Pros & Cons

Doing something crazy like quitting your job without a plan isn't something that should be taken lightly. There are tons of things to think about! Which is why my Life Coach asked me to start keeping a journal about how I was feeling.

It started with a phone call.

I was in the middle of an awful day at work and felt like I was at the end of my rope. I called my Life Coach to declare that I wanted to quit - right. this. minute. 

Not so fast.

I was strongly encouraged to spend the weekend thinking about the pros and cons of quitting immediately. Could I wait? Did it make sense to stick it out a little longer?

Fine. 

Here's what I wrote:

I'm quitting my job. Like, this week. And I hope they tell me to leave right away because I really can't stand to be there anymore. It hasn't even been 6 months! But I know I need to leave.

I've thought about staying through January... collect a couple more paychecks and maybe a bonus. But, any resolve that I might muster up when I'm away from the office evaporates as soon as the founders walk through my door or I get an annoying e-mail, or someone comes to me with another complaint. So, I'm still quitting.

Naturally, I then decided to make a list of Reasons to Stay and Reasons to Quit:

Actual Lists :)

In case you don't have a magnifying glass handy, this is what I wrote:

Reasons to Stay/Wait Longer:
- Save up more money
- I feel bad leaving [my assistant]
- What will my dad think?
- I feel guilty dipping into savings
- Will [my husband] resent me?
- Giving notice will be SO awkward
- Won't get stock options (will anyone though?)
- No idea what I want instead (kind of exciting!)
- No more shopping :(
- No more facials, mani/pedis, etc.
- I'll have to go to SuperCuts
- What will my old co-workers think?
- Scared I won't follow through on starting my own thing

Reasons to Quit ASAP
- It just feels right
- I get a surge of excitement whenever I think about it
- I'm miserable
- People can tell that I'm miserable
- I want to enjoy the holidays with zero stress from work
- I'm ready to change my life now
- I want to be happier again
- I want to get the houseboat organized :)

Yes, my concerns about money and savings were incredibly valid. BUT those were going to be there regardless of when I left. The rest of them? Kind of silly. You can't stay in a job because it will be awkward to leave or because you feel guilty. That is bonkers.

As for my husband? Zero resentment and I KNEW that. That was my own hangup that I needed to work through.

When I look back on my reasons to quit, it's painfully clear that I was deeply unhappy and ready (although pretty terrified) to change my circumstances. 

And that's what I did. 

I couldn't find a valid reason to continue torturing myself.

I quit that week.

It was scary.

And awkward.

But I wouldn't change a thing.