Chapter 1: The Turning Point

In September 2019, as I was concluding my workday, I received an unexpected summons from the Head of Department (HOD). I assumed it was a typical meeting, but upon entering, I was taken aback to see the entire civil engineering department gathered. I quietly took a seat at the back, feeling out of place as the youngest professor at NIT Silchar.

Most of my colleagues only exchanged obligatory greetings with me, so I leaned over to the geotechnology professor nearby and inquired about the meeting's purpose. He informed me that we were evaluating the scores from a test conducted earlier that day, and the HOD had requested everyone's assistance.

What ensued was a tedious three-hour session of clerical work that could have been completed in a mere 20 minutes. The combination of following the HOD’s directives and engaging in friendly chatter caused the process to drag on. This delay cut into my workout time and left me too fatigued to write.

Typically, I dedicated my days from 8 AM to 5 PM to the department, reserving my evenings for exercise and writing. But that day, I managed neither. Instead, I sat surrounded by colleagues, some in their late 30s to 50s, debating how to grade test papers. It struck me that they were all settled in their roles, enjoying stable incomes and societal respect, yet seemingly trapped in a monotonous routine dictated by government regulations that stifled creativity.

At 28, I found myself contemplating a future where I, too, could be stuck in such a cycle, confined to the same location and unable to pursue my true passions. The thought was disheartening.

Chapter 2: The Catalyst for Change

My desire to explore a writing career was also fueled by my past experiences. Since 2014, I had been actively writing on Quora, earning the Top Writer distinction in 2016, which was a significant achievement. During that time, my follower count surged, and I felt invincible.

However, when I began my job in 2016, my writing frequency dwindled to a mere few answers a month, and my follower growth stagnated. This was a painful realization, but it taught me a crucial lesson: when opportunities arise, seize them wholeheartedly to cultivate a sustainable income.

Fast forward to 2019, I finally began earning from my writing endeavors. Making $20 from an article felt monumental, and I was determined not to let that momentum slip away. I recognized that if I could dedicate myself fully to writing, I could establish a legacy I would be proud of.

I committed to my job while also allocating two hours daily to writing. The pandemic granted me extra time, allowing my writing to flourish. By December 2020, my writing income surpassed my salary from my day job. It was a pivotal moment that filled me with both excitement and apprehension.

Despite the security of my well-paying job, I made a promise: if I could consistently earn more from writing than my job for six months, I would resign. In September 2021, I embraced the leap into full-time writing.

Chapter 3: Embracing Uncertainty

As I reflect on my journey three years into self-employment, I find it liberating and rewarding. While there have been stressful months, the good ones provide ample earnings that could sustain me for the year if necessary. The path is uncertain, but it is filled with fulfillment.

There are no fixed salaries, yet the thrill of knowing that my efforts directly contribute to my growth and income is exhilarating. I have managed to create a routine that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic, typically limiting my work to 3-4 hours a day, five days a week.

I wouldn’t trade this newfound freedom for anything. Looking back, I understand my fears about leaving my stable job were valid, but they led me to a crucial realization: when feeling stuck, one can either remain stagnant or initiate change.

Change can be daunting, filled with self-doubt, but if you persist in showing up for yourself, you will not regress. Being intentional about your goals and taking that leap of faith can lead to transformative experiences.

One fateful day in 2019, I recognized that I had fallen out of love with my job. The decision to alter my career trajectory was challenging, but it ultimately made all the difference.

Chapter 4: The Power of Change

This video discusses strategies for reigniting passion when it seems lost in your career. It emphasizes that quitting isn’t failure, but rather a necessary redirection.

In this video, the creator shares their personal journey of overcoming creative burnout and offers insights on how to heal and rekindle your passion for work.

I’ve also recently launched "Freelance Superheroes," a training program designed to assist writers in monetizing their craft while balancing their current jobs. This initiative aims to help individuals attract clients beyond traditional platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, empowering them to become indispensable in their field.