Andy Ohm

Hey there!

I’m here to talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: leaving my job to pursue my writing dreams. It’s a big step, but one that I believe will lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Making the Decision to Leave My Job

First things first, let’s address why I might want to leave my job in retail to pursue my writing dreams. I’m grateful for the retail job and the skills it taught me, but I’ve found it increasingly difficult to work there towards the end.

I couldn’t help but think that those 35-40 hours a week could be put towards something I love – writing. 

I’ve always been passionate about writing and have dreamt of making it a career. Pursuing my writing dream would give me more control over my life, allow me to explore my passions and interests, and help me avoid regrets down the road.

But, leaving my job is scary, and it’s essential to approach the decision with kindness and compassion towards myself. I must remember not to beat myself up for not pursuing my dream earlier, or if things don’t go as planned. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it’s okay to take a different path. 

I need to be kind and compassionate towards myself, no matter what.

My journey to Becoming a Writer

For years I wanted to become a writer and wasn’t sure how. I was lost, I left university with a Criminology degree realising my passions lay elsewhere. 

That in itself was terrifying.

 Spending that much money and time only to realise you wish you did something else. It bothered me for a long time and my self-esteem was shot. I put on a great deal of weight and isolated myself, playing video games and binging TV shows. I feel that although it happened for a reason. It wasn’t a good period for my mental or physical health. 

Finding my first job in a PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) felt like a relief for me, however, the job was unpaid and mentally challenging. I found it hard to handle however, less than a year later found an LSA (Learning Support Assistant) job at my old college. 

It was 5-minute travel by car and seemed a perfect job on paper. After 3 years the pandemic made it hard for me to stay there. I had responsibilities at home with highly vulnerable parents and decided to leave. No income then was difficult as it was the first time since having that job that I was not getting paid. 

However, it wasn’t a position I hadn’t been in before so I dealt with it. 

I decided to start a Counselling skills level 2 training course. It was something that made sense with the sector I worked in and giving my skillset was something that I felt I would be good at.

I got counselling privately as my own decision with it and almost became obsessed with my self-awareness. 

Who am I and what do I want out of life? 

That was the first thing I remember asking myself when I started this journey. I had the goal of becoming a counsellor, it seemed a lucrative career. Something I was interested in and something I was starting to get good at. However, after talks with my counsellor, he helped me conclude that this wasn’t my passion and that being out of a job was holding me back. 

I had time to do the course and work but I was scared of putting my family in danger. 

So, I decided to get a job anywhere. I applied to coffee shops mostly, I loved coffee so I thought I’d go with it. 

This was one of the best decisions I have ever made in terms of my career and developing myself as a person. 

I could have played it safe and gone and worked in a college or school. But I dared to do something different. It gave me skills which I struggled with at the time, working in a fast-paced environment and even the confidence to speak to customers.

I had found it difficult to talk to recruiters and go to interviews. I would have to force myself to do these things, to communicate with people. More specifically to initiate and engage in conversation.

Working at a coffee shop was not what I expected, it was a fast-paced environment and the hours were long, but it was also rewarding. I found that I was learning new skills every day and interacting with a diverse group of people. I started to build my confidence, and my social anxiety began to diminish.

During my time at the coffee shop, I rediscovered my love for writing. I started to write in my free time and found it to be therapeutic. I wrote about my experiences, my thoughts, and my feelings. Writing gave me an outlet to express myself and share my perspective with others.

Eventually, I decided to take a writing course online, and slowly I built up the courage to admit that I wanted to be a writer.

Now, I am proud to say that I am a writer.

It was a long journey, and there were many ups and downs, but I am grateful for every experience that I had. It led me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be happier.

If you are struggling to find your passion, I urge you to try different things. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover. And, if you are struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can be life-changing. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

My journey to becoming a writer was not a straight path, but it is already an enriching experience. It’s teaching me that life is about exploration and taking chances. And, most importantly, it taught me to never give up on my dreams.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that the path I’ve taken isn’t possible for everyone. I recognize that many people struggle to stay financially stable and may not have the resources or opportunities to pursue their dreams. For me, it’s been a privilege to be able to take this chance and pursue my passion. 

I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the support and opportunities that have come my way.

However, with the support of my girlfriend, family and friends, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue writing full-time. I am grateful to them for giving me the confidence and the tools to chase this career. I’ll always be indebted to them.

Leaving your job to pursue your passion is a big decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding. With the right support and mindset, you can make your dreams a reality. 

I’m excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to see where my writing journey takes me.