Why I Chose Independence

I had two choices. I chose Independence!

“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”

-Albert Camus (French author, journalist and philosopher)

The one thing that helped me become independent was a change of mindset.

Up until the end of my teens, I was sailing - along with millions of others - aboard the vast ship I used to call "The System."

Then, just as with the titanic, I noticed it was sinking.

I had two choices: to stay aboard or jump ship.

I chose the latter.

Even though I am still sailing in the same ocean as the great "System ship", I am free and piloting my own personal lifeboat at a safe distance, deciding my own course of action, while all the while, countless individuals still cling for their dear lives to that vast sinking vessel, unable to break free in the hope of what?

The System offered me nothing in the way of opportunities, no real career prospects and little human rights protection. I was blind and  a second-class citizen, and a burden. Hence, what hope was there?

Had I stayed aboard, my life would have gone unfulfilled.

It would have been one slow and agonising death fraught with unhappiness and endless worthless battles - a lifetime of total dependency.

However, since jumping ship, I have taught myself   how to fish (to do things for myself in other words), how to think for myself and how to live an independent life.

The result?

Four excellent careers from teaching to journalism, business owner to influencer, all within the private sector.

And above all else? I became a parent; The proud father of a beautiful son, who - at 22 - is now following his own career path as MD of his own online social media marketing enterprise - something which he has been doing for the past six years.

Oh, yes, I have much to be thankful for; And all because I chose emancipation over dependency.