Strictly's John Whaite shares 'life-changing' decision after 'dropping out' of dream job

express.co.uk:

Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has opened up with his followers, as he shared a painful memory.The star, who is preparing for the Strictly tour, posted on his Instagram about this earlier today.John admitted how he had once been on another path before he fell ill with pneumonia.The Bake Off winner was training to become a barrister when this happened.Posting today, he admitted this led to him making a “life-changing” decision.The Strictly finalist penned: “It’s 3 years since I took a life-changing trip to work on a farm (@barriere.raven.ridge.farms) in Canada.“I was studying to become a barrister but got pneumonia and severe depression and had to drop out.“I took the trip because it was the only thing that gave me any sense of life and purpose - any sense of something more than merely functioning as a physiological entity.”John went on to add how he’s so pleased he made the decision when he did.He continued: “3 years later I’m so grateful that I listened to my soul and went.“And while I know I speak from privilege and was lucky that my job and lack of responsibility enabled me to travel, I would still recommend you do whatever you can to pull yourself out of whatever rut you find yourself in.“It’s scary and it’s uncomfortable, but if it saves your life, and even makes your life and outlook better, then bloody do it.”He then urged his fans to “take that leap” and make a bold decision.Many of John’s followers were quick to respond to his moving post, calling him “brave.”Strictly professional Nancy Xu replied: “This is so beautiful.”Finlay0901 added: “We are all glad you took the leap!”Bake Off star Antony_amourdoux commented: “Needed to read this now!