January 9, 2015

2014 | THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

At the beginning of 2014, I had a comfortable finance job at one of the big four. I told you a bit about it in this video. I've had this job since I was 19 and to be in such a position even before I had a university degree was pretty cool. As I got to know myself better and realized what I wanted to do with my life, it became clear that it wasn't the right path for me. I wasn't happy because it wasn't where I wanted to be; but I hadn't for one second contemplated the fact that I could be elsewhere. I enjoyed my life thoroughly; except for the many hours that I spent at work everyday. It wasn't until about May that I realized that that was too much time. It's also important to remember that I wasn't exactly miserable- I'm the girl who knows how to be happy even when she is sad.I remember the first time that I really started to consider whether I was doing the right thing was on my trip to Thailand.

When I travel, I always spend a lot of time thinking about life. I think about where I am and want to be and plan how to get there. I'm the dreamy type- the one who stares at the sunset and channels all that beautiful energy into daydreams about how I can make my life more beautiful; how I can make a difference; the legacy I want to leave; all that stuff. I began to get very upset that I was spending so much of my life building a career in an industry that wasn’t part of my story. I’m lucky that I’m the person who knows exactly where I want to be and exactly what I want to do. But, is it not crazy to know that and not violently pursue that? I have huge plans; so huge that they often scare me. I was building a great career but I wasn’t in control of my life.

I’ve always been the person who talks about how important it is to be happy, to follow your heart and to follow your dreams. Somehow, I had ended up the person who was following a great dream but one that wasn’t actually mine. It was so hard for me to tell anyone I felt this way. My parents were incredibly proud of me and so were all their friends. I finally gathered the courage to tell my mum that I needed to leave this job and follow my heart. Surprisingly, she didn’t freak out. But that was because she didn’t actually believe me- she didn’t think that I was actually prepared to leave it all behind. We had made an agreement when I made the difficult decision to follow this path instead of my original plan; that I wasn’t going to look back at what could have been. But, I wasn't looking back at what could have been. I was looking at the future and new possibilities that I never contemplated.
When she realised that I was serious, she was not having it. And for the first time in my life, I was rebellious. I sent my mum a hurtful text saying that I had made up my mind and was going to make this change with or without her support. Little did I know that my mum was going to end up believing in me even more than I believed in myself.Fast forward to finally leaving. I had a plan. A plan and a back up plan and another plan to back up that plan. When it comes to my life, my career and my goals, I am not spontaneous. I think it all through and I'm not a rockstar. But, it turns out that getting into what I wanted to do was not going to be as easy as I thought. I began to doubt myself seriously. I didn’t regret leaving my job- I didn’t hate life every Sunday night and I was finally chasing my dreams. But, I realized that I had completely underestimated the challenge ahead. Through it all, my support system has continued to convince me that I made the right decision and that I will be successful in what I want to do.Towards the end of December, I received that e-mail. It looked like I had finally gotten my big break and I was ecstatic. As these things happen, that ship sailed, and I wasn't on it. I haven't been so upset in a very long time. I was ready to start 2015 talking about the massive risk I took and how it all fell into place once I made that leap.This post was meant to be telling you guys how I gave it all up; a prestigious career, a better salary and a stable lifestyle, to follow my dreams. About how it paid off. About how I'm finally where I want to be, where I should be. That is not the case.And you know what? I would do it all over again. 2014 was the year that changed everything. My mum and I have this thing where when something doesn't go our way, we say 'oh well, that's another chapter in the story'. I'm not one of those really fortunate people who everything seems to fall in place for- very few of the most successful people are. I have a story- a story of hard work, victory, failure, more failure and that will ultimately end up in more victory than I could have ever imagined. If I was ever to write an autobiography, it's these risks and these moments of failure that would make it interesting. The most exciting thing is that I can just come back to this blog where I have documented the journey, and put it all into my book.2015 is going to be the year that makes all the change worth it. I already wake up with a different energy- the type that means that I won't stop until I'm exactly where I want to be.

And that's what was missing when I wasn't living life on my own terms.

