On occasion I like to go back in time and read things I have written. My writing is always symptomatic of the kind of crazy I exhibited at any certain point in time and I always find it interesting to see the evolution.
This morning I went back through a list of old, unpublished blogs that I wrote in another life time, or so it seems, and I came across one that I had titled “I Want to be a Quitter.” I don’t particularly remember the day or the mood, but it was about a year ago during a time similar to now when I was contemplating my career.
In this particular blog, I wrote about the uncertainty I felt in my current job and pondered the question of quitting without an intentional direction. I was working as a visual merchandiser and longed for something more, however, the path to finding something more was long, complicated and time consuming and there was (and still is) that part of knowing what you want to do with your time that made things just a little more challenging.
My working world has changed significantly since that blog post I wrote a little over year ago and I have learned and am still learning some very valuable lessons about being a quitter that I thought I’d share.
But before I share my lessons it may help to provide a short synopsis of my working world over the last 6 months. I did leave my merchandising job and took a job as an independent marketing coordinator working from home. This role combined both my degrees, marketing and eduction (weird combination, I know). This position lasted approximately 4Â months and I am now unemployed. Square one. Fork in the road. Back to the drawing board.
Lesson one: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side
This is a very valid, powerful statement and you should believe it to your core. However, it comes with a disclaimer. Airing on the side of mediocrity is not what I speak of here.
If you are living your life in neutral, coasting along, you should know that the other side is hard work, hustle and motivation and that my friends is the greener side, always. What I speak of here is getting caught up in the details of suckage in your current job or situation and becoming so negative anything seems better than what you are currently doing.
Every job has suckage (you know the crap you would rather claw your eyes out than deal with) and when you leave your current role for something new that job will have suckage too. Yes, suckage is everywhere and it is in your best interest (not too many others are looking out for this other than yourself so DO IT!) to focus on the positives, give yourself some goals and set your eye on the prize. If that means leaving your current job for something new then go for it, just remember suckage is everywhere and its up to you to see the good.
Lesson two: be sure to double check your safety net for holes
The following is an excerpt from the blog I Want to be a Quitter: ‘When someone says they are ready to give up, throw in the towel or quit, it is not usually perceived in a positive light. Sure someone who wants to quit smoking or give up junk food is encouraged and given great support. But what if I said I want to quit my job, which has turned into my career. Would that be given the same encouragement and support? More than likely the words of encouragement would sound more like, “Just be sure you are making the right decision,” or “Don’t jump without a safety net.”‘
For the record I do not live with regret, just lessons learned. I have jumped twice in the last 6 months and my safety net was riddled with holes both times.
Risk taking is a good thing. It gets you out of your comfort zone and moves you down a path of uncharted territory… it maximizes learning. But before you take that leap your safety net should be scrutinized and woven with a thoughtful plan, several backup plans and a clear understanding of the “what ifs”. It should be consistently well maintained and not used to catch you after years of neglect. So while I encourage jumping, just be sure that you patch your holes first.
Lesson three: have a well rehearsed line for when people ask what you do for a living
This one is very superficial but when you are 33 years old with no kids and 2 dogs, saying that you are unemployed or between jobs causes people to have a very unusual reaction. So if you check the same age box that I do and don’t have children this is what the conversation will sound like:
Person: “So what do you do?”
Me: “You mean for fun?” (natural avoidance)
Person: “No, for work.”
Me: “Oh, I am currently unemployed.”
Person: “Oh well it must be nice to get to stay home with your kids!” (I mean I live in Salt Lake and should have about 6 kids by now so I get it)
Me: “I don’t have kids. Just 2 dogs.” (regretting my honesty instantly every time)
Person: looks of confusion with varying responses. Here are a select few: “your husband must have a really good job” to “you’ll find something soon” to “would you like to apply here” (cashier at Sprouts yesterday)
My advice on this one is simple, pick your dream job and just say that instead of the truth. It’s probably easier and verbalizing it may put it out into the universe just enough to move you in that direction.
All in all, I guess you can say I made it. I became a quitter. I also learned that I had it right in my original blog post.
No journey is complete without a few wrong turns before arriving at your destination. If anyone asks I am now an editor at some well known magazine and an occasional opinionated blogger. At least the second part is true and maybe the first part will be true someday.
A Pinch of Opinion 