Nothing could be more terrifying than leaving the familiar for the uncertain. And yet, we do it. As I begin a new chapter in my career, I am excited and hopeful and terrified all at the same time.

After nine long years, I have decided to leave my full-time job to chase after more creative pursuits. It’s a decision that took months in the making. In the end, the call to go back to my writing roots and to build a life less anchored on professional titles was too strong to ignore.

I have spent the last couple of weeks preparing for my exit. It has been bittersweet handing over bits and pieces of what I had built over the years. At the same time, it has been freeing. Somehow, it just feels right.

While I cannot predict nor control the future, I can be certain of some things: I am determined. I am tenacious. I am skilled, and I am disciplined. All these I hold on to when doubts start creeping in.

This time, it’s different too. I am no longer a struggling twentysomething needing to work three or four jobs to pay rent. I have paid my dues. I have earned my keep. After working nonstop for the past 14 years, I can say without guilt that I deserve to forge a new path.

I look forward to new challenges. I anticipate both highs and lows. Most of all, I am excited for the chance to rest and reset.

I want to take advantage of these changes to create a life that’s more balanced. In recent years, I have been so consumed by my workplace and domestic duties that I have set myself aside. I miss doing things for myself, and I cannot wait to get back to the activities that brought me so much joy. I hope to write more, cook more, move more, read more, travel more, sleep more—all the fun things!

At the end of the day, I am incredibly proud of myself for making this tough decision. There’s nowhere else to go but forward, onto the next chapter.