Random quote from a stranger at the bus stop stuck with me all week

I was waiting for the 42 bus on Tuesday and this older guy was on the phone saying "most people don't leave because they're unhappy, they leave because they finally figure out what they actually want." I've been sitting on a career change for 2 years and that one sentence hit me harder than any advice I've paid for. Has anyone else had a random conversation totally reframe how they see their big decision?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_mary1mo ago

72 bus driver once told me most folks regret the chances they didn't take more than the ones they did.

the_taylor1mo agoTop Commenter

That bus driver knew what he was talking about.

emma_flores1mo ago

Hold up though, I gotta push back on this a little. Taking random advice from a stranger on the phone is like trusting a weather forecast from a guy who sells umbrellas. That older dude could have been talking about his own regrets or trying to justify a bad choice he made. I've seen way too many friends quit their jobs because of some feel-good line they heard, only to end up in a worse spot six months later with no savings and a lot of anxiety. Sometimes that "thing you actually want" is just the fear of making a wrong choice dressed up as inspiration. And honestly, staying put and working on what you've got can be just as brave as leaving, especially if you actually like most of your current life.