Quitting Your Job in Today's Economy - And Loving IT
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WHAT?
Quit my job during a bad economy? Am I crazy? Well, I did just that. Just yesterday as a matter of fact (don't tell my mother!) And I'm beyond happy.
Why would I do that? Well, due to that same economy my company has been downsizing left and right. The work load has not diminished one iota, but our staff is decreasing like crazy. We have been told that we are to work as many hours as needed when they say they need it. Any time off is now frowned upon and you can only carry over so much of it to next year.
I already had it made. I worked remote at home and was loving it. But they interpreted that working remote meant that I was now on call 24/7 and did not hesitate to call at any time of the day or night to put me on another urgent project or firedrill. There was no quitting time in their eyes.
Enough is enough. I couldn't take it anymore. My children were hating the fact that though I was at home, I couldn't take time away to eat dinner with them. I was getting cranky and then my health went down hill. Throwing up everyday is not my idea of a fun day at the office. The conception of an ulcer is miserable.
Yesterday when I broke down into tears for the upteenth time, my husband said that I had to quit. It wasn't worth it. I began to fret about our money and the economy and started to get sick all over again. Once we began to talk, we realized that there were so many options out there for me that there was no need to worry.
I already had a part-time job working for a friend (very low stress). There was the possibility of increasing my hours with her. But there are so many jobs open around here. No, they don't pay as much as I'm making now, but who says that I have to make that much if it puts me in a early grave? Can't take it with me. If I have to work at McDonald's a few hours a week to pay the bills, will I be happier? That's when I realized that I was putting too much status on level of pay, standard of living, and status. Just because I'm a college grad does not mean that I have to have a big paying job. I once heard someone say that if God called you to be a garbage man, you would have to step down to become President. I need to be where I'm supposed to be.
There are so many ways to cut back our expenses at home, that I didn't have to replace that job. We cancelled cable, our house phone, and scaled back on the wireless plan. That cut over $200 a month right there. We are keeping lights out at home and using hurricane lamps. That has cut our electric bill down drastically. We shop at Aldi or other discount stores which have great food and unbelievable prices. You can also go in with other families to buy in bulk to take advantage of hugs savings.
We are going to make it. We don't have to have it all.
We are also looking at doing our own home-based businesses to help supplement income and cut costs at the same time. They are out there. It means making time to sit down to talk about it and explore all the possbilities. I've spent the last three years jealous of those who could follow their dreams. Who said that I couldn't? I just need to find the right wise way to do it.
A bad economy does not mean that we are stuck where we are until who knows where. We can make changes.
(I do have to add that the company did not want to see me go and have offered to hire me back as a contract employee to work as many hours as I want or need on a per project basis. God does answer prayers!)
If you are wanting to make a change during this time, sit down with anyone you live with (because it impacts them, too) and do the following on a pad of paper:
- Write down the pros of staying where you are.
- Write down the cons of staying where you are.
- Write down the $ you NEED to survive and not have all the bill collectors at your door - make sure what you NEED.
- What options do you have to replace your current job (don't forget to include any self-employment possibilties)
- Pros and cons of each option
- Mark which ones you think are the most viable and then mark the ones that you feel are impossible (don't eliminate the impossible ones - they might not be as impossible as you think).
- Get a third party (they have a clearer mind about it) that you trust and talk it over with them.
- Narrow it down to the best one.
- Enact Operation Succeed!
I'm not saying it is not scary, but I love a roller coaster and scary can be a little fun!
I do want to note that having a good support is vital. That is why getting a third party can help. It is someone to help keep you straight and encourage you to follow a dream.
Other Hubs
Here are several other hubs that I'll be adding to as I go along that can help you financially if you do decide to take that leap of faith.
How to Sidestep the Trash Tidal Wave - this is a good one to give you some ideas on how to be less wasteful.
How to Create a Standardized Shopping List - this could be really handy to help keep that impulse shopping down and the grocery bill, too.
Frugal Ideas for Hostess Gifts - The season is upon us and we would hate to arrive empty handed but the purse is tight. Here are some ideas to help you out.
