Ctrl + Alt + Delete: My Job

For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard one message loud and clear from my mother: “Don’t count on anyone but yourself to make it happen.” Her words have been a guiding force in my life, shaping me into someone who’s always worked hard, pushed through obstacles, and carved my own path. I’ve built a career over the last 17 years, starting from humble beginnings at LensCrafters, selling glasses, and working my way into Ophthalmology Management. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and worked incredibly hard to get to where I am today.

But despite the achievements, something has changed. The medical field, where I’ve spent a significant portion of my career, isn’t what it used to be. The challenges that came with it have become insurmountable, and I’ve realized that it’s time to make a change. So, after a lot of soul searching, I’ve made the difficult, but easy decision to walk away from my job. The unknown is undoubtedly scary, but I know my worth and believe I am ready for this next chapter in life.

The Breaking Point: Underutilized and Unhealthy Environments

I’ve always prided myself on being dedicated, reliable, and hard-working. But over time, I began to feel underappreciated and undervalued in my role. In a field where I used to feel purpose-driven, I started feeling like just another cog in the machine. The job had become draining, not because of the work itself, but because of the environment I was in.

Patients became numbers in a long queue. The wait times were excruciatingly long, a problem that I had no power to change, and it made both the patients and staff constantly frustrated. No matter how much the team worked, it was never enough. The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile, and it was becoming harder to ignore. As someone who feels deeply for others (I’m an empath at heart), the energy around me became overwhelming. I found myself drained, and I knew I wasn’t helping anyone in the way I once had.

The breaking point, however, wasn’t just the overwhelming environment or the frustrations of waiting patients. It was the treatment we received from some of the physicians. The level of disrespect and downright meanness was astonishing. They weren’t just tough; they were cruel at times. They belittled both patients and staff, including myself and others in leadership roles. Their words were sharp, their attitudes cold, and the toxic energy they brought into the workplace made everything that much harder. I tried to push through it, but the constant disregard for everyone’s well-being became too much to bear. Week after week, the emotional toll was growing, and I could no longer justify staying in a place where people were treated with such disregard.

It reached a point where I began to question why I was even there. A career that once felt like a place of service and care had transformed into a battleground, and I was losing myself in the process. The combination of feeling underutilized and subjected to relentless negativity from those I worked with, on top of no communication, left me mentally and emotionally exhausted. Something had to give.

Trusting the Vision: Faith in Myself and a New Path

Leaving a stable job and steady paycheck is never easy, especially when you’ve dedicated so much time and energy to it. The fear of the unknown is always a challenge, but I’ve learned that sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith in order to protect your well-being and pursue your worth. Staying in a place that made me feel unappreciated wasn’t an option anymore. Life is simply too short to stay where you’re unhappy.

For months, Wes saw how the job was wearing me down—how it was affecting my mental health. He could see it in my eyes, in my energy, and in the way I began to withdraw. He’s been gently encouraging me to leave, to step away and pursue something that would bring me joy, something that would help me heal. After he proposed, we started having deeper conversations about my stepping away for good and helping him with his multiple businesses. Wes has the entrepreneurial spirit that I admire so much. He sees the bigger picture, and when he sets his sights on something, he goes after it with 100% commitment. That drive is one of the reasons I fell in love with him.

So, I’m taking a bold step into the unknown. I’ll be working along side Wes, helping run his multiple businesses, and learning the ropes in a completely new field. This will also allow me the flexibility and time to focus on what sets my soul on fire - writing and helping people. I won’t lie: it feels uncomfortable. Stepping out of the W2 mindset feels foreign. It’s a new experience to trust in myself in this way, while I learn and grow in a space where I’m starting fresh. But even in that discomfort, I know it’s the right move.

The fear of failure and uncertainty is real, but I also understand that this is my chance to grow, evolve, and step into a life that aligns better with my values and aspirations. I’m betting on myself, trusting in my ability to adapt, and remembering that my worth is not tied to any one job or any one person’s approval.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Worth

Knowing your worth is one of the most important steps in creating a fulfilling life. It means understanding that you don’t have to tolerate environments or situations that make you feel small, insignificant, or unhappy. It means that your mental health, your sense of purpose, and your well-being are far more valuable than a paycheck or societal expectations.

For years, I’ve been pushing myself to excel, and I did it all on someone else's terms. Now, stepping away from something that no longer serves me feels like an act of self-love. It’s not about leaving behind the hard work I’ve done or the skills I’ve acquired — it’s about choosing to honor my own feelings and aspirations and applying it all to MY life and a better future. 

The big message I want to share today is simple: life is too short to stay somewhere you feel undervalued and unhappy. If you’ve been feeling unappreciated, stuck, or trapped in an unhealthy environment, don’t be afraid to make a change. IMMEDIATELY. You do not have to wait. The unknown is scary, yes, but it’s also filled with possibilities. You don’t have to have everything figured out to take that first step. Sometimes, you just need the courage to walk away from what’s not serving you and trust that there is something better waiting for you on the other side. The journey ahead may be tough, but it will be worth it. Trust in your worth, have faith in yourself, and know that you deserve to live a life that feels aligned with your true values.

In the end, the most important thing is that you’re taking care of yourself, stepping into your truth, and embracing a future where you can thrive — not just survive. You are your greatest investment, and you’re worth more than staying in a place where you don’t feel valued. So, take that leap, trust in the process, and know that something greater awaits you on the other side.