Stories From Those Who Left the Corporate World

by Sahira Dharamshi

Stories From Those Who Left the Corporate World

28 Aug 2024

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Having experienced the consequences of the corporate world and listened to others' stories, I couldn’t help but wonder how one word holds such weight.

In the early stages of my career, I noted how when somebody says, “Well, I am in the corporate field”, admirable “Oh’s” would echo around the room, some even holding a hint of wonder to them. Alternatively, when people say, “Well, I used to work in the corporate field”, empathetic “Oh’s” now reverberates around the room without anyone having to divulge further details. This was the exact scenario I found myself in one day, and I thought, “Wow, one word can hold such weight and complexity behind it.”

Well, there is a whole word that exists behind the word "The Corporate World," and perhaps that is why it carries such weight. Or perhaps it is the kill-or-be-killed attitude you seem to have to possess to survive in it. Or maybe it is the mental battle you face daily with demanding bosses, never-ending workloads and nonexistent boundaries that have dissolved any chances of a work-life balance.

However, as someone who had a brief flirtation with that world, I had to question (one mentally drained evening) why do we tell ourselves that it is okay to run ourselves thin. Where did this weird initiation stick to become a part of a club we are not even sure we want to align ourselves with?

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

I have had the opportunity to interview various individuals in high-profile corporate jobs; those 9-who knows what time tonight jobs, and have left them due to severe cases of burnout. However, it took severe physical and mental impacts to make them realise they needed something that enables better boundaries and to give themselves the permission to seek a career allowing that.

So, maybe this feels pointless, or maybe it is the sign you have been waiting for — to remind you that it is okay to prioritise yourself and your well-being. If you feel like a hamster on a never-ending wheel, try stepping off and breaking the cycle. Take a break, breathe deeply, and ask yourself the same question I did: Why does this burden feel so heavy, and when did I agree to carry it? Setting boundaries is okay, whatever that means for you. Whether it is finding a job with a clear 9–6 schedule, finally pursuing that passion project, or starting a hobby you have been putting off, it is important to have an identity outside of work. In fact, it is essential for navigating the complexities of life without losing yourself.

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

As someone who nearly got trapped under the weight of corporate life, these are just my reflections after asking for a lifeline. In that brief moment of pause and relief, I chose to step away, as the burden had become too much for me at the time. Who knows — maybe I will return in a few years, or maybe enough people will be reading my work that I won’t have to. Either way, I would like to believe I am not a failure for stepping back. Just because that load was too heavy doesn’t mean all bets are off.

All jokes aside, don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself. You always deserve to be in your own corner and fighting for you. You don’t need to wait until your body is screaming at you to slow down. Remember: life is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking those breaks and slowing down from time to time is required to have the energy to push through the tough patches, which let’s face it, life tends to throw a few at us.

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Insights from individuals who left the corporate world:

Abbie, Founder of Base Brands: “I wouldn’t have been able to start my business without my years of corporate experience, but the key is knowing when to get out. When you work in corporate, you are on someone else's schedule, working with someone else’s priorities and towards their goals. You are so busy prioritising the company’s needs that you can forget what your goals are and prioritise yourself. It is important to know when something has served you, put yourself first and build something that aligns with your goals and dreams — not someone else's.”

Shelley Bosworth, Business and Mindset Coach for Women: “My personal experience was a learned behaviour. I entered the corporate world at quite a young age in a generation where it was quite male-orientated but it was very much about who worked the longest hours, and that can still very much be the case, particularly for women. I think women feel like they have got so much to prove, and so being first in and last out was almost a sign of how good we are, how committed we are, and that is how we got a promotion. I can actually remember having conversations about who had worked the longest shift…and with pride! But, of course, all that does is lead to burnout and ultimately not being productive, not effective and not making the best decisions. I certainly learnt, way too late in my corporate career, that I was a much better leader and much better employee when I looked after myself rather than telling myself I had to give everything I have got to give all the time.”

by Sahira Dharamshi