A Green Christmas - This hub was one written more on an environmental take, but the ideas are really cost friendly.
Teens Saving Money - Anyone with a teen or pre-teen needs to read this hub. I'm going to be getting book soon to help with my growing daughter.
Make That Leap of Faith - Words on taking chances in life and not just in careers.
The Do-It-Yourself Traveling Health Insurance Plan - Common sense application that could give you some world traveling mula if you do it right.
Johnny Paycheck's Take This Job and Shove It
Update
So much as happened since I took that step.
The part-time job I took for someone local just ended. They were wanting me to put in physical office hours which took me back to being away from the familly again.
Got my children in some therapy and found out that the year I was away most of the time did a lot of damage that is going to take even longer to heal.
The job I quit but where they asked me back is actually my only paying job at the moment. They asked me to increase my hours a little and promise that for a couple of hours a day to be on line and near a phone just in case I'm needed. Other than that, work when you want where you want.
In the end, I'm still free to spend a day with the kids and not be shorted hours since I can make it up after they are gone to bed. I'm still able to plan my own day.
My leap of faith is still paying off!
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Comments
Thank you!
We are looking forward to it and I'm excited. Things can work out when we trust.
That's great you did what you needed to do for your family and yourself. Good hub.
Thank you. They are looking forward to me being around more.
Great hub. Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing this,
"Keep your eye simple and your body will be bright", Matthews. We all may have to cut back if the economy gets any worse.
Great hub! I'm glad you quit, it sounds like that job was making you ill. I've been there--In May I went from my cubicle to the hospital in an ambulance. I had nausea and chest pains. They kept me two days, and sent me home without a diagnosis, but I didn't need one--after seven high-stress years, I knew my job was killing me. I don't think that's overly dramatic at all. I left two weeks ago and, like you, we coped by cutting back on some things and I increased my time put in at other things. I also picked up a half-time low-stress job stocking magazines and movies on my own schedule in a local chain store (I work for the distributor). Money doesn't help if you're dead! lol! No, seriously, it doesn't. Good luck to you!
Thank you! It is scary but as you said, it is not worth dying for. I'm a dime a dozen to the companies and they'll cut me the first chance they get. I'm working part-time for a friend of mine who understand values and treating other people with respect. I'm loving it. My last official day at the corporate job is Monday and I'm so looking forward to it.
Thank you for stopping by and your words of encouragement.
Hi RGraf
Sounds as though you were truly better off out of that job. Life's too short to be miserable every single day of it! Your positive attitude will surely keep you afloat until the right opportunity comes along. Good luck!
Good for you! Been there, done that, am barely making it now but am happy. :) Keep it up!
Hooray for you, RGraf! You've definitely got your priorities in the right order, girl! I love your decision-making process. I love your description of stepping down from garbage man to be president. Sometimes it's hard to let go of our concept of status -- even when it's clearly outdated and time to redefine ourselves and our work lives. Best of luck to you. Glad to hear there are jobs where you are! Can you send some out to the rest of us, please:-)?
I think it would be better to quit than to be laid off... If thinking about quitting gives you a headache, check out my hubpage for a solution to your headache and a homebased business :)
Here's to your bravery in tough times!
This is the time that new companies are born and new jobs created . . . a slow death march isn't right for anyone, and a waste of talent.
Best of luck to you in your new endeavors
Good for you! I know a few people here in South Africa that must do the same. last week my daughter in law nearly missed her little girls concert because a meeting ended too late and there was traffick problems. We were in contact the whole time and at times she was in tears! It is just not worth it.
Thank you all for stopping by. I'm really excited about doing it and I'm getting tons of support. There are so many ways out there to make it and not just sitting around feeling sorry for myself. The family remembers you forever through the generations. The companies consider you a dime a dozen.
Thanks again for visiting.
You go, girl! I am doing the same thing, unfortunately alone, so it's more of a ride through San Francisco with no brakes than a roller coaster, but it's worth it. I can't tlerate the climate in the work world these days with employers viewing employees as completely replacable cogs in a wheel. So, sink or swim, I will never allow anyone to have that kind of power over me again, and I will never put all my eggs in one basket again.
