Why Quitting May Be the Best Decision You Ever Make
Photo C/O of Reelr Media
“We need you to return to the office.” As a remote worker, what would you do if you heard those words? In 2019, I came face to face with this worst-case scenario and it was that line that solidified my decision. “I quit!” I know that seems a bit rash but hear me out.
When it comes to my career, my greatest fear is losing my job. I grew up with a mother who worked tirelessly to provide for six children. I built a strong work ethic because I learned early on that I would have to work to get the things that I desired. Independence is ingrained in my soul and the thought of losing that, well, that would be a tragedy. But as I worked various odd jobs, I would often notice turnover like crazy. Droves of people coming in and quitting suddenly (or not so sudden) with and without notice. I remember thinking, “Wow, people who quit their jobs are so brave.” I could never.
But in 2019, my life was different. I had changed. Two years prior, I had the opportunity to work from home and as a mom of two little ones (at the time), I jumped at the idea. And rightfully so because I learned that we would be welcoming our third baby shortly after. The stars had aligned. But when I returned from my parental leave in 2019, things at the office were different. The aura was off, and everyone seemed to be in a frenzy, specifically, my manager. I later learned that the office where I was working was drowning, and my manager was fired. That manager gave me the remote position and with their removal, my virtual work was no longer an option. So, I did that big scary thing that I feared the most, I quit. I had no backup plans except the support of my husband.
While 90% of my decision was based on my desire to keep my children home with me until they entered school, another portion was I was simply unhappy with the company, and I had been for quite some time. I had a gut feeling several months before the shift in my work environment that my time with them was up, but I PUSHED THROUGH because there goes that fear again. I felt a false sense of security to a company that provided little loyalty, severe underpayment, and unorganized office culture. I couldn’t sacrifice the life I made as a work-from-home (WFH) mom for that.
It was simultaneously the scariest and bravest thing I’ve ever done. That moment led to one of the lowest phases of my life. I was out of work and several unfortunate events arose that ultimately sealed my downfall. But that low phase caused a shift in my thinking and moved me into my true potential. With that decision, I opened myself up to the possibility of more. I reconnected with my passions, explored my true nature, and evolved in my character. I started utilizing my journal, reading more, learning more, and researching how to be a better person overall.
Sometimes you don’t realize that the thing you’ve been holding on to that you know no longer serves you is what has caused many of the issues in your life. And I don’t just mean the extreme of quitting your job. It could be as simple as finding a way to exercise that works better for you (I use a stationary bike while I work and it’s fabulous!) or letting go of that toxic friend. That’s when you must decide, is it worth pushing through or should you give in? Making that decision isn’t easy because there are many things you should consider.
Questions to ask yourself before you quit
Have you been consistent? Consistency is important when you are measuring the results of your efforts. Wanting to quit or take a break because you aren’t seeing results only works if you’ve been consistent. Or maybe your inconsistency is directly tied to the fact that it is no longer what you want. Be honest with yourself.
How bad do you want it? Piggybacking from the last sentiment. If your desire for something falls low on your list of wants and needs, leave it if it isn’t fulfilling or working.
Is the end worth the means? With the multitude of little steps you must take to get to your end goal, it is important to weigh them against your ROI (return on investment). Time is an investment and if you’re feeling burnt out trying to achieve something that simply isn’t worth it, quit if you must.
Is there an alternative? I love this because we often feel there is only one way to accomplish a goal or fulfill our passions. Sometimes there’s an easier or more appealing alternative that you haven’t considered. Go find it!
Can you see yourself in that same place in 5 years? What is its longevity? Seriously, close your eyes and look to your future self. Imagine yourself doing what you’re currently doing or what you want to be doing. Do you get fuzzy feelings or are you surprisingly unhappy? This works.
Is it causing you mental or physical harm? No brainer. Anything that causes mental or physical harm must go.
Answering these questions will give you clarity on how to move forward. Get rid of the idea that you have something to prove, quitting is a weakness, or you should never give up. That’s what I had to do and in doing so, I made an opportunity for myself to be better and explore a different career path. One with more autonomy and control over my personal and professional life. As a self-employed creative virtual assistant, I make the rules for how I run my career. As a freelance writer, I get to do something I have loved all my life.
Quitting is for winners because when you quit, you make the decision that you want what’s best for you. That thing no longer serves you and instead of suffering through it, you were brave enough to step away.