The City of Warsaw Trusts Eight Mussels More Than a Boardroom Full of Experts

In Poland, eight mussels—yes, actual mussels—are responsible for controlling the city’s water supply. Tiny sensors are glued to their shells, monitoring water quality in real-time. If the water becomes too toxic, the mussels close up. No hesitation, no second-guessing.

If four out of the eight shut down, the entire system follows. The city’s water supply is cut off automatically—no lengthy meetings, no bureaucracy, just an instant response to a real problem.

And it works. Fifty water plants across Poland use this system.

This blew my mind. It’s simple, effective, and entirely based on instinct.

It also got me thinking about work, careers, and freelancing. Because if mussels can recognise when their environment isn’t right for them, why do so many of us ignore the signs?

The Signs We Ignore in Our Work

For years, I worked the ‘traditional’ way—9-5, salaried, structured. And for years, I felt uneasy. The routine didn’t fit, the expectations didn’t align, and more often than not, I found myself adapting to something that wasn’t built for me. But I stuck with it because that’s what you’re meant to do, right?

The anxiety that came with it wasn’t just the usual work stress. It was the constant feeling that I was forcing myself into a space that didn’t feel right. But I convinced myself it was normal—that work was meant to feel like that.

Until I finally listened to my instincts.

The Leap of Faith

Five years ago, I had my own ‘mussel moment.’ I closed up. I walked away from the so-called security of a salaried job and took a huge leap into freelancing.

I won’t pretend it wasn’t terrifying. There was no safety net, no backup plan, just a gut feeling that I had to build something that worked for me. And for a while, I questioned whether I’d made the right decision.

But over time, I built a business that actually aligned with who I am. One where I could work with amazing small and medium businesses, create marketing strategies that made sense, and shape my career on my own terms.

Looking back, I realise the hardest part wasn’t making the leap—it was recognising that I needed to in the first place.

Learning from the Mussels: When to Move On

The mussels don’t wait to see if the water improves. They don’t tough it out in toxic conditions. When things aren’t right, they close up and move on.

Here’s what I’ve learned about recognising when it’s time to do the same:

1. You’re Constantly Fighting Against Yourself

If your work environment, role, or industry doesn’t align with who you are, you’ll feel like you’re forcing something every single day. Pay attention to that feeling.

2. The Anxiety Doesn’t Go Away

There’s normal work stress, and then there’s the deep, lingering feeling that something just isn’t right. If the thought of staying where you are makes you more anxious than the idea of leaving, it’s time to reassess.

3. You Keep Making Excuses

“I’ll just give it six more months.” “It’s not that bad.” “I should be grateful to have this job.” If you find yourself constantly justifying why you should stay, ask yourself—do I actually want to?

4. You’re More Excited About the Idea of Leaving Than the Work Itself

If you spend more time daydreaming about starting your own thing, switching careers, or just doing anything else, it’s a sign.

Creating Work That Works for You

Freelancing isn’t for everyone, and neither is self-employment. But finding work that fits you should be the goal—whether that’s starting your own business, changing industries, or just shifting into a role that actually aligns with who you are.

I help small and medium businesses grow through marketing that actually makes sense for them. And the best part? I get to do it in a way that works for me too. Because work shouldn’t be about forcing yourself to fit—it should be about creating something that fits you.

So, if you’re hesitating, if you’re standing on the edge of something new, wondering if it’s the right time to jump—maybe it’s already time.

If mussels can do it, so can we.

Have you had your own ‘mussel moment’? Let me know in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear your story.