Good going on the cutting back! It's amazing what we can live without!
:) Suzanne
You do have to admit that it is an experience. Since I took this leap of faith, so many blessings are pouring out on me. I don't know where to begin.
Thanks for stopping by.
Such an inspiring hub! Making me reevulate my possibilities and trust in my Savior to see it through. Thanks for sharing your personal experience.
Thank you. Stepping out and trusting really made a difference.
Love your hub! Very inspiring. Kudos!
Thank you. I haven't regretted it once.
Congratulations for having the courage to quit your job, and finding ways to make it work economically. I'm glad they offered to hire you back on a contractor basis, also! It is amazing how nicely things work out when we let go and trust that our prayers will be answered. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!
You are very welcome. I've so happy now. I'm able to focus on what I really want without it being a financial burden. God is probably saying "See, if you had only listened to me sooner." You know how parents are!! :)
Excellent story. Some people only see the negative in losing a job. I took advantage of the situation and went back to school. I couldn't be happier with that decision. I am learning the things that I want to learn, graphic design, and loving it.
I have a home based business , that I work part time and still work at the hospital 4 days a week. It is definitely great to have a support system and my wonderful husband is mine. I eventually hope to transition to full time wife and mom as I have been aspiring to complete my book and publish it, in 2009. Yes we can all follow our dreams and achieve them if we just step back and figure out what is important. I love your positive outlook and wish you all of the best.:)
Thank you Jdh351 and AEVans. It takes courage and support.
RG, Great hub. Good advice for all. THese are times of opportunity as well as danger, times to step up, make changes that you've been putting off because you were comfortable in a bad situation. I'm a life coach, and I'll point my clients to this hub, because it's very supportive of what I recommend. Thanks!
Bruce
Thank you so much. I'm enjoying the freedom of saying no and begin to seek my dreams. I'm feeling so free.
Great Hub - thanks! I have what others consider a great job but I am miserable and unhappy at it. I hope to figure out a way to work from home and/or part time at a different job so I can escape the office. My son is a freshman in high school and I am conscious of the limited time I have left with him...My goal is to figure this out so that I will be home with him this summer. Scary to contemplate in this economy but I have decided to ignore the talking heads on tv and make the decisions that are right for me. Thanks for the inspiration - I hope it works for you!
You are welcome. It is working out great. There are so many things that I found I can do. Depending on what you do now, you might be able to do the same thing as a consultant for companies. If companies are being forced to cut back their labor, most of the work is still needing to be done. So companies are actually looking at consultants which in the end is cheaper because they don't have to pay benefits. There are ways to make it work but the looking can be the hardest part. I wish you all the luck.
I'm so glad I'm not the only person to quit during an economic slump. I left a dead end job after 10 years. Hurrah for you! What a courageous thing to do and may you and your family be blessed for it. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome. And congrats to you, too. It does take courage. Sometimes it is more that you can't take anymore. good luck to you.
Your hub is inspiring and a good lesson to all. In these economic times, I have heard of many who are having to pick up the slack of downsizing, at a great cost to their mental and physical health. You have the right idea and a great attitude. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thank you. Since I left the company everyone else has had to pick up. They are now down 3 employees and only talk of hiring one back. In fact, they are getting ready to lose two more who cannot handle the stress and the workload. You would think that companies would begin to realize that.
Thanks for your comments.
Hey, I just wanted to say that I did this recently, the only difference is that my boss made me extremely mad so I quit. Now keep in mind that I had a friend that got me hired at another job, but manager pay versus entry level pay is much different. Good luck, it is a strugle, but so much more worth it than you may think even now. Come check me out, I have a couple more hubs.
thanks
Kenny
I have to admit I did the same thing LOL. I quit my bank job to earn a lot more from sitting at home. I think it's a great idea what we've done :) And anyway I think that most people got it all wrong with this bad economy B.S I mean yes we are in a crysis but that doesn't mean that we should complain all the time about this instead of actually doing something proactive, something that enriches us and makes us go through the financial crysis easily :) Thanks for the hub, it was very useful to me :) Keep on the good work :D
Cheers!
