Paul Roebuck

Writings

Behaviour: holding on, or letting go?

2018 · 1 min read

I walked out of a highly successful, hugely enjoyable and very well-paid job. I knew the time was right for me to pursue my dream. Letting go of all that employment security and familiarity felt very scary.

I had to let go of the rope.

Several years on:

What do I miss? The competitive hustle and bustle of the commercial sale, and some amazing teammates.

What don’t I miss? The politics, the nonsense and the naysayers.

What I’ve realised: the rope wasn’t security. It wasn’t holding me up, supporting me or keeping me safe. I was doing that for myself, and I still am.

The rope was my employer. My job. My noose. I was holding it up; I was supporting it. The rope needed me, not the other way around. When I let go of the rope, I didn’t fall. I was freed.

And if you are holding on to a rope, take a very close look at what it’s connected to, and why.