Zulie Rane, who introduced me to the vibrant Medium community. I learned that Medium pays writers from the start and takes care of SEO, which seemed like an ideal opportunity for someone just starting out.
Chapter 2: The Beginning of a New Journey
This marks the commencement of a long-term journey where I am accountable solely to myself. I am taking creative control and dedicating myself to enhancing my writing skills to share my passions, delve into new interests, and exchange knowledge with others. It’s about living an authentic human experience.
Ultimately, we all have stories to tell. Each individual is on a unique journey with a distinct viewpoint on life. Writing offers us a powerful means to share and comprehend this intricate experience.
My ambition is to cultivate a following across various social platforms, redistributing content through my writing, and ultimately transitioning away from full-time employment. I aspire to support others in achieving success, help them discover their purpose, and connect with like-minded individuals who share this drive.
This is why I chose Medium and why I write.
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