A Fresh Start

Eighteen days ago, I walked out of Leeds General Infirmary after my final shift as an Operating Department Practitioner.

After seven years in a full-time role, the NHS had become my life. It gave me stability, purpose and a reliable paycheck every month.

So many people in the world right now would bite my hand off to be in the position I was in, so why would I walk away from it?

Why I Left

The truth is, I couldn’t ignore the feeling that it was time to leave and try something different. A new way to live. For me, doing the same thing over and over again for the rest of my working life felt like slowly giving up on something inside me.

I want to wake up feeling inspired. I want to enjoy my days, not just count them down until the weekend.

Here’s the thing though—I didn’t hate my job in the NHS. Far from it. I worked with some incredible people, formed friendships, took care of patients having surgery and learnt more than I ever imagined.

I just think seven years is a long time to stay in something you don’t truly love, and as hard as it was to leave, it had to be done. 

Of course, we all need our basic needs met, and the job absolutely gave me that. But we all have different priorities, different dreams and different ideas of what a meaningful life looks like.

Looking Ahead

So with that being said, I’m travelling around South-East Asia for a few months—Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Bali—before heading to Australia.

I’m documenting the journey as it happens. Nothing polished. Nothing manufactured. Just raw, honest and real.

Because if I’m honest, it’s scary.

I’ve gone from having a stable career and a monthly salary to effectively being homeless, jobless and living off my savings.

Maybe it’ll work out.

Maybe it won’t.

The truth is, I honestly don’t know.

I’m making an assumption here (not always a good thing, I know), but I believe there are a lot of people who find themselves at a crossroads. People who feel there’s something else they’re meant to do but are afraid to let go of what’s familiar.

I don’t have all the answers, and I’m definitely not here to tell anyone they should quit their job.

This is simply my journey.

Maybe things will crash and burn. Maybe they’ll turn into something I could never have imagined.

Either way, we’re only on this Earth for a short amount of time. If you genuinely feel called to do something different, I think it’s worth at least exploring that feeling instead of burying it.

For those who know me, you’ll know I’m naturally quite reserved. I’m an introvert and definitely more of a quality over quantity person when it comes to friendships.

This blog isn’t about pretending I’ve got life figured out…

It’s simply a place where I’ll share the journey—the wins, the mistakes, the uncertainty and whatever comes next.

We’ll find out together. 

Until next time,

Cheston