Why I Walked Away From a $250K Job—The 3 Fears I Had to Overcome

Episode Summary:

Have you ever felt trapped in a job that looked perfect on paper but left you dreading Monday mornings? That was me, sitting in a coveted role that paid $250,000 a year. Leaving that job was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But six months later, I’ve gained clarity on why I left—and the fears I had to overcome to do so.

In this blog, I’ll share my journey, the lessons I learned, and practical advice for anyone considering a similar leap. Let’s dive into the three fears that kept me stuck and how I conquered them.

The Fear of Money

Let’s be real: money is a big deal. We need it to pay bills, save, and invest for the future. For me, the fear of leaving such a high-paying job was amplified by childhood memories of financial struggle. My parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines, worked tirelessly but lived paycheck to paycheck. I vowed never to let money be a source of stress in my life.

That’s why I prioritized saving and investing throughout my career. I automated my finances, saved or invested 50% of my income, and built a sizable portfolio in stocks and real estate. By the time I considered quitting, I realized I had achieved what the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community calls “Coast FIRE”—enough assets to coast toward retirement without needing to save another penny.

Key Takeaway:

If you’re thinking about quitting your job, make sure your finances are solid. Start saving and investing early, automate your finances, and live below your means. Money is a tool, and it should give you options, not hold you hostage.

The Fear of Reputation

In our work-obsessed culture, your job title and income often define your worth. I feared losing my identity as a high-income professional. Would people respect me if I wasn’t climbing the corporate ladder? Would my family and friends judge me?

But here’s what I learned: your job doesn’t define you. When I finally let go of this fear, I found that no one cared as much as I thought they would. In fact, my loved ones supported me, and others admired my courage.

Key Takeaway:

Your self-worth isn’t tied to your job. Focus on living a life that inspires you, not one that conforms to societal expectations.

The Fear of Failure

What if I quit and failed as a real estate investor? What if my content creation flopped? These “what ifs” haunted me. But then I imagined myself at 80, reflecting on my life. Would I regret staying in a job I hated, or would I regret taking a chance on something I loved? The answer was clear.

Failure is a possibility, but so is success. I decided to bet on myself, knowing that even if I stumbled, I’d learn and grow.

Key Takeaway:

Fear of failure is normal, but don’t let it paralyze you. Take calculated risks and trust yourself to figure things out.

How Life Looks Now

After leaving my corporate job, I’ve started living a life more aligned with my passions. Here’s what’s changed:

• Real Estate: I bought and launched a luxury Airbnb on a lakefront property, and it’s thriving.

• Content Creation: I’m focused on sharing high-quality financial freedom content through YouTube, Instagram, and my podcast, Financial Freedom Fighters.

• Fulfillment: I’m working at a small real estate investment firm where I feel energized and impactful.

Despite earning less, my financial situation is thriving because I built a strong foundation. My net worth has even increased by $100K since I left my job.

Should You Quit Your Job?

Leaving a job isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. If you’re in your 20s, focus on building skills, saving, and investing. But if you’ve built a strong financial foundation and know what you want to pursue, it might be time to take the leap.

Remember, money is a tool to create options. The earlier you start playing the money game right, the sooner you can create a life of freedom.

Want to Take the Next Step in Your Real Estate Journey?

If this post resonated with you, let’s connect! Find me on Instagram @cashflowsaga to chat about your financial freedom goals—I’d love to help however I can.

Looking for more resources? Download my free investing tools or explore my 1:1 coaching program, Rental Property Investing 101, to fast-track your success.

Stay committed to the journey, my friend. Your future self will thank you! 🚀