By the way I have my own hub about making money :D check it out :D
I agree with you. We do this so much about just complaining instead of doing anything. That's not how countries were formed and problems conquered. At least there are two of us tyring to fix the economy :))).
As someone who would love to leave behind the 9-5 someday, this was a really inspiring read. I've been trying to come up with ways to cut costs at home and to maximize the money that we do spend, and little by little we're making it work. Someday, I might have enough saved up (as padding, in case it all doesn't work out) and enough ideas for secondary income or self-employment that striking out on my own will be feasible.
Congratulations!! You must be breathing a sigh of relief. Not only that, but with you sharing your experience, others may find the courage to extricate themselves from jobs that feel like traps.
I was going say good luck, but it doesn't sound like you need it as you've taken control.
Great hub.
Ria, thanks for the kind words. I kept putting it off until I thought I could afford it. But then I realized that I was never going to do it. We decided to risk it. For us it was a good choice. I don't recommend someone to just do it with lots of thinking, discussion, research, and prayer.
Thank you, Shirley. Sometimes you just have to say enough is enough. Though many tried to tell how foolish I was to do it, I'm getting more encouragement now than I ever thought I would. I am breathing a sigh of relief every day that I wake up and venture on the jobs that I want to do and still get paid for it.
Thank you for living my philosophy on life.
Good for you! If it doesn't feel right, there are always other options.
My kudos to your decision. In these times every little cut in expenses helps. I have been promoting how using Niapads - acne medication has helped cut down my teenagers dermatologist's visit. The product came in useful at a time when we lost health insurance.
Good for you. I think you definitely made the right decision. You've got to try to be positive for your family. I think your husband is great for supporting you. Kudos to him! Your a very sensible family cutting back on the things you don;t need - a great example.
Woo hoo! Good for you. Your health and your family's happiness are #1 and it's exciting that you've decided to make this change. I've written a free ebook about the 12 key areas to consider when working from home. I hope it helps. You can find it at www.homebusinesswins.com.
all the best,
Cindy
Thank you for the inspiration. Still looking for my own escape route, and the courage to follow it.
Agree with you. Done it my self and it sure feels good..
Thanks for a great hub! This is something that I've been thinking more and more about lately, but I haven't yet found the guts to pull the trigger. Am very glad that you found it within you!
Now here is a response you may not have expected. Your sense that a home based business might be in your future seems quite logical to me. I started down that path last year primarily to augment some retirement income. But things have grown a bit from there and I am now looking for a partner to help me grow my business. This is not a simple decision and requires a lot more commitment than I origiinally anticipated but there are lots of opportunities for reward and not all of them are just financial. But it also take a bit of passion as it is not just a job that you can set aside at the end of the day -- you do live it. But if this sounds like something to pursue take a look at my business site, then send me an email http://www.YourSmartKitchen.com
yogiwan
Congratulations! I wish I can do the same thing now. I have a list of 'things' to consider before quitting the job I dislike and be a full time mother (i'm a mother of two young kids). Financial (debts) is the biggest concern for me. I have been planning to quit for about 2 years and I kept on postponing my plan becuase of the bad economy. Same as you, I cried, lost sleep, became emotional... still hanging there now. But know what, I'm targeting ONE more year when my finanical status gets better and I'll quit. My job offers very good salary and good benefits but nah it's not worth. Life is short. Happiness is the most important. Right?
Sugerdemon,
Thank you for stopping by.
Aya, you are so right. I have a few friends that are ALWAYS complaining about their jobs. Then change it. I know it is easier said than done. Then begin planning the change. That can change your philosophy, too.
Thanks for stopping in and reading.
Heathermom, glad you enjoyed it. Good luck!
Accora, thank you so much. Deciding that being happier was better changed our entire lives.
Cindy, thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.
