If you are thinking of leaving your current job something better but you just can't bring yourself to do it because you are worried about how they're going to manage without you, because you're the one that seems to be holding things together, if this is your main concern, I say, pull the plug. You will be surprised how things suddenly change and how quickly they move on without you.

Things like the old machines that you've been asking to be changed for a little less than an eternity now, will suddenly be replaced because you're no more there to make it work and no one else has the patience to deal with it. Some how you are the reason everything is worse there. You are the fixer. As long as you are there, they don't need to take action because you will make it work somehow.

You are not indispensable. Don't flatter yourself. Yes, yes, you matter and you bring significant value and there's only one you blah blah blah. But in an office, in an organisation, in the workplace, you can and will be replaced in a heartbeat. Give them a minute and they won't even remember your name. Yes Carl, and Jane, and Harry, and Felicia will not remember you.

Think about what you are doing now, what aspects of it do you love the most? Explore going really deep on that one thing. Don't worry if it's easy, or simple or commonplace, if it excites you, explore it. Think about how you can offer it as a service to hundreds or thousands of people. You will find a niche, a business that will sustain you and give you room to fulfill your dreams while at the same time giving you time to live a little.

I'm writing this as an advice to myself because four days into my annual leave, they finally bought a new machine. After all the time, and effort and compelling argument for a new machine, they finally pulled the plug because I'm not there to fix it when it breaks, and no one wants to deal with that thing. One more week and I won't recognise the place. So why am I killing myself?

Life is short, do the things that make you come alive. Do one thing, do it well. Simple is enough.