I’ve always been a hard worker. For years, I’ve managed companies in high-stress industries, juggling marketing strategies, customer complaints, regulatory issues, and more. The products and services I’ve overseen often fall into categories considered high-risk or scam-prone. While these roles have paid exceptionally well, they’ve taken an immense toll on my mental health.
Here’s the reality: dealing with customers who expect $30,000 worth of service after paying $1,500 is exhausting. Constantly handling disputes, chargebacks, and angry clients who feel misled? It’s a never-ending battle. Add to that the stress of navigating regulatory agencies, merchants holding funds, and banks scrutinizing every transaction, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.
This week, I had a breakthrough. I realized that while my job pays twice what I might earn in a more stable industry, the trade-off isn’t worth it anymore. There are people out there making half my salary, working in jobs that are meaningful—providing necessary products or services—and they’re far less stressed. Meanwhile, I’m left feeling like I’m constantly putting out fires in an industry I no longer believe in.
So, I decided to explore other options. I went to Workforce and learned they’ll cover up to $12,000 for IT certifications. That was the push I needed. IT is a field I’ve always been curious about, and transitioning into it feels like a chance to reclaim my peace while building a future I can be proud of.
This decision isn’t just about the money—it’s about alignment. I want a career where the work feels honest, where the product or service is something I can stand behind, and where my stress levels don’t constantly threaten my well-being. It’s about choosing stability over chaos and fulfillment over fear.
For now, I’m still in my current role, but mentally? I’m already breaking up with it. And that realization alone feels like a weight lifted. If you’re feeling stuck in a job that drains you, let me remind you: there are options. The leap is scary, but the landing might just be the peace you’ve been searching for.