Quit Your Job
If you are thinking about how or when to quit your job this story might help.
It’s a story about Imara, a woman in her mid-30s who worked hard to climb the corporate ladder but found herself stuck in a job she hated.
Meet Imara.Now, I ask you, ‘Have you ever felt trapped in a job you hate?’ Of course, you have or you would not be searching for this content.
I have and I know how bad it can be.
"Cut."
"Bring it in tight."
"Cue the 'Breaking Point'."
"Action!!"
Imara had been working at Mega Corp for seven years. She started full of energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness, full of hopes and dreams. She was the new assistant to the Marketing Manager.
As the years went by, it all started to go pear-shaped. Her enthusiasm waned. The toxic work environment became worse. Endless meetings and mind-numbing tasks slowly chipped away at her spirit. She hated going to work. It was not a sudden change, rather subtle. It was like the ‘change’ had become the norm. You know what I mean. Every year, it became a little more stressful, a little more toxic and a little more tedious. Are you with me?
Imara drove in and then out of the car park and just kept driving.Then it happened. One morning, Imara drove into the car park and just kept driving. She went around the loop down the exit ramp and onto the link road that led to the lake.
The thought of another day filled with meaningless tasks and office politics made her physically ill.
She walked along the path around the lake.
She had no idea how many times she went around.
The sky was blue; the birds were singing, people jogging, chatting, laughing and just lying around picnicking in the warmth of the beautiful spring day.
Imara walked along the path around the lake. She had no idea how many times she went around. She visualized her future. It had to change.She stopped.
She stared her future in the face.
Imara realized it was time to quit her job.
She had to quit.
Imara had to move on.
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If this story resonates with you, it is time to change. If the above did not give you enough reasons to quit your job, here are some more.
Life is too short for misery: we spend a significant portion of our lives at work. If your job makes you miserable, you’re wasting precious time. You’re wasting your life.
Your health matters: Chronic stress from a job you hate can lead to serious health issues, both physical and mental. If you don’t change, it will eat you up and spit you out.
You deserve better: you have unique talents and skills. Why waste them in a job that doesn’t appreciate or utilize them? Focus on what you love to do. When you do what you love, it is never ever work.
Growth opportunities: Staying in a job you hate negatively impacts your personal and professional growth. Most often you don’t realize it until it’s too late. Act now.
Pursuing your passion: Quitting your job can open doors to pursuing what truly makes you happy.
When one door closes another one opens. You just need to look.I have always believed that when one door closes, another opens. I have witnessed it many times.
“Seek and ye shall find”. I think someone important said that.
If you’re stuck in a job, you hate and are struggling with the stress caused by the workload, you will not see the opportunities. Stop, smell the roses, or walk the lake.
How to Quit Your Job
What if you decide to quit your job?
What would it look like?
How would you begin?
What would you do first?
Well, what you need is a plan of action.
Build an emergency fund: Don’t go jumping out of the frypan into the fire.
Before you quit, ensure you have enough savings to cover at least 3-6 months of expenses. If not, build a savings plan.
Get a second job.
Start a side hustle. Do something to accelerate the $$$.
Update your resume: While your savings are accumulating, refresh your resume, LinkedIn profile and all the other socials you need. Get back in the game. Preparation is the heart of the service.
Reach out to your contacts, friends, acquaintances and industry folk let them know you’re looking for new opportunities. The more you reach the further you go.Network: Reach out to your contacts. All contacts, friends, acquaintances and industry and let them know you’re looking for new opportunities. Communicate with the population. The more you reach the further you go.
Plan your exit: Decide on your last day and how you’ll transition your responsibilities. Get an actual feeling of how it will pan out. Plan what you are going to say and how you are going to look and act. Write a script. This is your Academy Award performance.
Write a resignation letter: This is gold. This is where you have the power. Keep it professional and concise. Don’t waffle. Get in and get out with dignity.
Tell your boss in person: This is a no-brainer. Schedule a meeting to discuss your decision to quit your job. No, I take that back.
No discussing.
You have decided it’s time to act.
Finish strong: Don’t burn bridges. Work diligently until your last day.
You are empowered.
Leave with your head held high.
Be polite and well-mannered.
You have won.
Shake hands with the losers.
Overcoming Fear
In the real world, you are going to be fearful. Can we get this right upfront?
The questions are there in your mind…
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Will this work?”
“What if I have to go live with the folks?”
And on and on, the questions form in your mind.
Fear often holds us back from making significant changes. So here are some common fears and how to overcome them:
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Fear of the unknown: Start with this…
…staying in a job you hate is the biggest risk. Believe you can do it.
Embrace the opportunity for positive change. Think of that walk around the lake. How did you feel? You do not want to go back.
