I quit my job days before the quarantine was implemented.

I was dead set on leaving while taking extra measures to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for this professional intermission. The big plan is to rest and reset for a month or two. I was ready. That’s what I’d always tell myself.

Almost two weeks after officially leaving the company and the inner battles had a grand headstart, to say the least. My anxiety grew upon hearing every bit of news of the unemployment rate shooting up. Add to that the sheer lack of foresight of our country’s leaders at such a crucial time in history.

I still get to enjoy the little luxuries of practicing yoga at home any time of the day (yasss), online shopping, and taking sweet time in picking out recipes for my next baking sesh.

But in pockets of idle time, UNCERTAINTY would rear its ugly head. “Where am I headed next?”

But in pockets of idle time, UNCERTAINTY would rear its ugly head. “Where am I headed next?” “Am I guaranteed to get the job that I really, really, REALLY want?” “Omg I should stop buying useless shit and get it together!” AND, “How am I supposed to date anyone now?”

In the middle of all these, GUILT creeps in occasionally, too. I did not want to be seen as someone who is wasting and disrespecting the opportunity to work at a time when a lot are struggling to keep theirs. 

The virus ruined what would have been my ideal respite. Honestly, it’s like taking a double blow, the pandemic being the big sucker punch.

Had it not happened, would I still be taking this break? In a heartbeat, I’d say yes.

Now that I have limitless time at my disposal, I recognize and am still learning more about the power of mindfulness — focusing on the present to encourage the future. 

Now that I have limitless time at my disposal, I recognize and am still learning more about the power of mindfulness — focusing on the present to encourage the future. 

This is for anyone who needs to hear that rest is important, too. Even cookies need time to rest for them to be extra yummy!

I’m not saying you should quit your job, too. But if there’s a gnawing feeling that seems to linger, then maybe it’s because there’s already too much going on. It’s quite hard to pick out amid all the distractions but one that requires attention, the sooner the better.

They say good things take time, rest included, as they should. This is me taking the time to find out.

About the Author:

Ali Banta is a former marketing communications manager. Previously, she was a public relations officer of the Araneta Group of Companies, after her 5-year stint in GMA News where she was a news writer and producer.

Her more than 10 years of professional experience are focused on news production, public relations, marketing communications management and strategy. She is a Broadcast Communication graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Her interests include fitness and travel. While on quarantine and in between jobs, she has unlocked a skill in baking and is now in the quest to find the best chocolate chip cookie recipe.