I quit my job and it felt good

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Quitting a job without knowing what comes next is a jump into the unknown, a mix of fear and excitement. But for me, it wasn’t about escaping something bad; it was about moving on to something better. The moment I realized that my work no longer aligned with who I was, I knew it was time to leave, even though I didn’t have all the answers yet.

I didn’t know what was next, but I knew one thing: I didn’t want this anymore. And I think it’s important to recognize that people evolve, and so do our expectations and our dreams. When I first started this job, it was what I wanted. But over time, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. And that’s okay. We’re allowed to change our minds. It’s part of being human.

Making the decision: the process

There wasn’t a singular “aha” moment that made me decide to quit. Instead, it was a series of realizations that accumulated over time. One of the clearest was during a week in which I had casual conversations with several friends about their jobs. I was shocked at how passionate they were about their work, while I found myself wanting to change the subject whenever mine came up. I didn’t have the same fire.

That got me thinking: What if I started somewhere new? A new job, a new role. So, being the list-maker that I am, I made lists. Pros and cons. Strengths and weaknesses-both mine and the job’s. I discussed them with my partner, who saw firsthand how I felt at the end of each workday. I also talked to a friend/colleague who knew me as a friend as well as a colleague.

I believe in seeking guidance from others because sometimes when we’re fixated on a problem, we unconsciously blind ourselves to other perspectives. With her support, I made a plan with specific goals for the next six months to see if I could motivate myself and see if things would get better. But after three weeks of vacation, when I returned to work, I felt worse than before. At that moment, I knew there was no plan that would make this job right for me.

A few weeks later, I sat down with my boss and told him I was resigning. I explained that I wasn’t doing my best and that it wasn’t fair to him or to me. I wasn’t passionate about the work, and I knew I deserved a job where I could feel that fire. The job wasn’t bad – it just wasn’t right for me, and it was time to move on.

Recognizing when something is no longer serving you, even if it’s not objectively “bad,” takes courage. And sometimes the hardest part is acknowledging that it’s time to walk away.

The energy drain of dissatisfaction

After I quit, it was like stepping out of a black-and-white world into a colorful one. I felt lighter, more energetic, and at peace with my decision. Just a week after I resigned, a friend commented that I looked rested. I replied, “That’s because I am.

Sometimes dissatisfaction doesn’t hit you all at once; it creeps up on you slowly. At first it’s just a little fatigue or feeling unmotivated, but before you know it, your spark is gone. It was only after I resigned that I realized how much my old job was quietly draining my energy. It’s incredible how much lighter I felt when I quit, like I could finally breathe again.

Embracing uncertainty

When I resigned, I didn’t have a clear next step. I wasn’t sure what my future held, but I was excited to find out. I started sending out my resume to companies that aligned with my values and reflected what I was looking for. One thing was clear: I knew exactly what I didn’t want.

I understand that I was lucky in my situation. I had savings, a supportive partner and family, and the emotional and financial stability to take my time finding the right job. I was aware of my skills and abilities, and I was confident that something would come along. But even in the face of uncertainty, I stayed focused. I approached each interview with a clear goal: It wasn’t just about fitting into a company; it was about finding a company that fit me.

We’re often taught that interviews are one-sided, that we have to impress the interviewer. But the truth is, it’s a two-way street. Just as they’re evaluating you, you should be evaluating whether they match your values and expectations. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that knowing your ideal job and environment is key to finding the right fit.

Of course, as part of the job search, there were rejections along the way. But I planned for them, and they didn’t discourage me. Rejection is just part of the process, and each brought me closer to finding the right opportunity.

Reconnecting with myself

During those months of unemployment, I made it a point to stay active and focused. I set personal goals to keep myself moving, literally and figuratively. I returned to running and biking, setting goals like running 100 kilometers in one month and biking 200 kilometers in the next. These physical challenges helped me stay grounded and gave me a sense of accomplishment during a time of uncertainty.

Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s also about mental clarity and well-being. And during those months, it helped me find balance and reconnect with myself. I used the time to reflect on my priorities and future goals, and even to work on personal projects – like this blog -.

Finding my zone

Eventually, I found a new job – a job I didn’t know I wanted when I left my old job, but the one that was the best fit for me. It’s a role that matches my strengths, interests, and values. And I’ve found myself in a workplace that reflects the environment I envisioned during my job search.

I’ve found my zone. I’m doing work that feels right for me, and I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone has led me exactly where I need to be.

It’s okay to make a change

So here’s what I learned: It’s okay to quit. It’s okay to take time to figure out what’s next. It’s okay to embrace the unknown. Sometimes it’s not about running away from something bad, it’s about moving toward something better.

Stepping out of your comfort zone may be scary, but it could lead you exactly where you need to be.

Embrace change,
Rebe