‘I can’t take this job.’

My boss’s face dropped.

It’s September 2nd, 2021.

I was meant to start work at a premium cosmetic dental clinic, with as many clients as I could handle.

It was a dentist’s dream.

And my nightmare.

Because I was offered the role in early 2021.

But since then, I’d fallen in love with writing. What began as a passion project evolved into my life’s purpose.

Every day I drove to work felt like a massive mistake.

But I was terrified to take the leap.

I’d invested a decade and over 6 figures into becoming a dentist. It was safe, secure, and a respected profession.

Writing online felt like a wild bet.

So my plan was to ‘do it on the side’ and gradually shift career.

Then my boss called me.

The clinic wasn’t ready. He offered to pay me for a month so I could go on holiday and enjoy myself.

I’d never been so happy.

But not because I could relax. But because I could write.

That’s when I realised I was in the wrong career.

And that if I didn’t follow my curiosity, regret would weigh me down like a bag of bricks that only got heavier over time.

People tell me I am brave for quitting my career.

But let me be honest [FIRST NAME GOES HERE]:

I have never been so frightened.

After my boss hung up, I called my mum, dad, and best friends.

I walked the same park for 5 hours.

I was paralysed by fear, going around in circles—terrified of making the wrong choice.

I hadn’t made money as a writer yet.

But I had never felt more alive than when I was tapping away at the keyboard.

When I explained to my close ones how much the craft meant, they all said the same thing:

Go for it.

The next day I arrived in York.

My boss had invited me to meet the team. I planned to deliver the news instead.

But as I approached the clinic, my heart couldn’t stop racing.

I’d never let someone down before.

Nor had I bet on myself.

I had to hide in the alleyway to control my breathing. After achieving a semblance of calm, I knocked on the door.

It swung open to his beaming grin.

My confidence crumbled.

“I can't do this.” I thought to myself.

What proceeded was an incredibly awkward 20 minutes. I met nurses I’d never work with, made plans I’d never be part of, and discussed patients I’d never see.

Throughout, the voice in my head screamed at me to step up and be a man.

But I couldn’t find the right moment.

So when we went upstairs to his office and he asked:

“What do you think?”

I blurted out the 5-word bombshell that would change my life.

“I can’t take this job.”

I told him I wanted to be a writer, not a dentist.

Disbelief painted his face. He told me I was throwing away an incredible career.

“You’re only 5 years in, you can’t quit now.” He said, concern in his voice.

I replied:

“Precisely. If not now, when?”

We discussed things further. He offered me the job in 6 months when things ‘didn’t work out’.

But I knew I’d never take it.

Because despite stepping into the unknown, this was the first time I felt I was on the right path.

And even if my initial plan failed (it did), I would keep writing until something worked.

I stepped out of that clinic a new man.

The sun bounced off the cobbled streets. A lady smiled at me as she walked past. That was my first experience of seeing teeth without feeling trapped.

I grinned back and took my first step toward freedom.

And life has never been the same.

Here’s the most important lesson I learned.

The past 4 years have been a rollercoaster.

I was right to be concerned about the uncertainty.

As a writer and entrepreneur, you are constantly dancing with fear.

But surprisingly, that’s been the best part.

Because I’d spent my life letting fear win.

Fear of judgement. Fear of failure. Fear of success.

I knew I wasn’t happy and that I should do something. But I buried my head in work instead.

I thought paychecks were a valid substitute for a purpose. I thought status would make up for a lack of meaning.

I thought external respect was more important than self-respect.

But you and I are going to die someday.

And we only get one shot on this planet.

99% of our fears are just constructs of a sick society, designed to keep us thinking small and distracted.

You can, and should, do what you want.

Especially today. The internet has unlocked an incredible opportunity to build your dream career.

But most people will not take the risk.

Because it’s safer to dream than be disappointed.

So here’s my most important lesson:

Fear is a signal. It will lead you somewhere beautiful if you let it.

Have the courage to carve your own path,

Kieran