Thread by @ItsKieranDrew

Why I quit my $150k Job as a Cosmetic Dentist to Become a Writer

=THREAD=

My hands shook as I walked into my boss’s office.

In 24 hours, I would be starting a new role at a great clinic.

I was 29 years old.

And about to quit my career.

My boss was disappointed.

My friends were shocked.

My family concerned.

Dentistry isn’t a career you walk away from.

(Well, according to them)...

But here’s why I did:

Sometimes, you can be in the right job for the wrong reasons.

For me, that meant money.

Security.

Status.

The things society tells you to want.

But it’s easy to get wrapped up in the rat race.

And forget why you run in the first place.

I believed that fulfilment was monetized.

That if you have money in the bank,

You’re doing well.

And trading time to make that happen is worth every second.

But then I found @naval,

And discovered just how wrong I was.

See, we’re at the early stage of the digital age.

People are realizing they are more than their 9-5.

That online, creativity and curiosity is rewarded.

And if you’re willing to put in the work,

And follow what you believe in,

You can be free.

Society doesn’t encourage this journey.

We've normalized working jobs we tolerate to afford lifestyles we don’t need.

You are different if you decide not to play the game.

If you choose purpose over a paycheck.

And different is dangerous.

But life is too short for the wrong career.

It needs to fulfil you.

It needs to inspire you.

It needs to be aligned with who you are and what you want to achieve.

Because if it doesn’t, you will never truly be free.

Like @dvassallo says,

"Only intrinsic motivation lasts"

It’s not easy to embrace uncertainty & put in the work to make a change.

But things worth doing rarely are.

See, people think purpose is found.

But to find implies it’s lost.

It doesn't exist. It isn't waiting for you.

You need to create it.

You do that through struggle.

You have something that makes you special.

An attitude. A talent. A story.

Something you believe in.

And you need to give your energy toward it.

To fuel the flame and let it grow.

Because change will never come through inaction.

This doesn't mean quitting your job tomorrow.

Like @jackbutcher says, you hedge your bets.

So, find something you love to do.

Not for status or external validation,

But for curiosity and passion.

And give yourself to it.

People may say you’re being silly.

That you need to be realistic.

That the internet is a ‘pipedream’

The truth?

Goals are only silly until they are achieved.

It may take years,

But as Epictetus says, there's no greater goal than freedom.

Because then you can begin to live.

@Naval said happiness is a choice.

But that’s inaccurate.

It’s a daily decision to ignore the easy path.

To push toward something more.

To pursue purpose and choose meaning over money.

So, put in the work. Focus on your dream.

Build a life you don’t need to retire from.

Thanks for reading.

If you enjoyed this:

1. Follow me @itskierandrew & come along for the journey. I'll help you write well and pursue a life of meaning - because I'm doing the same.
2. Check out a bit of my story:

https://twitter.com/ItsKieranDrew/status/1428038290804981761

TL;DR

Life ain't all about the money.

Find something you love to do and make that your purpose.

Understanding your direction is tough.

I've put together a series of questions and exercises that explore what it is you live for.

It helped me with my own path - it might help you with yours.

Get it here free 👇

purpose-workbook.carrd.co