Knowing When To Quit...
The Great Resignation. We've all heard the term referring to the large number of employees opting to resign from their jobs. And, while, some have said they regret it, others say it's the best thing they've ever done.
I'll start with the disclaimer: Knowing IF you can quit is just as important as knowing when to quit. Trust me, there have been plenty of times when I wanted to walk out of a job. Thankfully, though, I had very wise mentors who walked me through it all and made sure I wasn't acting without thinking things through properly.
So, first, let's look at the facts:
You have bills. You have kids. You need insurance. You may have medical expenses or student debt. Wanting to quit doesn't wipe out reality. Wanting to get away from a tyrannical boss, a toxic corporate culture, or co-workers who make you sick to your stomach certainly won't erase your responsibilities at home.
Unfortunately, we must take reality and our financial situation into consideration before packing up our things or running out the door. In most cases, leaving a job will take plenty of planning and saving enough to get you by while you are looking for the next opportunity. Experts suggest at least 3-6 months of savings, if not more. Most business mentors also suggest you find the next opportunity before leaving your current position. When possible, put in your notice so you don't burn bridges - just in case you have regrets or choose to go back.
Now, let's say you have planned, saved, and made it up your mind to quit. Next comes the moment of truth, actually leaving.
Take it from me, I just went through it and it was one of the hardest decisions of my career. I was a well-paid executive. I was a boss and a department head with a fairly influential position in my company. My job as an executive producer for a major TV station afforded me certain access and influence within the right circles in town. I was putting away money and growing my retirement fund. I had insurance. I had paid vacation time. In addition, I was in charge of a TV show which was arguably considered to be one of the most respected in the city. So, why would I give it all up? The answer is simple...and complicated.
Often, we get comfortable in life. Yet, behind the comfort of a nice office and a nice paycheck, a little voice begins to whisper. It's faint but it makes you question things. It's followed by a nagging feeling deep within your heart. It's the feeling of wanting more, and not necessarily more money. Some of us crave something greater, something more meaningful. Maybe we hunger for something exciting to feed us new energy. With time, the voice gets louder, the feeling gets stronger. Eventually, we know that we can no longer ignore it.
When we finally decide to pay attention, it can scare us. After all, the world is an incredibly volatile place. No one is just handing out great jobs. The fear of leaving something reliable for the unknown is definitely valid. Do we have enough in savings to carry us for a few months while we search? Will the economy get worse just as we leave? Will the next place be any better? These are serious questions to be considered. Still, as my uncle used to say, "Fear will keep you from achieving great things and from finding true happiness."
After six years back in the corporate TV world, I chose to listen to those meaningful words from my uncle. I chose to listen to that little voice and dive back into the unknown. I decided to, once again, take destiny into my own hands. No one made me leave but, deep down, I knew I had to. I knew it was time to let go and felt the need to challenge myself to create new things. It took a year of planning before finally handing in my resignation. The last couple of months were the hardest and the most confusing but I had made up my mind. I put in my 3 weeks and left. Has it been easy? Nope. Has it been rewarding? Am I sleeping better? I am happier now? Am I excited about the future? Absolutely!
Sure, sometimes I miss the comfort of it all and a couple of my former colleagues. Yet, I could no longer force myself to get up and do the same thing over and over every day. You see, for me, life is about being fulfilled. It's about waking up every day with passion. It's about the opportunity to accomplish the things I haven't crossed off my business bucket list. More importantly, it's about not doing things which drain me. When the passion was gone, I knew it was time to move on.?
So, ask yourself, "Am I truly being fulfilled?" Ask, "Do I still feel any passion for what I am doing right now?" Finally, ask, "Am I really where I want to be?"
Only you know the answers, and only you know if you can afford to take the risk of moving on. However, if you answered no to any of the above, start planning and bet on yourself. I did it and I know you can too!