Embracing Writing After Leaving Construction: A Personal Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The Leap of Faith
After stepping away from the construction industry, I discovered a wealth of unexpected insights.
I didn’t just exit the construction field; I made that choice at a young age without a detailed plan in mind. Just recently, on June 12, I turned 26, and in my country, it's quite a bold move to aspire to anything beyond being an Engineer, Doctor, or Lawyer.
While we have produced remarkable literary figures like Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, and Ayodeji Awosika, societal expectations still cling to prestige, leading many to hope their children secure stable, albeit unfulfilling, careers. This often comes at the cost of financial strain and anxiety about the future.
Nevertheless, I chose to follow my own path despite the warnings from others. I previously shared this story on LinkedIn, where some friends suggested I was merely exaggerating due to the pressures of construction. However, that wasn’t the case—I’m a qualified Civil Engineer with extensive experience in various construction projects. Yet, I found joy in writing that I couldn’t ignore. At my young age, I decided to explore this passion.
Over the past three months, I’ve gained insights beyond my expectations.
Section 1.1: Discovering True Freedom
I never realized how liberating it could be. The ability to wake up whenever I please and engage in activities I enjoy feels like living my dreams.
No longer do I rush to catch a bus for a lengthy commute, worrying about being late. I'm free from adhering to someone else’s (the Architect's) vision for months at a time; now, I can develop and nurture my own ideas.
Before committing to writing full-time, I had only imagined this level of freedom.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Universe Responds
Since leaving construction, I've received unexpected opportunities from various clients—some from my days as a full-time engineer, others from my time in engineering school.
These individuals have re-emerged with diverse projects and surprisingly attractive compensation that I find hard to resist. Reflecting on how this would not have occurred if I remained in engineering makes me realize that perhaps the universe only reveals solutions when we muster the courage to take significant steps.
Section 1.2: The Value of Mistakes
In construction, errors can be catastrophic. Mistakes can lead to significant losses or even endanger lives.
However, in the realm of writing, mistakes are part of the journey. You can draft an article or blog post, make mistakes, and still learn valuable lessons without severe repercussions.
It's a vital part of growth; even top writers on this platform advocate for learning through errors. In contrast, my engineering experience left little room for such flexibility.
Chapter 2: The Art of Earning
Making money doesn’t require extensive effort or distance.
You can generate income from a simple, sellable idea. While I can’t claim to have earned as much from writing as I did in construction, I’m content with the initial returns.
I believe there’s potential for growth, and one day, I might find myself enjoying the fruits of my labor while relaxing with my family in the Bahamas.
A hard truth I've come to accept after just three months of writing is that I still have a passion for construction and intend to return, though not as a full-time engineer.
Kudos to those who leave their steady jobs to pursue a seemingly precarious dream. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support is immensely appreciated, and I look forward to sharing more soon.
The first video, "Avoiding Big Mistakes as a Contractor," provides essential insights for those in the construction field, helping to navigate common pitfalls.
The second video, "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became A Licensed General Contractor," offers valuable lessons for aspiring construction entrepreneurs.