I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love you showed to my blog in 2014- it was a great year for the blog and definitely the year where I've seen the most growth so far. If I never had this blog, I would never have made the change. It is through this blog that I have realized what I want to do in life and it is through you that this blog even matters.

My loves, in 2015, 'I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find you're not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again'.

And I hope that you're able to add a few great chapters to your story.

Photos by Marianne, Ohi and Me
I was wearing:

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30 thoughts on “2014 | THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING”

  1. coralie says:

    Oh Girl thank you!!! I am going through the same thing right now and this post is so inspiring

  2. Bless you, Fisayo. I understand what you’re going through and this post almost made me cry because of how much similar our situations are. Be strong, girl! The best is yet to come 🙂

    Lots of love,
    Ashan-wa

    http://misslaja.blogspot.com

  3. Louisa says:

    Oh wow! What a breath of fresh air. Just like you, I contemplate where I am and where I want to be. Sadly, I’ve been unable to take that BOLD step (like you) as I feel like I’m in a tight corner for a few years. Thanks girl!!

    Louisa
    http://lapassionvoutee.blogspot.com/

  4. Fadekemi says:

    This has to be one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever read and it was such a great start to my day! I follow your blog religiously and looking back, I’m in awe of how much you’ve grown! I pray it all pays off and that 2015 gives you many reasons to celebrate love, life and big risks taken!xxxxx

  5. Annette says:

    Such an inspirational read. Well written & Amazing photography. Wishing you all the best Fisayo in achieving all you can for 2015!!!

    http://www.annette-hothappenings.co.uk

    http://instagram.com/darknlovely2086

  6. Debby says:

    This post is exactly reminiscence of my life in 2014. I also left a well paid job because I wasn’t happy with the amount of time spent at work and I felt my family, especially my children were paying the price of my absence. I took that leap, left the job to pursue a new career which required me to go back into education full-time; which means that my family will have some financial setbacks. However we are a lot more happier and I have never looked back, certainly no regrets. I wish you success in all your future endeavours, always remember that gratitude breaks every wall.
    http://www.fashlovesmarsh.com

  7. T! says:

    So I read this post, thinking to find a great story… just like you predicted, but instead, I found my life story. I didn’t exactly give up a job, but I gave up potential jobs, I gave up alot of things tbh, because they just didn’t hold any sense of fulfilment or happiness. And while everyone says, yeah, but you NEED money… Good family and friends are getting me by more than when I was working.
    I love love love that you’re chasing your dream… and I can TOTALLY relate on the struggle of things not being as easy as we thought they were. Amen to 2015 coming all together. I pray so for myself too.

    Also… I LOVE your fashion style. It’s a little expensive for me, but I’m a GREAT bargain hunter. What size are you? I wanna know if I’m far fetched in imitating some of these outfits.

  8. Tola says:

    Fisayo, I had been impatiently waiting for your first post in 2015 and this was certainly worth the wait! You’re absolutely awe-inspiring! I pray you find success and contentment in 2015!

    Look forward to what you have up your sleeve in 2015. It’s going to be great! xxx

  9. Jenn says:

    Really proud of you for baring your soul and sharing this. Today, you are voice for a lot of us and the daily struggles that echoes in our minds. The struggle of spending so much energy doing what we ‘need’ or ‘have’ to do as opposed to what we really “want’ to do. Hopefully, you get to live those dreams, and like you I hope to get the courage and freedom to follow mine.

    http://www.cranberrytantrum.blogspot.com

  10. Unoma says:

    You are so brave! Surely your efforts will be crowned with success. x

  11. Lily says:

    Even though I miss you like crazy at work, I truly believe you are where you are meant to be, and on the right path to following your dreams. It takes so much courage to leave that grey life behind, but we always said you were too creative and talented to be stuck in the world of finance. I hope 2015 is the year the world realises what a genuine star you are. Even though I miss the colour that you brought into my work life, I’m so incredibly proud of you. Never give up and never doubt yourself, remember God gave you this talent for a reason. You’ve taken that giant leap, now enjoy learning to fly xx

  12. Anon says:

    … Thank you for this.
    Thank you.

