In 2008, I quit my corporate job, sold off everything I owned and moved overseas with my husband Drew. Since then we've traveled around the world, started our careers over as creative types and nurtured our love of sleeping in late. Oh and we had a baby. Cole, our almost 2 year old has been traveling since he was four months old and probably knows more Thai than me (not that he brags).
After You Quit Your Job
Hello. I would like to re-introduce myself. My name is Christine. I am a full-time writer and photographer. I used to work in corporate America, until I quit my job. Yesterday.
It is very nice to meet you.
Yesterday after I sent my blog post to the internets about my impending resignation, I called my boss and gave her the bad news (I was working from home in Boston, she lives out of state). She was completely professional about it and at the end of the call I said something a little strange. “Ok Thanks!” Yes, I thanked my boss after I quit. I practically chirped at her. I really was trying my best to sound serious and somber, but I betrayed myself. After I hung up, I said, “tee hee!” then I ran into the bedroom and jumped on the bed. And yes, I am a five year old.
Suddenly everything has changed.
I talked to my friend who had voiced some concerns about me quitting my job (“What if the economy changes…”) and she congratulated me. Seemingly the hour long lectures about my future are over.
My anxiety about quitting? Gone. Any fears about my choice? Washed away. For whatever token significance this act held, it hasn’t sent me into a free fall. The sensation is closer to being untethered, buoyant.
My husband offered to go out to dinner to celebrate and I finally fully realized our new state. No more paychecks are coming in. While I’ve been good at saving, suddenly I realized that I don’t have that financial flexibility to splurge. Belts are officially tightened.
Since there is no going back, guess it’s time to move forward.
Have you ever quit your job for uncertain waters? What was it like?