I started my work life as a healthcare professional. It was a pretty typical salaried 9-5 type of role. At the time, 'working from home' was not a part of everyday language. Nobody did it. You were either reporting to work, or you were at home because you were sick, had a sick child, or you were electively taking a vacation day. The rigidity and routine were both equally soul-sucking. My coworkers seemed like zombies, counting down their days until retirement and doing whatever they could to push back on the system, which generally included doing the bare minimum. I lasted exactly 4 years, flipping from role to role under that corporate umbrella before realizing how vitally important freedom and autonomy were to my job satisfaction and overall happiness. I told my boss to take that job and shove it (in a totally nice and professional way), despite the 7 years of university it took to get me there, and in spite of the discouragement of those around me.

"What about your pension?" They would say.

"You're throwing away your job security?!"

The shock in their voices was palpable.

But the truth is, they were the only ones who were frightened. For me, staying in a bureaucratic role that left me feeling punished was frightening. I have never truly understood valuing things like job security and money over everyday happiness. I grew up in a middle-class household of 9 to 5ers. My parents lived for the weekends. They put in work time like it was a jail sentence. A sacrifice. A duty.

And while I would agree that as adults we have a duty to provide for ourselves and our families, I think we can easily forget the scenario where we are able to thrive and live fulfilling lives simultaneously. One shouldn't cost you the other.