Autumn is really settling in now!
The other day, I left the chemical company where I had worked for 12 years.
I loved both the work and the people there, and if I could have, I would have happily stayed there for the rest of my career.
When I first joined the company, I worked at a research laboratory.
But then a severe rash spread all over my body, making it difficult to manage even my everyday life.
I talked to my supervisor, and I was immediately transferred to a department where I didn’t have to work directly with chemicals.
After a few years, the severe rash gradually improved.
However, I began struggling with unexplained headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Eventually, I became unable to go to work, and in 2019, I was diagnosed with chemical sensitivity.
After taking a year and a half off to focus on my health, I returned to work.
But my headaches, nausea, and fatigue gradually became worse again.
In 2023, I began experiencing persistent heart palpitations and had to take another leave of absence.
“I’d really like to be able to work again.”
Hoping against hope, I took another year and a half to focus on recovering.
But eventually, I decided that returning to my job would be difficult.
And I made up my mind to leave the company.
Once I actually resigned, all kinds of emotions came rushing in.
The relief of finally being able to make the decision.
Fear of what might change.
Sadness.
And many other feelings.
And so, a new chapter of my life began—a time of searching for a new way of living.
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Going back a little, about a year ago, I was struggling with something.
My chemical sensitivity had improved considerably, but I still wasn’t well enough to work full-time.
I had reached the point where I could manage my daily life without too many problems, but my condition still fluctuated, making it difficult to work set hours or handle a fixed amount of work every day.
At the same time, simply focusing on recovering and doing housework left me feeling lonely and powerless.
I wanted to work so badly!
But I couldn’t push myself too hard.
“Isn’t there something I can do, even in my situation…?”
I was agonizing over it so much that a friend finally took pity on me and gave me a book.
In simple terms, the message of the book was something like this:
Sharing your authentic self with the world can become a light for someone else.
Something clicked for me.
I immediately started this website.
That said, I was a complete beginner, so I learned as I went, figuring things out by watching all kinds of websites and videos.
“If I share my experiences, maybe they can help someone.”
“Maybe I can find a way to work without pushing myself too hard.”
And then, a few months later, I took the plunge and joined an online course run by the author of the book my friend had given me.
The course was based on Adlerian psychology and focused on looking inward, developing self-understanding, contributing to others, and learning how we can complement one another through practical exercises.
The person who runs the course had originally set out to explore how to live a happy life as a working mother, eventually starting her own business and becoming an entrepreneur.
Because of her background, many women who are interested in starting their own businesses also take part in the course.
Being able to attend online from home was a huge help for me, since I don’t do well with trains or crowded places.
I also made some new friends, which lifted my spirits and reminded me once again how important human connection is.
It was also the first time I learned about the possibility of working for myself online.
There may be ways to start with relatively little upfront cost and work from home at my own pace.
I’m still only in the preparation stage, but I feel it may be worth giving it a try.
I’m sure there will be plenty of trial and error ahead—lots of “Maybe this… no, maybe that…”
But for now, I’m going to focus on doing, little by little, what I can do with the life and energy I have today.
Thank you, as always, for reading 😊