The Gen Y Series: Janelle Lorenzini

Just five months ago, Janelle Lorenzini left her Corporate HR role in a search for internal happiness and over the last nine months, she’s transformed her life and is on a mission to empower others to live a balanced, healthier and happy life through her company, J Lorenzini Therapy & Wellness. Janelle is close to becoming an accredited Counsellor, currently studying a Diploma in Counselling, and is about to commence a Psychological Science degree at the University of Wollongong in 2017. She’s also a mentor at Disability Services Australia for young people leaving care and a Volunteer Crisis Support Officer for Lifeline Australia.

What made you quit your $90K job to search for internal happiness?
I had my honeymoon in Europe in October 2016 and whilst I was off work for six weeks, I took the time to reflect on where I was and what I had achieved so far. For some reason it felt like not a great deal. I asked myself this simple question “If I died tomorrow, would I be happy with how I left my life?”. The answer was “no”, so from that question I started my journey into what was missing from my life including internal happiness and fast forward 12 weeks: I quit my job and have slowly started the process to internal happiness.

How did you overcome the fear?
I noticed a decline in mood, happiness and life in general. I think I hit rock bottom emotionally and suffered depression and extensive stress. I saw a psychologist to help me overcome this emotional rollercoaster I was on and move forward. She helped me in so many ways especially around my own self-awareness. I wanted to change, I knew I had so much potential but something was blocking me. All it takes sometimes is just to take a step forward even if you don’t know where you are going.  

Tell us what projects you’re currently working on?
I am continuing the journey through writing my blog on my website and have contributed an article to a local website called South West Sydney Mums (http://swsydneymums.com) . I am designing my business that will kick off in 2017, where I will be offering Counselling Services and an e-Book. I also want to organise a local event where the money raised goes to a particular charity.

What excites you most about your new life (what's the best bit!)?
That I have this massive wave of happiness within. I am excited for the future and I have managed to disconnect from my negative self-talk. It has taken nine months but I have finally got to where I am most with who I am as a person and what I’m doing.

What's next for you and your projects – and what's the big dream?
My big dream is to run a Psychology and Counselling practise and conduct a number of free group workshops monthly to the community to increase mental health awareness. However the world is so big and who knows what other opportunities may arise in the future.

How will you get there?
By remaining positive, putting one foot in front of the other. Continuing to believe in myself even if life throws obstacles and road blocks. By constantly being organised and researching. We live in a place that there is so much opportunity and knowledge at our finger tips we just need to be hungry for it.

How can people get involved with what you're doing? Is there anything you need help with?
It is only early stages yet however I could definitely use some help when I am planning for a local event raising mental health awareness. I will have information up on my website closer to the time, so watch this space!

What advice would you give to people who might also want to quit their job to pursue a passion?
Do not rush even if you are struggling to get out of bed. I have been there I know how it feels however sometimes we are in such an emotional state we make irrational decisions. It took me three months before I resigned and a number of times I wanted to give up before I actually went through with it. Depending on your circumstances including financial situation, sometimes it’s about researching and planning for change. Reflect on what you are passionate about and good at, it is easier to change careers or start a business if you are doing something that makes your belly full of butterflies and most of all you need to believe in yourself.

What keeps you up at night?
Everything! The never ending business ideas that constantly pop into my mind at the weirdest of times. I end up texting myself so that I don’t forget the next day.

One thing you wish you had learnt five years ago?
To believe in yourself and back yourself. To listen to the feelings within and know that money doesn’t necessarily bring internal happiness.

What have been your biggest challenges to date?
My biggest challenge to overcome both career wise and personally is that people will always criticise you and try and bring you down. You have to remind yourself it is more about them than it is about you and if you believe in yourself enough and surround yourself with positive like-minded people, nothing else matters.

How have you dealt with these challenges?
I have attended a number of workshops and closed FB groups where I am constantly inspired and surrounded by like-minded woman. My husband is my sounding board and I am lucky he is my biggest cheerleader.

If you had to pick one, what's the one issue / problem you most wish you could solve?
Getting the government to better fund the health and community sector to support those in need.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Build a wellness retreat in my local area to support those that need time to self-care and a half way house for women who have left domestic violence relationships.

What you're listening to right now: Angus & Julia
Favourite quote: Everything that happens to you is your teacher. The secret is to sit at the feet of your own life and be taught by it – Mahatma Gandhi
Go-to book: The self-acceptance project by Tami Simon