By writing out a proper financial plan and budget, you can mitigate this risk. You are now in control. Getting help from an experienced mentor can build systems and processes to reduce this risk considerably.Financial insecurity: With proper planning and budgeting, you can mitigate this risk. After all, you are now in control. Even though I have listed this here, you and the help of an experienced mentor.
Build systems and processes to reduce this risk considerably.
Disappointing others: This is a furphy. Your happiness and well-being are your priority. Forget what other people think, instead focus on what you think. Be selfish.
Failure: I would be disappointed if you did not fail from time to time. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying harder enough. Reframe failure as a learning opportunity. Every successful person has faced setbacks. So will you. You just need to know how to get back on the horse.
Gaps in your resume: Many employers understand career transitions. Focus on the skills you’ve gained and your future goal. The only time this is going to be something you may fear is if you are applying for a job that you are not qualified for. Think about it. If there are gaps, then maybe it’s the wrong job. Move on. Better still build your own job.
Start a business you are qualified for. You won’t need a regime.
I’m going on too long. I need to let you get back to your life. I need to wind this up and give you a summary and a picture of what happened to Imara.
Life After You Quit Your Job
What Happened to Imara?
After that fateful morning when she drove in and out of the car park and walked the lake, and decided to quit her job.
She gave her two weeks’ notice and left Mega Corp behind.
At first, Imara felt a mix of excitement and terror. But as the days passed, she noticed changes.
She slept better, smiled more, and felt a renewed sense of purpose.
At the lake that possibly changed her future, Imara found time to explore her passion for photography.She used her newfound free time to explore her passions and skills.
She had always loved photography (this was her happy place) but never had the time to pursue it seriously.
Explore Your Passions and Skills.
She took online courses, practised daily, and started building a portfolio. She worked way into the night and loved every moment. It was not ‘work’. It was fun.
She networked with local businesses and soon landed her first freelance gig.
It wasn’t easy. Every knock back drew her closer to success. This she learned from the mentor.
There were moments of doubt and financial stress, but she expecting this.
No surprises.
Imara never regretted her decision to quit her job. She was finally living life on her terms, doing work that truly mattered to her.
Finding Your Pathway
What to Do After You Quit
Once you quit your job, the world is your oyster. Here are some ideas to help you find your fresh path:
Take a break: Give yourself time to decompress, reflect and think about what you truly want.
Travel: If your budget allows it explore unknown places to gain fresh perspectives and inspiration.
Volunteer: Give back to your community and discover new interests. Give this much thought. People often say this was one of the best things they ever did.
Learn a new skill: Take courses or workshops in areas that interest you.
Start a side hustle: I recommend this. It is a great learning experience.
Turn a hobby into a potential income stream.
Freelance or consult: Put yourself out there. Use your existing skills to work on your terms.
Change careers: Explore fields that align with your passions and values.
Quitting Your Job Leads to Many Positive Life Changing Moments
Improved mental health: Leaving a toxic work environment can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Better work-life balance: You’ll have more time for family, friends, and personal interests.
Increased confidence: Taking control of your career boosts self-esteem and self-worth.
Personal growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to new experiences and skills.
Career advancement: Sometimes, quitting is necessary to move up the career ladder.
Renewed passion: Pursuing work you love reignites your enthusiasm and creativity.
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Summary
Quitting your job can be a transformative experience.
If you’re in a situation where your job is draining your energy and happiness, it’s time to consider making a change.
Life is too short to spend it in a job you hate.
Quitting your job isn’t just about leaving a bad situation; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities.
Reclaim your time, your health, and your passion.
Align your work with your values and pursue what truly matters to you.
Quitting your job can be scary.
There will be challenges and uncertainties.
Proper planning, systems, processes and a positive mindset will overcome these obstacles.
Consider the potential rewards – improved mental health, better work-life balance, increased confidence, and renewed passion.
infinitely rewarding.
If you’re ready to quit your job, a new life is waiting.
So, my friends if you’re sitting in your car dreading another day at work, or you’ve lost the spring in your step, it might be time to quit your job.
Take a deep breath, make the decision, and take that leap.
Your future self will thank you for having the guts to prioritize your happiness and well-being.
Don’t let fear hold you back.
Don’t let complacency steal your dreams.
Embrace change.
Pursue your passions.
Create a life and career that truly fulfills you.
The journey might be challenging, but it’s infinitely rewarding.
If you’re ready to quit your job, a new life is waiting.
Go get it.
The world is waiting for you.
Experience isn't the best teacher, experience is the only teacher.
Confidence comes from experience
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Hello, I'm Daryl Pratt creator of MENTORaUS.com
I have been mentoring folk like you since 2005.
I built this site so I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of hours of listening and mentoring folk to make a change.
Life is short my friend so the sooner you control your destiny the better.
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