6:00AM

I wake up in a cold sweat to the sound of my alarm blaring.

6:05AM

I crawl out of bed and stumble to the bathroom to take care of my daily business, brush my teeth and shower.

6:30AM

The world is blurry. I get dressed and grab my backpack as I'm rushing out the door. The passing bus reminds me of the consequences of a world that values punctuality more than they value your presence.

6:49AM

Will I make it to my stop? I drag my feet the closer I get.

7:25AM

I shuffle through my phone to find another podcast. Maybe I'll finally check out that new album? I look to my neighbor sitting next to me, asleep, their bag nestled tightly between their knees and their neck.

7:46AM

I step out of the bus to the bustling street in front of me. As I enter the office, I immediately feel the corporate atmosphere grasp me, I almost struggle to understand...

7:00AM

I wake up refreshed, having gotten to sleep an hour early yesterday. I start my morning routine: First, shower and brush my teeth. Next, skincare. Next, breakfast. Next, my morning walk.

7:35AM

I stop at our local coffee shop for a drink, breathing in the aroma of freshly ground beans and house-made caramel sauce.

7:55AM

I return to my desk at home, ready to log on start the day.

...........

It hit me like a load of bricks. It almost reminded me of when I digested crypto for the first time. That realization, that first time that you understand the power of owning your autonomy. The freedom of directing your day.

I am a part of the resistance. They tell us to return but we say no. It's pretty crazy when you realize your power, isn't it?

I was always told that a job interview is not just for the job to evaluate you, but for you to evaluate the job. What about after you've gotten the job?

The decision to preserve my autonomy has been made. I've tasted freedom and I'm not giving it back up. With or without your company.

_{photo creds: @thatkidsblack}