Life gives us a lot of hard decisions to make, but few are as hard as leaving a job that no longer fits with our values, goals, and personal growth. I remember very well a time when I was at a crossroads and had to quit my job because there was nothing else I could do.

When I think about it now, it was a beautiful, wild moment of change that helped me change as a person. The path to this important choice was neither quick nor easy. Instead, it was a slow buildup of growing unhappiness and unspoken wishes for change.

My job, which used to make me feel proud and happy, had turned into a soul-draining habit. My early excitement about working at the company had slowly turned into a feeling of routine and distance. The work that used to make me happy had turned into a boring job, and it no longer gave me the creative spark that it used to. I felt like a bird stuck in a golden cage. I longed for the open sky and the endless possibilities that were beyond the walls of my cell.

Still, my mind fought a fight inside itself with fear and doubt. I couldn’t stop thinking about my money, what other people expected of me, and how they would judge me. “What would people think?” and “Am I being irresponsible?” kept going through my head, making me unable to decide what to do. But a fire of hunger kept burning inside me, pushing me to take a leap of faith and regain my sense of purpose. As the days turned into weeks, my desire to learn more about myself and grow as a person overcame my fear of the unknown. The fear of staying in the same place and not doing anything became stronger than the fear of change.

I started to find comfort in thinking about myself and figuring out my beliefs, goals, and the kind of change I wanted to make in the world. It became clear that staying in my safe zone would stop me from growing and stop me from reaching my full potential. At that moment, I realized that my job, no matter how safe it seemed, was holding me back from becoming the best version of myself. I finally got the guts to hand in my resignation. It was a very emotional moment, with a strong mix of fear, worry, and freedom. I knew I was going into unexplored land when I left behind what I knew and stepped into the unknown.

Contrary to what I thought would happen, the choice I made gave me a new sense of freedom and power. I found myself on a road of self-discovery and renewal. I did things that brought back my drive and gave me a sense of purpose. I started to live a more whole and satisfying life by doing things like helping, learning new skills, and doing artistic things. Even though the change wasn’t easy, it taught me important lessons about the power of accepting change and the strength that comes from being vulnerable. I realized that my fear of giving up kept me locked up much more than the unknown future ever could.

Leaving a job that didn’t change gave me the freedom to define success on my own terms. It taught me that happiness and fulfillment are more important than meeting other people’s standards or getting approval from the outside world. The time I spent at the job wasn’t a waste, but rather a step on my way to finding out more about myself.

In retrospect, leaving my job was the most loving and brave thing I could have done for myself. It freed me from the chains of uniformity, led me to new possibilities, and gave me a strong sense of being able to handle anything. The most important and life-changing thing I’ve done is embrace the unknown and trust in my ability to handle life’s challenges.

Today, I’m a living example of how beautiful it is to choose self-discovery over staying the same, change over safety, and following your dreams over fitting in. There were lots of problems along the way, but each one was a step toward a life with meaning and purpose. In the end, my choice to leave my job wasn’t just about leaving a place of work. It was also about reclaiming my independence, welcoming growth, and finding the courage to shape a life that fits with who I really am. It’s a lesson that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the greatest freedom.

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If there is one saying we have all heard at one time or other is “you sleep, we grind”. This way of thinking and shaming those who choose to sleep or rest was for a long time a way that so many people justified overworking. Now with so much focus on sleeping for 7-9 hours a night. Thankfully this type of language is a thing of the past. But that does not mean that you should not want to work hard. Especially given the current economic situation affecting so many countries around the world thanks to COVID19. But what does working efficiently mean?

As someone who has been a part of the workforce for a decade, I know that this depends on the person. But for me, one thing remains true. I always want to do and produce work that I am proud of. Irregardless of how much I am being paid, or what kind of job I am doing. My aim is to do the best I possibly can as often as possible. This includes at home when spending time with my daughter. Or when I am writing and producing content for She Evolves. Whilst I will be the first to admit that consistency is something I struggle with. When I put my mind to it and actually focus on the task ahead of me then it becomes easier to do a good work.

I also know that I cannot and have never really been good at working on one thing for 8 hours a day. Which is why I have found varying my work to be the best way to go through my to do list as best I can, whilst also never getting bored..