Marian, good luck. I searched and searched for a couple of years. A mentioned it to a friend and amazingly she offered me a part-time extremely flexible job. A window appeared in the cell. You just never know where the escape route will be found. keep looking.
tomerr, good for you. I wish you all the luck.
Em Writes, it took a lot out of me to do it. A lot of emotional pain, but it felt so good. I had lunch with a friend of mine and she was commenting on how much happier I look.
Yogiwan, thank you for the compliment. Currently, my life is taking a different route, but I will keep this in mind. I did visit your website. VERY interesting. I might become a customer. Thank you for stopping by.
Good for you and good luck.
Janet, I'll be praying for you. It is a major step and canot be taken lightly. But the freedom you feel is wonderful. Good luck.
Jim, thank you.
Good for you! So many people spend their entire life doing this because they are scared of losing somthing. It's much better to work for $30,000 and love it than $100,000 and hate it! Congrats!
Knsims, thank you. When you enjoy something you are willing to sacrifice. Plus, you begin to realize what is in your life that you don't need.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I think you included a great idea about people listing the pros and the cons. It's important to put your health and family first. Fear about money is such a stressor in itself, and then it also keeps us going to jobs we don't like, and afraid of making changes. Congratulations!
Thank you. You need to know what you are doing before jumping it. It is scary enough actually doing it, but if it is not the right time then it is really scary.
Great hub good luck with your future!
Thank you.
Congratulations! That must have been one of the hardest decision for you to ever have to make. I am proud of you though, for sticking to your guns. Just remember, when it seems to be getting tough, the tough will prevail!
I will be adding more information to my last hub, http://hubpages.com/hub/Multiple-Streams-of-Income
The new information should help you in finding the right niche that you will need to operate a successful home-based business. Good luck to you and your family, God Bless and great success to you!
Thank you. I'll check it out.
Quality of life will only improve for all of us when we realize how powerful we are in taking charge of our realities. Computers didn't give us the quality of life we expected because we didn't change our mind set around what we deserve. Working "harder" is no longer the key to success. Self-awareness equals survival of the fittest now! As within, so without...
Thanks for being a model of sustainability!
I really enjoyed this article. I too have been cut back on my job that I loved, pretty much due to the economy. Running a Bed and Breakfast is great in good times, but this year sure has been quite a struggle. People aren't traveling as much these days, even though gas prices went down again.
So I'm working from home, looking for that 'niche' everyone talks about. As I am a 'born again networker', hooking up with social sites and writing articles is perfect for me. I'm learning so much from others' articles and your Hubs are some of my favorites! Good Luck to you too!
Thank you, fanji.
Barbara, you are welcome. Taking charge can be hard but it can be done.
Chermarie, good luck to you, too. The economy has really hurt everyone and taking chances is even scarier. Thank you for the high compliment.
Glad to hear that things are going well for you. If the rewards of work are only monetary it probably isn't the right job. People need to realize that making money isn't the only way to have enough. Thanks for linking my trash"tidal wave " article. that was a nice surprise since I just now read this.
Rochelle, it is going great. I'm able to spend time doing what is really important. Most welcome on the link. I really liked that piece.
Keep the vision!!
Thank you - I am.
Ha! I loved this hub because I did the very same thing. I am a college grad as well but have never found a job that exactly fis me. I had been a Manager in retail for five years and I couldn't take it anymore and quit in December. I am starting to feel the strain (monetarily) right now but we are getting by. Another cool thing to mention is if you have a Bachelors Degree you can usually Substitute Teach (at least here in Ohio). That is what I currently do - the con, however, is we were out of school all week with no pay. Oh well, I still feel good about my decision! Thanks for the hub - I feel better knowing I am not the only one!
It sounds nice!
Seek a job at http://www.luckyyahoo.com/s/job/ with the largest job marketing online.
I wish I had a job to shove some place! I may have to cut my cable as well. Thanks for the good advice, and I also appreciate that you've read a couple of my hubs.
