The Great Resignation - A View From The Other Side

Did I make your squirm in your seat? Oh no, not again. This topic is done to death. Even under the guise of ‘the great re-evaluation’, ‘the great reshuffle’ or my favorite ‘funemployment’. But hold on – this story is not exactly about the great resignation, but about the life after. Blame it on my friends who have been goading me to share this experience.

The decision to take a break - after 25 years in the industry, the last 20 with one company -? was regarded as bold by many, stupid by others. After all, I had a role to die for, enjoyed a lot of equity within the company, had a great team and rewards that could afford me a pretty decent lifestyle.

So, was I apprehensive about the break? Or was I excited? Did I make the most of it? Was it good for my mental and physical health? Would I do it again? Read on …

What was the trigger?

There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart. – Charles Dickens

COVID certainly forced people to re-evaluate their priorities, shook them out of their comfort zones and compelled them to (re)consider what really matters. It sure did to me.

I had a multitude of reasons. I wanted to do what made me happy: spend time with family and friends, especially with my college-bound kids, show up for family events (that I was always too busy for) and be there for people when it mattered. Life was beautiful again. I could smell the fresh morning air, admire the clear blue skies and enjoy the dawn chorus – ok, whenever I woke up early enough for all this! – instead of poring over my laptop or sitting through never-ending conference calls. However, most of all I needed some me-time to relax, reflect and reboot.

What did I do during my “funemployment”?

Like every new activity, I started with a bang. I became Mr. Fixit around the house – from leaky taps, to broken cabinets, to laundry racks – I went on a home improvement spree. And did Marie Kondo proud!

I sat down and made the proverbial “bucket list” so as not to miss anything important. Ordered a whole lot of books I wanted to read, dusted my violin, and looked up some tunes I wanted to play, wrote a few articles, did some pro bono consulting for a few friends who were making a foray into entrepreneurship, threatened to work with one myself till my wrist ailment ensured all devices were put out of my reach, made travel plans, and restarted my fitness regime.

Did I manage to do everything on the list? Well, not really, but I did manage a fair bit. The highlights were a series of gastronomic adventures and a visit to the US for my daughter’s commencement.? There, I was a quintessential tourist in two cities I’d never been to. Also, walked down memory lane – visited my old apartment and my office in the Bay Area from 20 years ago, feasted on some of my favorite cuisines and cocktails, and soaked up some great moments with close friends of yore. I had so much fun that I ended the trip courting COVID. But hey, who says life is perfect! On the bright side, it gave me a few more days with my daughter in The Big Apple.

In essence, I paused, I pondered, (re)prioritized and have come back recharged. So, glad that I took a break. I suspected I needed it. Now I know, I did.

Do I have any regrets taking a break?

No, none at all. I have to admit, though, I had moments of self-doubt in the first few weeks of quitting. Letting go of a coveted role. Putting an end to the steady salary income for the foreseeable future. Taking a break at an age that isn’t necessarily looked at favorably by all, especially the start-ups. However, despite all this, I woke up every day feeling like a human being, not a zombie. I didn’t have to deal with the topics I didn’t enjoy. Or people whose company I didn’t covet. I was in charge of my life once again. I certainly had time for the things closer to heart. I loved it.

Would I do it again??

Absolutely.?

I would do it slightly differently though. Parkinson’s Law - Work expands to fill time - is real. I witnessed it at its glorious best, with the ever-growing list of chores at home. So, if I were to take a break again, I would not just start with a wish list, but have an execution plan as well. That would help me tick a few more things off my bucket list. Book tickets for that vacation with friends. Confirm my spot with the trekking group. Sign up for a photography course. Find a guru to restart learning the violin. Restart my Taekwondo and fitness classes. A concrete plan would make it count even more.?

So, do I recommend taking a break?

This is what I tell people who ask me about it: A break from work is not for everyone. But if that thought crosses your mind, you most likely need it. Don’t let it slide.?

Life is unpredictable. In our zeal to get ahead in the rat race, many of us are guilty of letting life pass by. Balancing priorities is easier said than done. The thought of taking a break can be terrifying when you have bills to pay, aspirations to meet and nothing concrete lined up at the end of it. So, unsurprisingly, most continue to stay in their comfort zones. Only a few dare to take the risk. There is no right or wrong. But I can tell you, which one is more fun!

A break from work - if you can afford to take one - will recharge you in ways you never thought possible. It certainly did to me. I am supercharged as I set sights on the next mountain to climb...??

?#thegreatresignation #thegreatreevaluation #thegreatreshuffle #thebigquit #funemployment