THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
Image: Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
Two and a half months ago, I made the decision to resign from my permanent full time job at Westmead Hospital - a job that I loved. I’m extremely passionate about occupational therapy and helping others - and it gave me income and stability. So what else was missing? I wanted more time with my family, and I craved a sense of belonging and worth in my job.
There was a raging war inside of me. I had to either put all my eggs in one basket and move to beauty or stay in health, or somehow do both. I chose to do both and worked the hard yards. Sixteen hours a day, six days a week - all for twelve months, and it drove me to breaking point. It affected my family and the kids. I wasn’t present‘ anymore, because this unhealthy work mentality took over.
So the decision was made, and I took the risk to:
1. Spend more time with my family, who keep me going when times get rough.
2. Prioritise my business, because that it has made me feel worthy, unique, and valuable to my clients.
I am so thankful that things turned out the way it did, because it helped me realise there is more to life than that 9 to 5. I wasn’t interested in being ‘the assistant’ to the therapist for the rest of my working life. I’ve always wanted more, more accountability and more responsibility, and this dreary job was a dead end.
Image: Laura Ranola (@lauranola)
After making this risky life change, I now have that quality time with my children. I work when I want to, and still make it to my children’s school events.
I’ve finally been able to return to university to finish the degree that I’ve put on hold for many years. The vision is big, but it’ll come. Ina few year’s time, I’ll be ready to combine education with services of holistic health, beauty, skin, and lymphedema. I’ve finally found a path that has allowed me to pursue my passion for health and passion for helping others.
Moral of the story: BALANCE YOUR LIFE! If you have kids, set an example you’re proud of! Show them that hard work requires dedication, but also show them that quality time is your most precious gift. Don’t wait until you burn out and feel sorry for yourself. Get up, learn, and do what you want for a better tomorrow.
The sky is the limit - stay motivated! ☺
