With nearly two decades of experience in various fields, including health and real estate, I never imagined that the fire of my passion and drive would die out and become chaff.

My career journey can be likened to a roller coaster ride filled with exhilarating highs and frightening lows. I recall receiving my first pay cheque when I was only 18 years old. Since then, I have experienced carving a table of my own and fighting to sit at other people's tables.

I have always viewed my passion as either a match that, once struck, lit up a fire or, in other instances, it burnt so much that it turned into a wildfire. In my sphere of influence, I've been considered a go-getter — someone who makes something out of nothing. Afterall, I have the portfolio to prove it. Despite life's pitfalls, I have built a career based more on talent, skill, and experience than qualifications. That's not to say there's no room to learn and acquire the necessary papers, but if turning lemons into lemonade were a person, I would consider myself the epitome. With every job role, there's been self-discovery and personal development. That's the real flame. 

When I joined Kernel Corporation, it was a dream come true. The offer of a good salary and benefits came at a challenging time in my life and changed my career trajectory. I had the opportunity to showcase my skills and add value to a renowned company. The excitement of building a brand and spearheading the creative aspect gave me a great zest for work. My brain was constantly in overdrive as I couldn't wait to share my brilliant concepts to meet the company's targeted bottom line and increase brand awareness. I was literally on fire!  

The first year and a half was quite decent. There was mutual respect, and I was offered many opportunities to grow. My working relationship with my immediate superior was amicable and cooperative. However, I also had to work directly with the company's CEO. And when it came to the CEO, the working dynamic included a lot of tip-toeing to avoid intimidation, threats, humiliation, and hours of apologizing.

In the fast-paced world of professional life, we often encounter unforeseen trials that test our resilience and determination. The day I was notified of my immediate contract termination, I felt a certain freedom. I had been set free from more than just a season but years marred by a toxic workplace. I knew I had suffered from burnout when I became apathetic towards a role I was once passionate about. 

Burnout is defined as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to excessive, prolonged stress. Within the silence of my head space, I battled with verbal abuse and a toxic work environment. Imagine being reduced to the level of a toddler—being screamed at and threatened as if you didn't know what you went to work for. The relentless pressure and unkind words took a toll on my mental well-being, leading to sleepless nights and constant anxiety. The fear of failure and dismissal haunted my mornings, casting a dark shadow over my professional aspirations. I woke up with dread and went to bed relieved that I still had a pay-cheque. 

The demands of my job pushed me beyond my limits till I reached a breaking point. The signs of burnout were undeniable, and my physical and mental health suffered greatly. I recall the one day that I broke down and cried in my office due to the overwhelming pressure. I realized that sacrificing my well-being in the pursuit of success was a misguided approach, but I had bills to pay. My own personal fears of becoming homeless, going hungry, and failing to care for my family made me stay. I went to the extent of having a dedicated ringtone for my boss on my phone that would serve as a siren to warn me of what's to come, especially after hours. When that ringtone came on, I would make a crucifix and pray for a wise response that wouldn't rile up my boss and get me fired. 

Through my arduous journey, I gained invaluable insights and wisdom that I can now share with others facing similar challenges. I learned the importance of self-care and boundaries.I didn't have a social life. Furthermore, I didn't date. I rarely enjoyed social scenes without being on my mobile phone all the time, working. To remedy the situation, I began pre-scheduling my work and automating emails. I would then notify my boss in advance of the work’s completion, and I will be offline after 8 p.m. This boundary was often not respected; however, I found some days when I could rest or enjoy watching television. 

Success or money should not come at the expense of one's personal happiness and well-being. A high-paying job entailed by a toxic work environment, in the long run, kills your self-esteem and peace of mind and can take a toll on your overall health. It is essential to reassess priorities, identify values, and align them with career choices. 

I will not lie; I do miss my former colleagues. To a greater extent, my coworkers felt like family. We covered up for one another with the spirit that nobody should ever go home. I miss the camaraderie of office life. I had spent most of my days and part of my weekends at work. I also miss my decent salary with some beneficial perks. I did try to live a somewhat 'middle-class' life. However, I wouldn't trade my peace of mind. 

The lesson that I have learned since joining a much healthier workplace is that your mental health is your greatest wealth. I stand as a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of personal growth. My experiences have shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate individual dedicated to fostering positive change in the professional world. A positive work environment includes emotionally intelligent leaders, cooperation amongst workmates, and a system that ensures a work-life balance.