Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeGolangQuitting the Rat Race - Seán Barry

Quitting the Rat Race – Seán Barry


Some readers could also be accustomed to the cartoon “Happiness” by Steve Cutts. Should you’re not, it’s embedded under. Please take 4 minutes to provide it a watch should you haven’t already:

Across the 30 second mark is a scene the place the protaganist rat is ready for a prepare to reach at a packed platform. I lately had a sobering realisation whereas standing ready on the platform for the Waterloo & Metropolis Line: this had grow to be my life.

I grew up in one of many least densely populated components of the UK. My childhood was a cheerful one: filled with timber, hills, mountains, lakes, seashores, and the entire adventures to be present in such locations. I now reside in probably the most nature depleted components of an already nature depleted nation.

There’s a lot noise within the metropolis round me: planes approaching Heathrow, scooters whizzing round to ship baggage of quick meals, vehicles revving whereas breaking the velocity restrict to get to the following pink gentle, individuals enjoying music out loud whereas travelling and rowdy teams heading residence from the pub.

Once I cycle I must cycle via kilometre after kilometre of city jungle earlier than I see something resembling a area. Once I run I’ve to cease continuously to cross harmful roads. I’m continually conscious that the air I’m respiratory is polluted and the water I drink has been recycled many instances.

I’m presently working at a high tier funding financial institution as a software program engineer. I’m an insignificant cog in a machine that skims the cream from the milk. I’m incomes essentially the most cash I’ve ever made and but I’m the least fulfilled I’ve ever been.

Nearly every thing round me is designed to addict me. Each storefront particularly engineered to draw me inside with gimics like flashing lights. There are numerous locations I can go to purchase experiences – simulations purported to launch some chemical compounds in my mind and provides me a thrill.

The reality is: nothing I’ve accomplished or skilled on this place has given me any expertise similar to strolling alongside the ridge between two mountains. Nothing has made me really feel alive like getting in to freezing chilly water regardless of my physique screaming at me to not. Nothing has made me really feel something like that feeling if you summit a mountain after 2 hours of stable climbing within the rain, and the clouds half to disclose essentially the most spectacular and breathtaking view you’ve ever seen.

The perfect half about these issues is that there isn’t any reserving system. There isn’t a door safety selecting who will get in as a result of there isn’t any door. It’s all there, able to be skilled, and free.

Proper now within the UK and the world over, issues are unsure. Corporations are laying employees off, there’s a value of residing and vitality disaster. I’m excruciatingly fortunate to have been in the correct place on the proper time to develop the skillset I’ve received. In instances like these each sign is telling me to remain on the trail I’m on, having fun with the consolation and security of a excessive paying job.

I’m not going to hear. I’m quitting and I’m leaving this place. I’ll see you within the mountains.

Swimming in freezing water

The most beautiful place I've been

On the ridge

If this resonated with you – attain out to me on Twitter – @SeanBarryUK.

Up to date on 18th January 2023:
I wrote a comply with as much as this publish: What Does Quitting the Rat Race Imply to Me?



RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments