- My dad died suddenly. The grief hit hard. I messaged my boss, politely requesting three days off. He called me impatient: “This is a critical project. Can’t it wait?” That told me everything I needed to know. I said nothing, took the days off anyway, and traveled home to bury my father. While there, surrounded by family and memories, I realized I’d lost more than a parent—I’d lost myself in a job that never valued me. I returned to the office, typed out my resignation, and handed it in the next day. “You’re leaving? Now?” my boss asked, astonished. I nodded. He was shocked when I said, “I’m done postponing what matters.” I packed my desk and walked away. A month later, I launched my passion project: a small digital platform for mental health resources, especially for those grieving. It’s what I needed—and now I can offer it to others.