    I hope 2015 will give you all you wish for. . And more.

  13. tensy says:

    Fisayo! Thank you for sharing.. it must have been extremely difficult to do this. I went through something similar around 2012/2013 and I still can’t speak about it with people outside my family because I’m scared of being judged lol. So thumbs up for your bravery, and may your leap of faith come with a smooth flight and soft landing.

    This post just inspired me to apply for a few jobs that I’ve always thought and still think I can never get and follow my dreams, If I get it cool, If I don’t cool! At least I tried.

    God bless you and continue to open doors for you through out 2015.

    Ps:I love your wordy posts and your vlogs, wish you’ll do more of them 🙂

  14. shannette says:

    Im so happy for u and i know that you will prevail sooner than you think.
    Beautiful looks. I love them all.
    http://www.fashionobsessher.blogspot.com

  15. Wow! I feel like I know you, like a sister! I applaud you for this and I wish you all the best. Never give up on your dreams no matter what. All the best

  16. Daniella says:

    Everything about this post is so beautifully inspiring me dear Fisayo! Your strength, honesty and determination is sure to strike a cord in anyone who reads this, in the same way it has for me. You have a beautiful soul.

    Take care

    Daniella xox

  17. Abi says:

    Wow! I’m prouder of you now than I’ve ever been. …….but what if you fly? Fly you will, without a doubt!

  18. s says:

    This was such an inspiring post, i felt connected to you as i went through a similar experience when i decided to leave medical school and follow another path but i’m in a much happier place and i applaud you for your bravery Fis. God would crown your hard work and efforts, just watch.

  19. Halima Lucy says:

    I totally relate to this. I quit my job as well without a back up and it was one of the best decisions I made for myself. It was a scary time, I had rent to pay and no money coming in. I finally got a job 3 months later and although I’m not were I want to be yet, I’m hopefully I will get there. Never give up on your dreams.

    http://www.lucywachowe.co.uk

  20. Bellajoya says:

    Life has a way of taking us on paths we never expect, or want. But in the end there will be a story. I wish you the best of luck..

  21. PRISCILLA says:

    wow!! Thank you so much for sharing. And i am glad you have a great support system behind you because it means a lot. I wish you nothing but the best in whatever you decide to do. Whatever it is, do it with passion and the rewards will follow. God bless you this year and the ones to come. Amen.

  22. Tega Enai says:

    Hey! Thanks for sharing. I think am at that point in my life where i haven’t still decided what i really want to do. I tell you it takes the grace of God for one to make a decision between building a career and doing what you love. Most times we cant even figure out what we really passionate about. But God would definitely show us the light.
    You truly an inspiration. I wish you the best

  23. Petite Diva says:

    It would get better. I know it will. Just believe and hold on. I wish you a blessed 2015. By the way your blog is amazing…..

    http://journalofapetitediva.blogspot.com

  24. chuqqy says:

    Hello Fisayo.

    A very happy new year to you. i love this post , so happy you have chosen to follow your dreams. i certainly admire your resilience and i know you will make it happen :).

    “it is time to start living the life you have imagined.” – Henry James

    “Everything you want is just outside of your comfort zone. “- Robert Allen

  25. Honestly, what you did was very brave. Not everyone can leave it ‘all’ behind and really do what they love. I pray things only get better for you now. xx

    http://www.tomilolaescada.com

  26. Grace says:

    Hi Hun

    thanks for your honesty. I think 2014 was a year most people realised to chase their heart and not the norm. I equally had this realization last year and gave in my notice. Most agents claim I made a mistake. I will not sit here and say what if.

    Follow your dreams and not others. God bless you all.

  27. Sola Fagbemi says:

    “2015 is going to be the year that makes all the change worth it.” I hope that was what it was for you.
    You truly inspire me girl !

    http://www.solafagbemi.wordpress.com

    1. Fisayo Longe says:

      Thank you Sola! It did actually! 🙂

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