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As a serial procrastinator. I can tell you first hand that when it comes to staying focused or on track, I find it difficult. With so many moving parts in my day from taking care of my daughter, to cleaning the house, cooking, doing laundry and so much more. The time to actually sit down and work seems limited if not non existent. Which is why I’ve started to come up with small strategies I like to use to help keep me motivated and on track with my work. Whilst these won’t work for everyone, they are worthy trying. Especially if you find yourself pulled a million different directions.

1. Set a timer: One of the ways I like to work nowadays is by setting myself a timer. This helps to ensure that I know for a given period of time I will have to work. Like I said I tend to get distracted easily so I like to set my timer for 20 minutes at a time. This is usually enough time to write and/or edit an article.
2. Find what times work best for you: I’ll be the first to admit that my focus tends to go out the window come lunch time. Which is why I like to schedule my sit down work sessions for early mornings or late afternoons. This ensures that I can use the time in-between for meetings, housework or other more fun things.
3. Put on some music: There is nothing more soothing than having some jazz or indie playing in the background whilst I work. Depending on the work however, I sometimes like to switch up my playlist and include more upbeat music like hip hop or r&b. Especially when I need that extra push.
4. Find a dedicated work station: The pull to work on a couch has never been stronger. And in the winter months when the weather is too much, I am also often tempted to work from bed. But what I have found is that whilst it may be super comfortable. It is not always the most inspiring place to work or where I am most productive.
5. Have a glass of water handy: As a non coffee drinker. Ensuring that I have a glass of water at arms length is a great way to keep my motivation going. Especially when I start to get tired as I find that a sip or two of water wakes me up. It is not only healthy but also refreshing. And will help reduce the number of trips to the kitchen.
6. Plan ahead: Whilst some weeks my plans can get derailed. I find that having a plan in place for my week helps me keep up with what I need to do. From home stuff to work projects and deadlines. This is a great way to also see what needs my immediate attention. And what I can put on the back burner.

What are some tips or tools you use to help keep you focused and on track?

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The first Monday of 2021 presents many opportunities for new beginnings, For many of us, the idea of going back to an office or “normal” work environment is still far off. But this doesn’t mean looking and feeling good should be. As someone who has never really worked in a traditional office setting, I can tell you now that having somewhere to go is not the only motivation for looking good. Even though it may seem like it. Staying in or simply being is always a good reason to look and feel your best. Especially if you hope to be more productive and or feel like you need a little confidence boost.

And like I said before, as I’ve never really worked in a formal office setting, I still find ways to make myself look and feel strong and productive. But What I have found to be true over the years is that in order to feel this way I don’t need much in my closet<. Whilst the idea of a Kardashian-style closet may feel like the way to go with endless designer options. Having a few key pieces that work for my body type has always been the way to go for me. Not only in helping me stick to a budget. But also in helping me get dressed faster in the mornings. Here are some ways you can make your closet work for you:

• Develop a uniform: Having a uniform is one sure way to make sure you don’t have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Your uniform should make you feel strong, beautiful and fit into your lifestyle. Before having a baby and living in South Africa my uniform was full of pencil skirts and high heels. Mainly because I liked the way they made me look and feel. But since moving to France and having a baby, my style has changed a lot. In part because the French dress differently but also because I now walk everywhere. Nowadays my uniform is filled with comfortable pretty flat shoes, a good selection of denim and tops along with easy to wear dresses. This ensures I can get dressed in a hurry without having to think too much about it.
• Invest in key pieces: The saying “less is more” has never been more true at this day and age. Especially as we look to being more conscious in what we buy. Which is why investing in a few pieces instead of filling your closet with fast fashion pieces is a must. This will help make your closet look more edited. But also ensure that you are not buying into trends.
• Buy for your body type: This one seems obvious but buying clothes for your body type is an important step in keeping your closet small. Not only that but ensuring you buy what looks good on you takes the guess work out of getting dressed. Another important element to this is ensuring to tailor pieces to your body. Spending that little extra will help make your closet uniquely yours. As a short person this for me often means getting things shortened.

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