Making the choice to leave was not easy. Each of us has our unique definitions of what constitutes happiness, comfort, beauty, love, wealth, and success. These personal benchmarks are what differentiate us and shape our individual objectives. I won’t presume to know what’s best for you, but I am willing to share from my experiences if you’re open to it.

The dilemma is always the same: which is better? One job over another, one city over another? How do we weigh the pros and cons—salary, living conditions, climate, transportation, social connections, familial ties, career prospects? But the critical question remains: who designed these criteria? Why do they seem so universally similar?

It’s startling to find that the default advice often leans towards “chase the money,” as if everything else becomes inconsequential. However, we often overlook that true happiness stems from myriad other sources, like the joy of helping others, or the satisfaction derived from productivity and progress.

Given the choice between earning a passive income from the comfort of my sofa or actively working on something I’m passionate about, despite the dirt and effort, I’d choose the latter every time. It genuinely brings me more joy.

It’s important to remember that stagnation—feeling stuck or bored—can lead to spending more in an attempt to buy happiness, a fleeting solution at best.

I find myself in a predicament similar to yours, choosing to leave Saudi Arabia for less financial reward but quicker progress towards my ultimate goal. My decision was influenced by noticing shifts in my mood and, over time, my personality. Remaining in Saudi Arabia, constantly frustrated, aged me prematurely. I’ve transformed from the person I was four years ago into someone more irritable and discontent, with none of my aspirations coming to fruition. So, how did the money help? Neither the 60-inch TV, the 4X4 car, nor the iPhone 5 made a difference. Time, indeed, flies by faster than we realize.

The notion that one should prioritize earning money above all else, to only later enjoy life, is flawed. Once caught in that race, it often becomes too late by the time your children are off to university, leaving you in solitude.

I chose productivity and to live in the present. This meant stepping out of my comfort zone, confronting fears, and embracing the uncertainties of the unknown. Because truly living life to its fullest means taking action, as opportunities rarely come knocking on your own door.