The Clash summed up my recent predicament. Should I stay working at Cath Kidston, earning a decent wage but becoming increasingly worn out? Or should I go and focus on my creative writing degree but manage on less? I’m sure you are not surprised to hear I chose the latter option.
I handed in my four weeks notice yesterday. My manager was sad to see me go, but I think she understands my reasons. I would be spreading myself too thin if I tried to balance both during the crucial final year. I came to Winchester in the first place to achieve a decent degree, not to work in a shop. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved working at Cath. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to save for my incredible Europe trip, or be able to fund my third year. But my goals and my passion lie elsewhere.
I know I have made the correct decision, because when I left the office, I felt a huge weigh lifted from my shoulders. I can solely concentrate on my stories now. I cannot wait to have more uninterrupted writing sessions.
Finance was another factor in my thought process. By sticking to a clearly defined budget, I should be able to sustain a very good standard of living. This year is going to be hard work, there’s no doubt about it. But now I feel like I can rise to the challenge, rather than just struggling through. Although I will miss my monthly pay day, living frugally gives its own rewards. And just because I have very little doesn’t mean I can’t share.
My housemate working for Trinity Winchester and has organised The Big Sleep Out event coming up in a few weeks time. I know how fortunate I am to have the luxury of giving up my job to follow my ambition. So it feels right to help others in any small way I can. If you have a spare 50p, I would be very grateful if you could stop by my charity page. Trinity does wonderful work at their centres and any support would be gladly received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The Domestic Storyteller 
Going with your gut instincts is usually the right choice. Money isn’t everything and the fact that you felt a weight lifted says you made the right choice about leaving your job. Now go and chase your dream 🙂
You’re so right that money isn’t everything, I know I will be fine with less 🙂 Thank you so much for leaving a comment!
Congratulations on making such an important decision. It sounds like you have made the correct one for your own health and your future. As you said, living frugally can provide its own rewards as well.
My healthy was definitely a factor in leaving. I was starting to run myself into the ground by trying to accomplish too much. I think I’ll be much happier this year with my more simple life 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment!