Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Quit Your Job
If you’re reading this, I’m sure like me you might be considering throwing in the towel on your career. I have thrown in many towels over my years on the professional circuit, from law to Hollywood as explored in my first novel. Time and time again I find myself asking the same old question, “what next?” Quitting is never something I’ve been afraid of. Though what if our inner quitter walks us right out the door of something that is actually pretty perfect for us? It’s like Cinderella giving back her glass slippers, missing out on the fairy tale she patiently scrubbed floors for.
I recently got myself into a war in my head on whether I should leave my job and on an emotional Monday morning made a rash decision I work up regretting. It was like a decision hang-over. Fortunately, I was humble enough to knock back on the door and it feels like coming home. I’ve learned to replace impulsive decision making with helpful questions. If you are in the process of deciding whether to stay or go, work your way through these before handing in your notice!
1) Why are you quitting?
Honestly? Sometimes the real reason is not one we give our boss as we walk out the door. If you really can’t take the long hours or are working for intolerable ass- holes please do not let me get in your way, though if it’s something bubbling beneath the surface it’s worth exploring. Commitment issues have been a roadblock for me since I was sixteen, they don’t only show up in relationships. Also, a lack of self- belief can lead you to give up when the going gets tough. Ask yourself this question and figure out if it’s the job holding you back or yourself.
2) What do you have to lose?
Get practical here, a good salary and security are easy things to take for granted till you let them go. If you are lucky enough to have both ask yourself how important they are to you before you ditch them in a moment’s madness. And those morning meetings and coffee break natters, life can be pretty quiet without them. Sometimes we don’t appreciate the simple pleasure of a little routine until its gone. If you still have one foot firmly out the door and can’t wait to log out your emails, get out of there.
3) What do you have to gain?
The grass is always greener, right? Hmm, for five minutes maybe. Till we realise it takes just as much effort to cut and keep fresh as your last garden. Whatever relationship, job, or project we pursue there will always be challenges and setbacks amongst the high fives. Consider that for a minute before you jump ship and what they might look like. If you still feel the pull in a new direction, bon-voyage though perhaps there are opportunities to plant new flowers exactly where you are?
4) What does your heart want to do?
The heart is your compass to an authentic life, though sometimes it gets drowned out in all the noise and pressure of responsibility. Making decisions can be exhausting, though trust yourself to make the right one. Seeking advice from everyone and their dog sometimes leaves you more confused than when you started. Slow down, pour a coffee and ponder your choices with an open heart and somewhere in those quiet moments you will figure out what to do.
5) Are you sure?
Simple but effective and always the last question one should ask when they look in the career mirror. We often ask other people are you sure though how often do we ask ourselves? Write down a list of all the reasons you want to stay and go then finish off with this as the evaluation. By the time you have gone through the above questions whether it’s a yes or no should be as clear as the glow of an open Starbucks on a cold, dark morning. So grab yourself a coffee and go for it!
Making career decisions is never easy, though with a little bit of time and effort we can find the clarity and confidence to follow our hearts and enjoy all the success and happiness we truly deserve. Good luck.
