From Pharmacy to Freedom: My Leap of Faith

I quit my full-time job a month ago.

If you don’t already know me, I’m Elaine, and my days are a blend of dispensing medicine and building funnels.

(P.S. Here’s a pic of my colleague and me with big smiles after closing the pharmacy on a super busy and packed event day)

I started learning about and building funnels last year, intending for it to be a side hustle, a way to diversify my income, as they say, 'never rely on a single source of income.'

I was a full-time retail pharmacist, and I'd also worked in a hospital setting. The relentless 9-to-6, especially with unpredictable night shifts (my retail pharmacy operated until 9 pm), was truly draining. Some weeks, I'd have three night shifts; the next, four, on completely different days.

The long hours were physically exhausting. I missed gatherings, church activities, dates, celebrations. I even had to turn down two retainer clients for my side hustle because I couldn't guarantee a consistent schedule. I was constantly compromising.

(P.P.S. Here’s a pic of me working inside my car during my one-hour break. Okay, more like 30 minutes, because I had to eat too. I had to grab every opportunity to work on my side hustle because time was so limited when juggling a full-time job)

Fortunately, after months of hustle, one day, I landed two retainer contracts, and everything changed. That's when I decided to take the leap of faith, to transition from full-time to part-time pharmacy work. (I still love practicing, just not the grueling hours)

To be honest, this was never an easy decision. It was scary, it was a HUGE step for me. It took time to solidify my resolve.

It meant my main income would be slashed to less than half of what I was earning. What if one of the retainers backed out? What if I couldn’t secure any projects one month?

So many ‘what-ifs,’ so many unknowns.

But I knew nothing would change if I didn’t take that step forward. (And thank God, literally the moment I made my decision, I landed another retainer. God always provides!)

And so, I leapt. (Into a fantastic 2025!)

Since then, life has never been better. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My life is so much more balanced now. I exercise three times a week (something I couldn't manage with a full-time schedule!), and I have so much free time (almost too much at first, I was so used to constantly doing things!) More importantly, I have more time with loved ones, and I’m no longer sacrificing important moments.

I’m still adjusting to this new lifestyle, learning to fill my time with meaningful pursuits and figuring out what truly matters to me.

Fast forward a month, and I can proudly say I have absolutely zero regrets (despite my parents’ initial disapproval). The future looks bright.

I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. (It’s still Q1 as I’m writing this, reflecting on my incredible journey.)

To a brighter future,

Elaine

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