10 Reasons Why I Just Quit My Job
Remember last week, when I mentioned that things were about to get a little more exciting? Well, I recently quit my job, and am thrilled to share the news with you! In one week I’ll be moving away from my beloved New York City, and by the end of the month I’ll be traveling around the world!
After one quits her job, one must go about telling her family and friends. Which is an interesting experience to say the least. I’ve had the full range of reactions, including incredulity, hugs, kisses, tears, and high-fives! And of course everyone wants to know why I did it. Here are 10 reasons why I just quit my job.
Courtesy of Hugh MacLeod
1. It was time for a change. I start craving change after a couple years of living in the same place. In the past, school and work have always dictated a move, for example, 4 years of college, 4 years of grad school, and 6 years at the same job, all of which landed me in different cities. As much as I love NYC, I’ve already been here for over 4 years and I’m ready to try something new. Luckily, I have plenty of friends who have offered up their couch to me when I’m in town for a visit!
2. I didn’t love my job any more. I’m thankful for the experience, and I certainly learned a lot from it. However, at a certain point, the growth opportunity plateaus. It becomes clear that you either need to accept particular terms and expectations, or you need to part ways. When you no longer feel challenged or excited about something you spend the majority of your day doing, it’s time to leave.
3. Travel is my passion. I’m lucky enough to have have traveled to some pretty amazing places in the past, but unfortunately the trips have always been rushed. While the rest of the world balks at our whirlwind trips, the majority of Americans have just 2-3 weeks of vacation time. Take out days used for incidentals such as doctor’s appointments, weddings, or waiting around for the cable guy, and you’re left with even less. I’m looking forward to having plenty of extra time to travel at my own pace, and really soak in the culture.
4. I don’t want to wait until I’m retired. I cannot be the only person who, upon seeing their 401K statements, feels a sense of dread that several decades will pass before I’m be able to stop working! Let’s face it, trekking through a jungle , salsa dancing at a local hotspot, and bungee jumping off a bridge are more easily done when you’re still young and able (the paralizing fear, however, may be another story!).
5. I have faith that I’ll be able to find a new job when I return. Yes, even in this economy! I believe that following your dream, and the growth associated with it, makes you a stronger candidate, and hope to work for someone who feels the same way.
6. I love learning and trying new things. The traditional models of classroom and workplace learning are certainly useful, but it’s also important to step out of the box and pursue other avenues of learning. New languages, new food, new people… sign me up!
7. I am surrounded by great people. I am sure there will be times when I’ll miss everyone. Or times when I won’t be able to attend an important event. But I am blessed with a wonderful group of friends and family, who understand and support my decision, and who will keep in touch, even if I happen to be on the other side of the globe.
8. The game plan has changed. I’ve always had a game plan. Go to college, get into grad school, get a good job, and move to New York City. Check. Like a lot of people, I always assumed that the next step would be getting married and having kids. But those things haven’t happened quite yet. Luckily for me, the 1800s are over, and I won’t have to resign myself to a becoming a Dickensian spinster (yet). In the meantime, there’s no reason to sit around and wait. I’m going to embark on my own adventures so when those things do come, I’m better prepared for them.
9. I stopped following self-imposed rules. We all have our passions. But we also have ideas about what’s right and wrong, and what’s expected of us. Sometimes we try to talk ourselves out of our dreams: “I need to use my savings on a down-payment on a house; I can’t spend a major holiday away from my family; I want to lose 10lbs before I wear a swimsuit on the beach (and then blog about it!).” Well, who says you have to do those things? When you realize that those are just self-imposed rules, and that there’s no one else holding you back, your dreams become reality.
10. The most significant reason I quit my job comes courtesy of fictitious high school senior, Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” The purpose of life isn’t just to exist, or trudge through the routine of day to day life; it’s to consciously and actively participate in the world around us. Whether it’s traveling around the world or commandeering a float at the Von Stueben Day Parade!
So that’s my big news! Hope you’re ready for the journey!
Kavi360 
So true, I wish you the best..be safe and have a blast.
Thanks Joana! Your Costa Rica trip got me itching to travel again!
I got a little choked up reading this (cheesy, I know)… how many of us have thought, dreamed- of doing this? So very proud of you. May this be the adventure of a lifetime! xoxo
Aww, you’re so sweet Kristy! Thanks for the well wishes!
Wow once again,FAB! is fabulous! Reading these 10 reasons, how could anyone argue with your decision. I wonder if Tom and the kids would miss me too much for 3 months?? Can’t wait to start reading about the trip.
haha maybe you could sneak out of the house without anyone noticing?! Thanks Cathy!
I know I’ve heard you explain this before, but it was so cool to see it all written out! You know I’ve supported this adventure 100% from the get-go and I can’t wait to read your blog every day and see what you’ve been up to!! Congrats on following your dreams, friend! You’re an inspiration!!
Thanks girl! I truly do appreciate your support… couldn’t do it without you!
Good for you! I’m sure it’s a decision you won’t regret. Happy days!
Thanks! I don’t think I’ll regret it either ; )
So proud of you! Just started reading this and can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures.
Thanks Kathleen, that means a lot!
Beyond excited for your new adventure my dear Friend! While I will miss you and our talks more than words can express I am so excited to be able to experience the trip with you via the blog.
Thanks Candace! I’m glad that you’ll be coming along with me for the ride, via internet 🙂
Just found your blog on Rachel Wilkeron’s comments! All I have to say is that I admire you for following your heart. I quit my “real” big girl job last year to follow my passions, and the journey has been wonderful so far. Although the path has changed, I am now in school studying holistic nutrition and working part time, loving every bit of it.
You’re right, life is too short to not do what you love.
Thanks for stopping by, and for the comments! It’s reassuring to hear that your own journey is going so well!
Reason #10 is awesome and so true. It’s amazing how quickly time goes by. Yes there is always time to work and wait until retirement, but travel should be done long before that as well. I wish I followed my own thoughts on this more often than I tend to!
Thanks Anwar! I just read your blog, and it seems like you get to travel quite a bit – amazing!
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Nice to have that much dough!
Jennifer, that WOULD be nice, but it’s not exactly the case 😉 It took several years of conscious budgeting and prioritization.
Ur like….my hero!!
Thanks Alicia! I’ll do my best to make you proud 😉
Can’t believe I am just reading this! Reminded me so much of myself. Nice to know there are others out there 🙂
haha, it’s all good Jodi. It’s nice to have other people to relate to 🙂