Do You Remember The Last Time You QUIT?
Chima Nwala Executive Coach, Turo Host, Writer, Author
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Deciding when NOT to quit is not an easy decision, yet so many do it. Sometimes we give reasons to satify ourselves we are making the right decision. Is a decision to quit always right or do we reduce the risk involved?
Consider some managers solve new problems with old rational, it's easy to see why employees tend to run like hell from them.
I remember one time during my college years when I was juggling jobs and thinking "why am I doing this stuff?" One time I got this cool job managing a downtown Seattle record store. It was my dream job. But when I started working there, it really wasn't what I'd imagined it to be. So, yeah, I QUIT.
So, when was the last time you QUIT? Did you feel a sense of accomplishment or do you regret the risk you took?
In retrospect, I should have kept that cool job. But I'm glad I quit it! It's all about taking calculated risks. I guess some people are risk takers and others are risk adverse. What does that have to do with quitting a job you ask? Well, a lot. Here's why:
Courtesy Makeameme.org
First, you have to have guts to walk out of a job without having something "lined-up." Why is this generation so notorious for jumping from one job to another? I will be the first to admit, sometimes its not the generation, it's the generation that's in charge that is the problem. Consider some managers solve new problems with old rational, it's easy to see why employees tend to run like hell from them. In such cases, who needs to line-up another job, people just quit to maintain their sanity! Actually feels refreshing! Ahh!
Why is this generation so notorious for jumping from one job to another?
Second, entrepreneurs will always be entrepreneurs. So, if you find yourself jumping from one job to another, you may have the bug. Go ahead, take the plunge. You don't have to have all the right answers before you do it either. One time I packed my bags and went to live in Hollywood, California. Big dreams. I pounded the pavement from dust till dawn. That experience taught me a valuable lesson about the Entertainment Industry. Plus, it made me think long and hard about strategies which I still use till this day. Now, if I did not take that risk, I couldn't even imagine writing this post!
Is a decision to quit always right or do we reduce the risk involved?
Third, risk taking is natural. Some jobs are risky, yet people take them. I remember walking in Belleview, Washington and was approached by a U.S. Army recruiter. I knew joining the Army was risky yet I did it because my "risk appetite" was very high. I'm glad I did. I became a Soldier, met great Soldiers, traveled the world and led great Soldiers. This time I couldn't QUIT until it was time to take off the battle dress uniform and unlace my boots one last time. The risk was well worth it!
So, when was the last time you QUIT? Did you feel a sense of accomplishment or do you regret the risk you took? Comment below.
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Chima Nwala is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Founder of RuckSackHack
Special Agent - AFOSI
8 年I remember the last time I said, “I quit!” and followed through. It was right after an outstanding performance review. My leaders praised me for hitting the ground running and doing more than they had hoped or expected. When I brought up a career development plan, they blew me off. When I finally researched and drafted my own, they told me it wasn’t a worthwhile investment in me. I also remember the time I said to myself that I would quit over 100 times in one day, but didn’t do it. I was nearly failing a military course of instruction because of some injuries I sustained earlier and told myself that I would just make it another 100 meters and then let the instructors know I couldn’t go on, that I was in too much pain, and I consoled myself that at least I’d tried... maybe I would break my leg, or have a heart attack, and then I wouldn’t have to quit... but then I’d made it 100 meters and had to start all over again making a deal with myself about the next 100 meters. This was after a poor performance rating, and the only thing my leaders were offering for passing was the opportunity to do this hellish task again tomorrow in the hopes of one day being selected for a mission few could do or even want.
Owner at WMS (retired)
8 年Two major times I "quit" in my career. First to leave Public Service to go into private consulting and second to go from private consulting to own my own business. Both we very risky leaving a great good paying secure job. Both times I followed my heart not my brain. Best decisions I could of ever made.
National Account Manager - Career and Life Skills | Nationwide Sales Representative
8 年Thanks! Chima. I second Z. David Dennis - leadership impacts work environment and impacts the employee and customer experience. You want to feel motivated and engaged in whatever you do.
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8 年"This time I couldn't QUIT until it was time to take off the battle dress uniform and unlace my boots one last time. The risk was well worth it!" i have to comment on your one statement. i served 25 years in the Army and still wasn't ready to leave. they let me go because i had developed an ulcer and they were not going to take a chance on me. since then (2010), i've gotten a Bachelors and currently working on a Masters degree in Informatics...we'll see...
Sales and Business at Shiva Industries
8 年Yes, this needs the power to take the decision and showing the honesty with yourself. I did Quit 4 years back when I was not able to perform well then I had few months of brainstorming session with myself and then regained to join. This helps me in creating another foundation stone for my carrier and confidence. Thanks Chima Nwala for sharing this post.