Chapter 1: Stuck in the Corporate Loop

Are you feeling trapped in your current role? I was in the same boat for far too long. I found myself feeling constricted on multiple levels—physically, emotionally, creatively, and mentally. I envisioned spending the next 45 years in a job that drained my spirit.

Working a conventional 9-to-5 at one of the largest banks globally, I endured a two-hour commute every day to fulfill a role that offered me no emotional rewards. While the salary was attractive, the benefits were excellent, and my colleagues were enjoyable, something vital was absent: a sense of fulfillment. Why was I spending my time on work that failed to inspire me? Why was I developing software that didn't genuinely improve anyone's life?

Perhaps those lengthy car rides, coupled with too many self-help audiobooks, prompted me to reflect deeply. What was the purpose of my labor? If I were to pass away today, what would my legacy be?

Here lies Ryan, a decent individual who wrote stable code to expedite mortgage processes. This isn’t a critique of anyone involved in mortgage software; it simply wasn’t the impact I wanted to have. I’m a creator at heart—I long to build something from the ground up and witness how it benefits its users directly. I yearned to infuse a piece of myself into my work and experience the joy of those who utilized my creations.

It was clear: I needed a change.

Embracing Writing as a Creative Outlet

I felt like my creativity was imprisoned at my corporate job. Every task required adherence to strict guidelines, and any attempt to introduce even minor creativity had to traverse countless approval stages, often leading to rejection. Eventually, I would dismiss my ideas, thinking they were unworthy.

In response to this stifling environment, I redirected my creative energy, which is how I found myself on Medium—a platform to contribute to the developer community, share insights, and receive constructive feedback.

After some valuable experiences, I realized there were numerous aspects of this space that weren't immediately apparent. If you're interested in my insights, check out my article on Passive Income to Mitigate Risks.

As Creed Bratton from The Office famously said, "The only difference between me and a homeless man is this job." I felt disposable in my role, as if I could be replaced at any moment. When my skills weren't being fully utilized, I became indistinguishable from anyone else. I felt like a burden rather than an asset.

The analogy of a weekly potluck comes to mind—imagine one guest consistently arriving empty-handed. Eventually, they'd find themselves uninvited. This metaphor encapsulated my feelings at work. To counter this, I began writing on Medium.

Within just six months, my writing generated enough passive income to support me, granting me the financial freedom to take risks I previously wouldn't have considered.

Building Passive Income to Mitigate Risks

In my quest for content to write about on Medium, I had to approach ideas and concepts from fresh angles. Rather than asking, "How do I do this?" I began to think, "How would I teach a six-year-old to do this?"

This shift in perspective compelled me to gain a deeper understanding of the subjects I was tackling. If I didn't grasp the material fully, my readers would quickly call me out. The Medium community demands accountability; authenticity is essential.

This process not only improved my job performance but also allowed me to document my thought processes. For instance, if a junior software engineer asked about implementing a REST API, I could refer them to my article detailing the procedure step by step, then address any lingering questions.

Writing solidified my understanding of various topics and saved me time when explaining complex concepts.

Revamping My Resume

Employers appreciate developers who document their work. By showcasing my writing and linking to my pieces, I demonstrated initiative in side projects and a willingness to share my knowledge with others.

This endeavor also pushed me to challenge myself in new ways. I sought out AWS certifications and meticulously documented the journey. Not only did I earn two sought-after certifications and deepen my AWS expertise, but I also generated some of my most popular articles, which covered the costs of the certifications.

Had I not started writing, I doubt I would have pursued this path. You can read more about this in my article: How It All Came Together.

My confidence soared heading into job interviews. I now had a robust portfolio and a comprehensive understanding of my claims. Employers can quickly detect insincerity, but I no longer had to worry about that.

For the last six months of my corporate job, I no longer felt like I was squandering my life (just 40 hours a week now). The creative outlet provided by Medium gave me something to look forward to each day.

I was effectively working two jobs and enjoying it.

The Culmination of My Efforts

When searching for a new position, I focused solely on startups. This decision transformed my life. I transitioned from a company with around 200,000 employees to one with just 90.

#### An Update

I penned this article two years ago upon joining the startup. Fast forward to today, and the company has doubled in size. I've received three promotions and currently hold the title of Director of Engineering (software engineer I → software engineer II → lead software engineer → director of engineering).

The takeaway is that sometimes you must leave your current situation to discover the opportunities that await. My voice is now heard, my creativity flourishes, my work ethic is visible, and I’m finally developing software that genuinely makes a difference. I no longer feel like a mere cog in a machine; I feel valued.

Working alongside the very individuals who benefit from my software brings me immense joy. Witnessing the satisfaction on their faces when our product meets their needs is unparalleled.

In my previous corporate role, I often felt trapped. They offered temporary incentives (bonuses, promotions, etc.) to keep employees in place, leading many to believe that internal moves were the only way to shift roles. I’m here to tell you there are alternatives!

If you’re feeling stifled, take the time to explore what else is available. It can be transformative. Invest in your skills, and it will undoubtedly yield the rewards you deserve.

The Takeaway

One word encapsulates my transition from the corporate world to a startup: liberating. If your job feels suffocating, know there are pathways out. Yes, it may require effort, but it will lead you to where you truly belong.

Video Description: Explore how to escape the corporate world and find your passion in this insightful video.

Video Description: Join me in my incredible journey to freedom from the corporate grind and discover the steps I took to embrace my true calling.