From toxic bosses to 80-hour weeks, I went through the wringer.
But that year didn’t break me — it built me.
Here’s how.
The Year I Chose Myself – After Everything Tried to Break Me
On a breezy winter day, I stepped out of college as a high achiever. I felt like the world should be my oyster — but in reality, that’s rarely the case. I was over the moon during my convocation ceremony, but little did I know it was the beginning of a gruesome year that would teach me lessons no classroom ever could.
Dear gentle reader, let’s walk through that year together — one that broke me, shaped me, and finally, built me.
There I was, on February 8th, done with my final assignment. I was ecstatic to be finished with college. The sleepless nights, the last-minute cramming, the mind-numbingly boring lectures that could put anyone into a coma — finally over.
It Started with Hope—Then Came the Burnout
My journey began with a residency. I thought I was done studying, but life had other plans. I had to cram — again — five years’ worth of clinical knowledge. I aced the test, cleared the interview, and showed up on my first day… only to discover they expected 80-hour weeks, 14 days straight. No breaks. No breath.
Like a robot.
That’s exactly what they thought I was when I joined production: a machine. I exited with the same speed I entered, twice. Then came the fancy office job at a local firm, which crashed and burned the moment the micromanaging boss said hello, like Adele. Haha.
But I came away with two lessons:
- Work-life balance is non-negotiable.
- A toxic workplace will crush your mental health.
Believe me when I say — losing your sanity in the pursuit of wealth is not exactly a win-win.
Dignity Over Prestige. Peace Over Paychecks.
I also learned the value of dignity. Charm and looks might help you fake it, but living a life just to impress society? Exhausting. Status should never come at the expense of your character.
These chaotic experiences led me back to myself — to the thing I always loved: writing.
In the end, I learned this:
✨ Never sell yourself short.
✨ We are worth diamonds.
✨ We should never shrink ourselves to make the big bosses feel bigger.
Instead, we must fight for our passion — and protect our peace.
This world will glorify income over innocence, praise hustle over happiness. But my dear friend, don’t let them take the child out of your heart. That’s where the creativity lives. That’s where the magic starts.
The Golden Cage
Because no matter how shiny it looks — a golden cage is still a cage.
And only freedom fuels true brilliance. 💫
Dr. Hasnain Siraj Memon is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), medical content creator, and the founder of DrRxWrites. With a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy and a creative eye for storytelling, he transforms complex medical and wellness topics into accessible, evidence-based content for both professionals and the general public.
His writing is guided by a passion for accuracy, empathy, and public education helping readers make informed decisions about their health, habits, and healing. Whether he’s explaining pharmacology or sharing life lessons from the hospital ward, Hasnain brings clarity and heart to every piece.
He’s currently building a library of wellness content while offering freelance writing services in medical blogging, drug reviews, SEO optimization, and patient education materials.
Dr. Hasnain Siraj Memon is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), medical content creator, and the founder of DrRxWrites. With a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy and a creative eye for storytelling, he transforms complex medical and wellness topics into accessible, evidence-based content for both professionals and the general public.His writing is guided by a passion for accuracy, empathy, and public education helping readers make informed decisions about their health, habits, and healing. Whether he’s explaining pharmacology or sharing life lessons from the hospital ward, Hasnain brings clarity and heart to every piece. He’s currently building a library of wellness content while offering freelance writing services in medical blogging, drug reviews, SEO optimization, and patient education materials.
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