That inspired me to write a blog entry called “The Rat Race” which I wrote in a private blog at that time. I shared with my friend the link to that article to substantiate my claim that, even though I was an introvert, I craved a life of adventure.

Then again, when I read that article again, I realized that I was such an overthinker and self-doubter. In the end, however, I decided not to push through with my plans. I soon realized that staying put was probably the best decision because of the things that happened next in my life.

In any case, I’m sharing that article again here. I wrote it on July 31, 2011.

***

Ah….the rat race. this term or adjective has been swirling around my head for the past two weeks or so.

Some weekends ago, I read the blog of an old acquaintance and was surprised to find out that she has already left her job at the turn of the year to pursue a path much, much different from her previous job. she has already left the rat race.

I was quite surprised because I once got the impression that was one of those people who will do whatever it takes to reach the top. more than this, I felt a bit envious because she had the option to leave the fast-paced corporate world. 

I also once planned to turn my back on the rat race but after much deliberation, I realized that it wasn’t feasible. obviously, I need money. I need to earn as much as I can for myself, my parents, and my future family. I have little choice but to face the everyday stress, the irate bosses, the hard-to-understand colleagues, and the jam-packed MRT, among other things.

I can choose to leave but that means chickening out for me, letting go of my dreams, and being impractical. on the other hand, if I could have it my way, I would like to take photographs, maybe do films, travel, or be in WWF or Haribon to take care of the environment. but, as I’ve said, that’s not practical. I need the money, I need to save up. I cannot just leave my parents because they also don’t have much.

I have made this work in the past and I will continue to make it work. it’s all a matter of managing stress and finding happiness and a sense of adventure each day to get me through the amazing rat race.

***

I was such as scatterbrain when I wrote this article, in my opinion. I was full of contradictions and my indecisiveness clearly manifested itself in my words. 

The many years that passed honestly did a lot of good to me; I matured, I gained a different perspective in life, and I learned to handle situations with more grit (and self-worth). To be honest, I still dream of going on adventures. This time though, it will be with my family.

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