I almost said yes to a comfortable pay-check.
My chest said no.
A few weeks ago, I was on a call about engineering work I know inside out.
Safe. Familiar. Well-paid.
But as the conversation went on, I felt it — that old tightness in my chest. A flashback to projects where I wasn’t sure if I was protecting people, or just trimming numbers to fit a budget.
When the call ended, I didn’t say yes.
I closed my laptop, took a breath, and opened my journal. I wrote:
“It’s scary, but I want to try making a living from what I enjoy — and what truly benefits me, my family, and others.”
Eight months in, I’ve explored potential opportunities that align with my priorities — but each time I run the numbers, the old salary still echoes in my head.
But still, this is the path I’m walking — for now.
How do you stay aligned with your values when work pulls in the other direction?
