The Fear of Change When You Don’t Have Personal Projects

Seven years ago, I worked for one of the biggest companies in my country. It was a stable job, with a good salary and benefits, but every day, I felt a lingering fear deep inside me, what would happen if the company decided to terminate my contract? The thought haunted me, and I realized that I had no real control over my future as long as I depended entirely on someone else’s business for my livelihood.

That fear wasn’t just a passing concern; it was something I could feel on my skin. It made me uneasy, always questioning the security of my job. I had seen colleagues laid off unexpectedly, and I knew that no matter how valuable I was to the company, I was still just an employee. If the company had to make difficult financial decisions, I could be next.

After analyzing my situation, I decided to change my approach. I made a commitment to always have personal projects alongside my job, projects that could provide an alternative income, enhance my skills, and give me a sense of independence. It wasn’t just about financial security; it was about having control over my career and future.

Over the years, my personal projects have given me the confidence to take risks. When I wanted to leave a job, I didn’t feel trapped by financial uncertainty. When economic downturns threatened businesses, I didn’t have the same fear as before because I had something to fall back on. My mindset shifted from worrying about losing a job to focusing on building something of my own.

Having personal projects is not just a safety net, it’s a way to grow. It allows you to experiment, learn new technologies, explore different industries, and, most importantly, break free from the fear of change. Without them, any shift in the job market can feel like an existential threat. But with them, change becomes an opportunity rather than a crisis.

Looking back, I am grateful for that fear I felt years ago. It pushed me to take action and build something for myself. If you are feeling the same fear, my advice is simple: start something of your own, no matter how small. It could be a side business, a tech project, or even a blog like this one. The key is to take control of your future instead of leaving it entirely in someone else’s hands.