Should I quit my job without another one lined up

Scorpio33

GenericUsername wrote: »

I haven't posted on here in a long time. In fact it is something I used to do when I was depressed, in a job I hated.

I felt compelled to write something because I recognise the person I used to be when I hear you speak.

I was surrounded by a big dark cloud at work, came home frustrated and then took it out on the family. Arguments and being short-tempered. Felt stuck and didn't know what to do. I wasn't living, just existing.

I kept thinking about leaving, but never had the courage to do it because I was scared of not having a paycheck.

Then last November I was made redundant. The choice was completely taken out of my hands. I was terrified, worried about money.

A year down the line I realise that it was the best thing that could have happened to me. Because suddenly I could breathe again. Instead of being worried about money, my mood, my temper, a crap environment at home, a toxic environment at work, bursting into tears because life was frustrating - suddenly my only issue was money. All the other stuff sort of disappeared.

I decided I was never going to be in a situation like that again. I made a decision that I was going to live the life I wanted. I was going to work at something that inspired me.

After 10 years as an Administration & Compliance Manager for a large UK Publisher earning a good salary, I went back to what I loved doing. Writing.

Long story short, I started my own business. I knew what I was good at and decided that if I worked at things that I was passionate about, life would be a lot better. I was lucky enough to find supportive people. I went looking for motivational things - TED talks, anything that would help me learn how to work for myself.

A year down the line I have my own business, writing, blogging, and working as an Administration Consultant using the skills I had built up over a ten year career. Only this time, I am not an employee of any company I work for - I am freelance and charge double what I used to earn as an employee.

The main thing is that I have become a positive, happy person, instead of a negative, frustrated one.

I don't have to surround myself with toxic people.
I don't have to commute during rush-hour.
I don't have to worry about anyone turning off my one salary (I have more than one income stream)
I don't have to listen to or get involved with the company-speak and politics.
I have become massively allergic to passive-aggressive people who still work in jobs they hate and spend all their time complaining about it, but are unwilling to change anything.

I don't mean to sound self-righteous, but I understand exactly how you feel. I was there. You will have to make a choice - improving the happiness of your family, or staying in the job to keep a paycheck coming.

If your emotional and mental state remains the same, nothing will change.

From what I can hear you sound educated, intelligent and skilled. If you can muster some motivation to work harder and longer for a short period of time, then there is no reason why you couldn't use your experience to work for yourself and start your own business.

I haven't heard that suggested as yet.

For the longest time I was a person who worked 40 hours a week in a job I hated to earn an okay salary. Now I am a person who works 80 hours a week in a job I love to create multiple revenue streams. I make my own hours and have as much time as I need for my son.

Most of all I am a much happier and nicer person. I say all of the above with good intentions. Life's too short to spend feeling miserable. Hope this helps.

I hear what you are saying, but my dad was self-employed and I saw the stresses that brings. You have no sick leave, no holiday and your work is your life.

The other aspect is that (a) I am not a risk taker, so can't see myself setting up on my own due to the risk and (b) I don't have the skills to set up on m own.

Scorpio33

Good luck lozzaj83

Scorpio33

Just as an update:


I have quit. No job is worth risking your health or relationship for.


Also, I am in touch with professionals to manage my anxiety and confidence levels.

purplegrape

Congratulations Scorpio33, look forward to hearing how you get on when you're ready to share and great that you're getting help.


I finish my job with nothing to go to next Thursday, it feels really strange but exciting t take some control.

Birdman2015

I have just literally done this too.

I had been made redundant from my last job and all I could get was a minimum wage job changing over sanitary bins and nappy bins. I was uneasy about it at the start but thought I would give it a go but yesterday I ended up being physically sick in a customers premises due to "bodily fluids" on one of the bins and the smell so decided enough was enough.I have also been less than at ease with working in female toilets!

My boss was away when I returned to base but I have emailed in my resignation.

lozzaj83

How are you getting on? I have about 6 weeks before my notice runs out and still nothing in the pipeline. I am beginning to panic!

Scorpio33

Still nothing to go to yet, but I am sure something will come up.


I feel 10 times better now I have resigned and am feeling a lot more positive!

louby_lou

I have taken voluntary redundancy (just statuatory unfortunately) after 10 years in a job that i have always disliked, and now come to loathe due to some pretty awful management and toxic people. The attrition in my business unit is horrendous and those who remain are either unskilled or too fearful to go. I was the latter for probably the last 5 years.

I have been job hunting for 10 weeks solidly and very fastidiously (while working the 12 week notice), i have taken advantage of an advisory service which my company provided to leavers and it has been invaluable - particularly in maintaining (read rebuilding) my confidence after rejections.

it can be hard, horrible work looking for a job. its almost a job in itself, and i think much of it is luck/preparedness and attitude based (besides qualifications and experience). Some days I am philosophical, some days I am very very down and worrying how the mortgage is going to be paid. I don't have children but i am risking my own and my partners' future in taking this step and the responsibility of that has sometimes felt crushing.

I think we just have to keep trying, be optimistic and take advantage of any support or network who can give us a hand.

Best of luck, and you're right. As i said to my manager, who was most put out that I have decided to move on (escape) - there is more to life than this.

:D:D

steampowered

Congratulations, to me it sounds like you have done the right thing. There is nothing wrong with resigning from a role you are not enjoying. Good luck finding another role!

hutman

If you can no longer stand it, leave. I can sympathize with all the symptoms of OP. I left, and followed my own interests for a few weeks. That said I was job searching and had no problems getting interviews - I don't think the stigma attached to being unemployed stands true anymore since, following a few productive habits you can re-enter the workforce with higher productivity; long as you can sell your story.

One the plus side, OP has found out what they dont like.. this can be very valuable in undertaking future decisions.