Hi there. Your post has attracted me for a number of reasons. I resigned from my last job some three years ago after I discovered my stress in the job was caused by a CEO who was arrogant, abusive and a bully. Although he saw me as his shining light, as his staff person, I felt a real sense of achievement to call into his office early one morning without an appointment and asked to speak to him. He tried to brush me off by saying make an appointment with his secretary. I refused and told him I was giving notice to leave, as I had had enough of his disrespect for others, and if I stayed any longer, I would possibly punch his lights out. Although I am not violent and usually very cautious about what I say, it was a huge relief and to this day, I feel very happy with my decision.
It was the first time I took control of my life, rather than let friends, family and career run me.
I had no future plans but have taken the time to focus on things that really interest me, inclusding working with those less fortunate than myself, and feel at my best when achieving things for others, without all the usual plaudits and money rewards.
I too have been told I am useless, worthless, etc etc, mostly by family and my ex wife. My children make very little effort to maintain contact with me, which saddens me, but instead of wallowing in these feelings, it drives me even more to reach out to others both here and overseas.
It is important to find something you care about, no matter how trivial or initially unrealistic it may seem at first, and follow your heart. You only have one life and it is important that this gift is cherished and used in the most positive way possible.
I have a saying which I love:
Twenty years from now you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw
off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your
sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." –Mark Twain
