From break to breakthrough

Reflections on my 4+ years of career break

Sometimes, I find myself bothered by the break I took from the regular flow of life and my career. However, upon reflection, I realized that those 4+ years from 2018 to 2022 were an incredible journey filled with challenges, growth, hobbies, and self-discovery. It’s time to consolidate and share the profound experiences that shaped my path during this transformative period.

Today, I am filled with contentment as I reflect on my journey. I have everything I could have asked for. In other words:

• I am now employed full-time with an IT company, finding fulfilment in my work. 
• Additionally, I continue to share my passion for Yoga by teaching whenever friends or family seek guidance. 
• I became fluent in French and am now embracing my role in the association Shareami where I actively contribute as a volunteer and a part of the administration council, cherishing the connections and experiences it has brought into my life, all in French. A remarkable highlight was attending a memorable 5-day get-together of Shareami during my last vacation in France, an experience beyond compare. 
• Besides, through my writing, I not only share insights into my health and progress but also offer valuable tips on mastering the French language and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

This multi-faceted journey has become my true calling, and I couldn’t be more delighted with where life has led me. 

However, it was tough to see that I would become what I am today during those trying times. 

This post is a vulnerable one, and as I reflect on this period, I am amazed at the things I have experienced and accomplished. It has been a rollercoaster ride, where routine was nowhere to be found. Let me take you through the different phases and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Finding Purpose in the Unconventional

Phase-1 (2018-2019)

In 2018, I made a conscious decision to take a break from my regular career. I felt a deep urge to explore something more meaningful and different. The opportunity to move to France with my then-girlfriend seemed like the perfect time for this change. However, personal reasons and health challenges made it difficult to embrace my time there fully. Despite the ups and downs, I managed to learn a bit of French during my 1+ year stay.

Upon returning in late 2019, I found myself without a job and mentally exhausted due to the various disruptions I had experienced. The only constant was my pursuit of learning French. Despite trying to secure a job, things didn’t work out as planned.

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Phase-2 (2020)

As January 2020 arrived, I enrolled in French classes and focused on improving my health, which had taken a toll during the previous 2 years. Realizing the importance of finding balance and peace of mind, I explored different hobbies that resonated with me.

Cooking

Having a passion for cooking, I decided to combine it with my love for French. I launched a YouTube channel showcasing Indian cuisine in French, even though my French fluency was not yet at its peak. Here is the link.

Leatherwork

I craved hands-on creativity so I began exploring leatherwork. The joy I found in this craft was exceptional.

Sketch & Painting

Returning to my childhood passion, I got into sketching and painting. It was amazing but demanded a lot of patience.

Just as things were going well, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to several events that ultimately forced me to move back to my parent’s place. Given the practical challenges and my state of mind, I had to put some of my pursuits on hold. It was during this time that I recognized the need for external support and sought counselling.

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Phase-3 (2021-2022)

Writing

Writing became a significant aspect of my life for various reasons. Initially, it served as a means to practice my French skills. However, after completing my Yoga certification, I felt a strong desire to share content related to Yoga. But, taking this step wasn’t easy, as I grappled with the fear of putting myself out there. Despite the initial hesitation, I started small, and as time passed, it became a way to express myself and gain clarity of thought. Over time, I found comfort in writing and continued to do so.

Check out my blog and writeups on LinkedIn.

2022

In February 2022, through my networking efforts on LinkedIn, I landed a job in an IT company in Pondicherry, owned by a French entrepreneur. While I decided not to continue with the job after three weeks, the experience reaffirmed my belief in my ability to achieve what I set my mind to.

Shareami (May)

As my French proficiency grew, I actively pursued opportunities in the French-speaking world and eventually received an offer to volunteer with the same association I had been associated with as a student.

Vipassana (July)

Seeking further growth and clarity, I embarked on a Vipassana course, which I had long wanted to undertake. The course was truly transformative. To know more, check out an article I have written about my experience. [My struggle in Vipassana]

IT job (October)

Throughout this journey, one thing that constantly weighed on my mind was financial concerns. To address this, I decided to take up a full-time job, as it wasn’t feasible with the current company I was working with.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, those years have been a cyclone of experiences. Each phase has brought invaluable lessons from exploring various hobbies to deepening my French proficiency, from practising yoga to immersing myself in art and sharing my passion through writing. I’ve learned the significance of discipline, embracing change, and acknowledging that my energy and determination can lead me to achieve my dreams. Moreover, this journey has even given me a new perspective towards my IT work, enabling me to approach it with renewed enthusiasm. 

Despite the challenges, I’m genuinely grateful for every twist and turn that has sculpted the person I am today. Here are the profound lessons I learned during those eventful 4+ years:

1. Neglecting your health can have costly consequences in the long run.
2. With determination and a focused mindset, you can attain anything that aligns with your well-being.
3. When in good health, desires for many things arise, but when unwell, you realize the value of just one thing – health itself.
4. Nurturing creativity and embracing art enriches life, making it truly beautiful.
5. Through meditation and Yoga, patience and perseverance can lead to life-altering transformations.
6. Learning a new language can open up a world of possibilities beyond imagination.
7. The only way to know it is by experiencing it.
8. Money is essential, and lacking it will always be a worry.
9. Face your fear – taking small steps forward reveals the profound beauty that lies in growth and self-discovery.
10. People are amazing. If you don’t witness it, it might be time to change your surroundings or your perspective.
11. In a world filled with distractions and low-quality content, good health and focused attention are valuable privileges.
12. Life brings in what is meant for you, and what isn’t will naturally fade away, whether you accept/like it or not.

Voilà! Thank you for accompanying me on this journey and taking the time to read until the end. I hope my experiences have resonated with you in some way and offered valuable insights.

If there’s anything you’d like to share, discuss, or simply say “Hi,” don’t hesitate to reach out. I cherish the connections we make through our stories and experiences.

Take care!

Anurag

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