10 Jun Why You Should Quit Your Job to Upgrade Your Career
“Of this, be sure: you do not find the happy life, you make it.”
This sentiment accompanied my career break announcement in August of 2016. Quitting my job allowed me to take a step away from the daily grind and reflect on what I truly wanted for my career and life. Allow me to share a few of the reasons why taking a career break could be the missing link to your career journey.
Because Naps.
I mean, does this really need an explanation?
The first week or two of my career break was focused primarily on two things – working out and naps. To be totally candid, I was simply exhausted and I needed the downtime to recharge.
I’m proud to say that I was quite successful at the job that I left. The tradeoff was my emotional and physical energy. Having some extra time to rest was a luxury I will never take for granted.
Fitness.
During my break, I also completed my third half marathon.
I really wish that I could say I “ran” my third half marathon, but that wouldn’t be entirely true, so let’s stick with “completed”!
Training properly for such an event takes a lot of time, patience and dedication. Being on career break meant that I could do my long runs mid morning if I wanted to and yoga in the afternoon to recover.
I’ve been able to focus on my fitness in a whole new way. I wasn’t forced to choose between CrossFit, cycling, yoga and running. I had time to do them all! I’m more fit and as a bonus, I’ve strengthened the belief in my ability to succeed in lots of different situations which also supports my work as a coach!
Focus on Experiences Instead of Stuff
Throughout my career, I’ve had a habit of buying things to appease my boredom. Or, I’d go shopping as a reward for a stressful work week. Can you relate?
My strict career break budget meant those were no longer options. I’ve realized that having experiences is way more important that having stuff that I don’t need. I may as well take my new purchases straight to the Goodwill, because that’s where they end up!
My niece came to visit from Nebraska for nearly two weeks and I was able spend lots of time with her, and actually be present; undistracted by what was going on at the office.
I’m positive I would have asked her to limit her visit to a long weekend had I still been at my job. Seeing my niece get her first ever surfing lesson in the Gulf of Mexico: priceless!
Walk Your Talk!
As a coach who loves encouraging my clients to be courageous and live their values, it’s critically important that I walk my talk!
As a coach and leader, I only ask of others, what I’m willing to do myself.
Intentionally walking away from a successful career in order to reignite my passion for life is a bold move that forced me out of my comfort zone. Despite the discomfort, I kept my sights set on my why:
I did it to:
- Stretch myself as a professional
- Focus on my fitness
- Find my ideal career
- Be fulfilled
If only I had a dollar for every person who said to me they’d love to take a career break as well. With some careful planning and commitment, you can too! Sometimes, you have to slow down to speed up.