Kosmos, thanks for stopping by and your comments :)
Great Hub. I can eally relate to it at the moment. I'm currently in a job I once loved but one that has gradually stripped me of any convidence, drive and health. I'm trying to fight back though. My dream is to work for myself, take control of the way projects are handled, how clients are treated and be there for my family. I've recently launched a discount shopping website http://www.getdiscountshopping.co.uk which I hope will begin to generate an income to alleviate any loss of earnings. I'm slowly planning for the future and hope to have the confidence and faith to cut loose at the end of this year.
I totally agree with you. If you are miserable and can afford to quit, do it. I really don't have the support of my family for the work at home job that I want (I am currently doint that part time) but I figure that they will support me when I make the money!
Yes, it can be hard. I just quit the part=time one from home because they wanted me to start having to be in an office all the time and it would seriously take away from the family. The original job that I had want me back on my flexible terms. So I'm going back that way since they pay more. My family is too important.
Mate I did that same on Wednesday and within the hour I had 2 emails asking me to A: Go to Tanzania for a week and B: Come for a job interview! Then the following day I got invited for another job interview which is 2mora!
Big respect! Promise you will be happier! This is the time for people all over the world re=shuffling our priorities and finding out what makes us truely happy!
Lets take our lives back and enjoy life again like when we were kids :)
I would suggest that anyone starting a business to keep their job initially. It can be expected to not make much money for the first 3 years, so one would have to have living expenses covered for a few years.
Very interesting piece. I think I agree with you. I mean why continue to stay at a job when the money you take home at the end of the day can hardly "take you home" (if you get what I mean). That's why Robert Kiyosaki of "Rich Dad Poor Dad" said his wife and him were jobless for a long time, not because there weren't jobs available but because they decided to stay jobless so they could build their businesses. It worked for them!
My sister quit her job a couple of months ago and it has really had a good impact on their home. They are saving more money than they thought they would since she is no longer driving to work daily, they are no longer eating out as much since she has time to cook, and their son no longer needs daycare.
Plus now she gets to be home when their son gets home from school and make their house a real home where they all seem happier now.
We are seeing that, too. Right now I'm still working but from home so that it is more flexible. I love being with my kids. I've even started homeschooling and I love it.
We think everyone else has already everything there is to say. Great Hub, were listening to "Take this job and shove it" and needed something to do while we read. Team Wiseman
Yes: WHAT??
risked, ha?
Good for you! People have no idea how the stress working for evil and bad people can do to your health.
God will provide for his children.
This is a great read. Tomorrow, Friday the 14th I put in my 2 weeks notice to prepare for my move to NYC to chase my dream! I have no job waiting for me in NYC and I must say, I'm terrified! But excited at the same time!
Sounds you made a good move. I enjoyed the tips you gave to help someone actually think through the process before taking the leap! Good job.
WOW!!! I read your post and I sent it to my support system saying "this is me!!!" - I too have the "at home" job that everyone believes is gravy - but it has been a nightmare. I am stressed beyond belief doing the job of several people. The project is a disaster, the company is unstable and my boss doesn't have my same skill set so he can't help out. My manager who worked with me is out on STD due to stress and it's not getting any better! I am convinced my husband and I can make it on our own. We own a small vending business and have a few others in mind..we're snatching our 2 year old out of daycare and reducing our monthly expenses. I have an interview on Friday but for now...I just need a break. I need to breath and reassess my life. Thank you for your sharing your story - it was a huge inspiration and mostly motivation for me!
Great read! I recently did the same thing, walking out and leaving the corporate culture behind. It is true, cutting back on expenses is easier than one might think and it can really make a difference. Also, there are a number of great ways to generate income from a variety of sources, mine consulting and writing.
Quitting Your Job in Today's Economy - And Loving IT in the News
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Moon Daisy says:
13 months ago
Good for you! Your company were really exploiting you from the sound of it. I'm glad they've now realised what they're missing by pushing you too far.
It's so important to balance work and life. I'm in the position where I'd like to go back to work of some kind, but I don't want to miss out on being with my daughter. I love the idea of following my dream too, and will hopefully also find something that I like doing that will allow me that flexibility.
Good luck in your new life, and I hope you live your dreams!