I walked away from my high-paying job for a simpler life. Here’s why I feel happier than ever

I used to believe that happiness was tied to a prestigious position, a fat paycheck, and all the fancy trimmings that came with it. 

I climbed the corporate ladder, rubbing shoulders with executives and making decisions that influenced entire departments. 

Yet, I felt hollow. There was a constant tug in my gut, telling me there must be more to life than this endless pursuit of numbers and status.

So I walked away.

It wasn’t a spontaneous leap off a cliff; it was more like a steady walk toward a horizon that promised something richer in meaning. 

People thought I was nuts—why let go of all that security? But the truth is, it never felt secure.

My mind was always spinning, my soul in constant doubt. Eventually, I realized that the security I craved wasn’t financial. It was a sense of inner peace.

Here’s a glimpse into why leaving that high-paying role was the best decision I’ve ever made.

The moment I realized enough was enough

There was a specific day that burned itself into my memory. I was sitting in a meeting where everyone tossed around buzzwords like “synergy” and “streamlining” until they lost all meaning. 

My head started throbbing. I remember glancing at my watch and wondering how many more hours I had to endure before I could go home and breathe. 

Then it hit me: This is my life, and I’m wasting it counting down the hours.

I’d studied philosophy at university, intrigued by how ancient thinkers grappled with the question of what makes life worthwhile. 

It felt painfully ironic that I’d slipped into a routine that made every day feel like an obstacle course. 

That was the real spark. It wasn’t just about finding a new job or changing teams—I realized I wanted to change my entire trajectory.

Quitting didn’t happen instantly, but that day I started planning. I asked myself: What if I walked a different path altogether? 

That single question unraveled the threads tying me to the corporate world and set me on a journey that’s still unfolding.

Simplifying my routine, freeing my mind

When I finally stepped away from the long hours and rigid structure, I noticed something almost immediately: My brain had more space. 

Without back-to-back meetings, endless to-do lists, and the constant hum of office politics, there was room to think about who I actually wanted to be.

Simplifying my routine was like decluttering a messy apartment. 

First, I cut back on unnecessary commitments that had piled up. 

Then, I started focusing on the essentials—meditation in the morning, a slower breakfast, and dedicated blocks of time for deep work or creative exploration. 

Strangely enough, once I stripped away the noise, I found clarity. It became easier to identify which ideas lit me up and which ones were just distractions masquerading as opportunities.

I also discovered that creativity thrives in emptiness. When I minimized the tasks fighting for my attention, interesting thoughts popped up in those quiet moments.

Instead of drowning in emails and calendars, I could hear myself think.

That’s when I started creating content that felt genuine and exploring new projects that aligned with my values.

Breaking away from societal expectations

We’re all born into a set of narratives about what success should look like. 

Get a good job, earn a big salary, maybe buy a house with a white picket fence. 

I don’t hate those choices if they genuinely fulfill someone. But in my case, they felt like someone else’s script.

One day, I stumbled upon an insight from the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus: 

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” 

It nudged me to question what I truly wanted versus what I’d been told to want.

Walking away from a well-paying job made people around me uneasy. My friends were worried I’d regret leaving the security. 

But I couldn’t ignore the quiet conviction that this so-called security was overrated. 

I realized I’d much rather carve out my own sense of purpose than be held hostage by someone else’s definition of stability.

The tough part was shaking off the fear that I was somehow “falling behind.”

But the second I gave up competing in that race, I felt lighter. It’s not about being lazy or unambitious—it’s about directing your energy where it actually matters.

What I gained from letting go of status

Walking away definitely cost me more than just a big paycheck. I lost a certain standing in the eyes of my peers, or so I thought. 

In the corporate world, titles and salaries often define your worth. Without the fancy title, I wondered if people would take me seriously.

Surprisingly, the moment I let go of that concern, I noticed a refreshing sense of honesty creeping back into my relationships. 

People started connecting with me for who I was, not what I represented. It felt like a weight had been lifted.

I also discovered how deeply we tie our identities to our occupations. When someone would ask, “So, what do you do?” I used to have a polished answer about my job’s importance. 

Now, I’ll often reply with something like, “I explore ideas for a living,” or mention projects I’m passionate about. 

The questions that follow are more curious and open-ended. Instead of a superficial nod, people genuinely want to know what makes me tick.

That shift in dialogue opened the door to more meaningful connections. And ironically, those connections led to new opportunities—opportunities that aligned with my evolving sense of self.

Redefining success on my terms

For me, success is no longer about the size of my bank account or the brand name on my business card. 

It’s about waking up feeling a sense of purpose and going to bed knowing I used my time in a way that brings me closer to who I want to be.

After leaving my job, I started living as a minimalist—both in terms of my lifestyle and the projects I chose. 

I’ve been a digital nomad for a while now, working from different corners of the world and carrying only what fits in my backpack. 

This might sound extreme, but it’s taught me that freedom comes from recognizing how little we actually need to be content. Shifting my story from “I must have it all” to “I need what serves me” changed everything.

In this simpler life, I’ve found time to create courses and videos for my YouTube channel, “Wakeup Call,” which has become a place for me to share insights on independence, critical thinking, and self-discovery. 

These activities aren’t about chasing money; they’re about contributing to discussions that matter. And the more I focus on these fulfilling pursuits, the happier and more secure I feel.

Discovering a different kind of freedom

Freedom is a funny concept. We think we have it, but often we’re chained by routines, habits, and unexamined beliefs. 

Stepping away from a high-stress job has allowed me to see how much I was holding on to, simply because it was familiar.

It also taught me a crucial lesson: Time is the most valuable currency we have. 

Corporate perks and financial rewards pale in comparison to the ability to decide how your days unfold. 

I don’t have to ask for permission to travel, to experiment with a new project, or to spend an afternoon reading because it sparks my curiosity. That sense of ownership over my time is priceless.

I won’t lie and say it’s always easy. There have been moments when the uncertainty felt daunting. 

But in those moments, I remind myself that real freedom includes the freedom to choose risk, to bet on yourself, and to grow through adversity. 

That perspective has made me more adaptable and, surprisingly, more grateful.

Conclusion

Walking away from that job wasn’t just about rejecting a paycheck. It was about reclaiming the one thing I can never earn back if I lose it: my time. 

Yes, life feels simpler now, but that simplicity comes with a profound depth I never found in the corporate hustle.

I no longer measure my worth by external markers—I measure it by how true I am to myself.

I’ve gained freedom, clarity, and a sense of purpose that doesn’t hinge on impressing anyone. And there’s a joy in that which can’t be faked or bought. 

If you’re reading this and feeling that same itch to break away, I’m not here to promise a fairy-tale ending. 

But I can say, from experience, that the reward is the unshakable sense that you’re finally living a life that’s yours.

And to me, that’s worth more than any paycheck could ever provide.