I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten on the phone with a career coaching client and they sound great. And a few seconds later as we’re into the call, they tell me they got laid off or quit. The first few times this happened I was surprised because typically of course, this is not good news. But in some cases, when the job is making them miserable – they are more relieved than anything else and actually incredibly happy that the experience is over! This is of course when the client is financially stable and has some way to pay their bills at least for the short term. But even without that cushion honestly, many of them are still happy. So we want you to know that it’s ok to quit. You have permission. My rule of thumb is (one of them) if your job is making you physically ill you need to make a change asap. If you are in an abusive situation in any way or you witness unethical behavior-that’s another good reason of course. But it’s also ok if your current job is preventing you from moving towards your dream job, because it’s sucking the life out of you.
This client story may help you consider your situation further and decide what to do. Of course, don’t do something without thinking it through fully and having a plan. But know that, it’s ok to move on even if it doesn’t seem like the most practical thing to do. You know the saying, when a door closes…. a window opens…. Here it is from Sally in Minnesota. Notice she talks about trying to like the job and fit herself into it. It’s better to find a job that fits rather than force yourself into one that doesn’t.
“I finally quit my job in June and have not at all regretted that decision. I tried for so long to like my position there, but it was really just paper-pushing and bureaucracy, and I feel like I have more to give to this world. So for no solid reason, I just left. No job to go to, no graduate school waiting. I just quit. I have spent my summer living up north with some of my favorite people in the world, doing all sorts of relaxing things – sewing, reading, cooking, and watching camp fires. This was a much needed pause for me. I am now back in Minneapolis for a few days before I head out to Seattle to spend some time with my best friend. Mostly I just need to really get away and experience another place and EXPLORE. I am just now beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
She sees this light at the end of the tunnel in part because she left a job that was weighing her down. If you are this unhappy in your position – do something, whether it’s quit or something else. Don’t stay where it doesn’t work for you. Take one action step this week, however small, towards moving on…
We hope this is helpful to you! The career coaches at HallieCrawford.com.
