Me – but not in my office
This post comes at an interesting time. I recently quit my job as a Brand Manager (marketing) after only nine months. It seemed like the perfect job at first, but turned out to very much not be. There were so many things that happened at my job that were just nuts – you wouldn’t believe the stories. But you would have agreed it was time to go. That I can say for sure.
I’ve actually gone out on my own for a time doing freelance and consulting while I figure out what is right for me in my life. I have been working and doing this blog for three years now, and it was time to take a break from everything to figure out ME. You don’t realize how easy it is to lose yourself when you are working 24/7. It’s definitely my own fault – I burnt myself out – and I accept total responsibility.
I have had to reach out to friends and family during this time of losing (giving up) my job. Friends have helped me find opportunities; my brother and his wife have agreed to let me live with him for a bit while I “get my act together.” I’m looking forward to finding a position that is right for me while I tick along, writing this blog and consulting. I’m very thankful, because I don’t want to settle when I find a new job. I want to find what is right for me.
Are any of you in this same position? Are you going through a rough period – trying to figure out what to do with your life, without settling? 2012 is going to be our year!
—
When it comes to your tax return, you never have to settle for less with H and R Block. They are having a $100,000 Refund Giveaway! Get started now for your chance at instant cash prizes and the $100,000 refund! There are winners every hour. So file your taxes then let your friends know how rewarding it can be.
Customers who completed their taxes using H and R Block at Home can instantly win one of the hourly drawn cash prizes and be entered to win a $100,000 grand prize refund. Once entered into contest, participants can tell their friends about it via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. To enter, complete a tax return online via computer or tablet device using H and R Block At Home tax preparation.
Blogger who loves the color blue and sock monkeys. You can find me in public easily— I'm wearing glasses and lots of stripes.
I’ve been there! When you have those moments of judgement and shame, think of all the help you’ve recieved and the amazing people in your life. Gratitude can work wonders!
Congrats on making the move. I was on the same job since I was a teenager that I loved with all of my heart. But it changed and I waited way to long to admit it just was not going to be the “way it was”. I wasted so much precious time before I worked up the nerve to just quit. It broke my heart but did I did the right thing. I was so blessed to have a husband who encouraged me to do it. Find what makes your heart leap for joy!
I’m so glad you took charge and quit a no-good situation. It’s so hard to do (I managed to waiver on the edge for, um….several YEARS before getting up the guts to bail on a sucky job) but so important.
How great that you have such a good support network.
You’ll get through this beautifully and be so glad you did it!
ManPodger David
I’m in a somewhat similar position. It’s not a rough time for me, thankfully. I’m employed, I like my job, I like my industry.
I’m interested in another industry, though, and have even gone back to school for it…the trouble is that with little experience in the new industry, it’s not likely I’ll be able to make the same salary – or even ballpark – because I probably would have to start out at the bottom. Which is fine, I get it. But I’m married, have 3 kids, my husband is out of work and looking. I don’t have the option right now to take a job paying significantly less, and I won’t have the option until my husband gets a job.
Having said that, I was just where you are about 7 years ago. Leaving my job was scary but it was a good move because where I was, wasn’t good at all. And I had a safety net to help my family until I found a new job (with my current employer). So – here’s hoping you’ll have a similar experience where you find something great.
Not exactly the same situation, but similar. In another life I was an engineer, but quit working over 5yrs ago to stay home with my kids. The time is quickly approaching for me to head back to the working world, but I’m not sure what sort of job I will do. I never loved the engineering world. Near the end I was doing project mgmt, do I focus on that? Do I go back to school for something entirely different? Some days I think graphic design, or teaching, or nursing… I’m a confused mess! Good luck to you Amy, hoping you find the perfect position!
Any time spent figuring out yourself and what you should be doing with your life is time well spent. Hang in there, anything worth doing is worth doing right. 2012 is gonna be YOUR year!!!
I absolutely know what you are going through! Hang in there and you will definitely find what you are looking for
It sounds as though you are lucky to have a great support system, which helps immensely.
I worked at a preschool for 2 1/2 years and quit last May, with no real backup plan. It sucked being without a job (and $$) for a couple months but I kept looking until I found something I would love doing. And, now I am happily a nanny for a fabulous little boy and his family. Glad that I waited/kept looking – otherwise, I might not be this happy!
YES. Can so relate. Although my current full-time job is a good one with good pay and flexibility. The issue is this…I’ve been there 10 years now and my heart isn’t in it. My heart is elsewhere – like with my blog, my antique booth, and other things I have my hands in. What I haven’t figured out (YET) is how to have my cake and eat it too. How can I go with my heart but still provide. I’ve said 2012 is the year where I’m going to focus on me. Not in a selfish way, but to focus on bettering myself.
Can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!
I left a great company about 14 months ago to take a new job at a company with more growth potential, I hoped. Turns out the company wad horrible. I have many stories like you alluded to above. I for the first time I quit a job. It took me about 3 months to find a new job after I quit. It was really scary, but I had a similar attitude of not wanting to settle for another bad situation. Now I have been with a new company for 3 months and I love it. In a different industry but as a finance person I can work at lots of types of companies. I love it! Good luck and I am sure you will find opportunities that are great now that you are looking for them!
Hugs Amy! In the end, nothing matters if you aren’t happy! I hope that you are quickly able to find a job that is perfect for you that you love doing!
You go girl! I’m at a similar crossroads.
You have to do what is right for you and forget about the rest! I found myself in a similar situation 7 years ago and looking back (after much time past) it was for the best! I don’t know what the heck I was all freaked out about!
Time will help! Hang in there….it will all work out 
I was at my last job for 5months, and I quit right after New Years. I thought the job was perfect, it was artsy and fun and basically I thought it was just my style. 5 months later it was full of drama! It took me months to find that job (ok actually almost 2 years!), and I was so happy to have it, but now I am beyond excited NOT to be there, and totally starting over somewhere else! So I totally feel what you are going thru! During this time I have completely thrown myself into art projects and I am happy to say my stress levels are lower than they’ve been in months, and I am very optimistic about my future! I have no doubt you will also find your way!
Hang in there, Amy!! I’ve been there — am there actually now! I agree with all your positivity!! 2012 is THE year!!! Take some time for YOU — and keep these great blog posts coming when you have the strength. You’ve got a community of folks out here rooting for you, my dear!!!
Big Hugs and Smiles for you!!
~~Deirdre
The past 3 years have been a tailspin of unemployment and moving 10hrs away from extremely close friends and my support system. I’m just now starting to get comfortable in my developing role as simply a SAHM. (Why did I spend 4yrs getting a Masters Degree?!) I say more power to you for taking control of your situation and deciding what you need to do to get yourself back on the path you want to be on. Sometimes you just need to stop the train, get off and make sure you’re still going where you want… the town may have moved and you may need to change tracks. Good luck with it!
My year for that kind of thing was 2010. Close enough to be fresh emotionally even while my ducks are mostly in a row.
You’re doing the right thing, Amy. YOU have to come first. If it’s not right, it’s just not right. Learn what lessons there were to learn, take a deep breath, count to ten, take your own pulse, then scream! And move on from there with a clear head and happy heart! Good , no- great- things will come!
For me, it was in 1995 that I had to walk away from what looked on paper like a great job – I worked for the government. From day 1, I knew it was a bad job with people who saws things very differently than me.
I stuck it out for 5 and a half years. I kept hoping something would change. At the time, I was literally throwing up each morning before going to work and begging God to let me go anywhere else that day.
Sure I miss the pay. Sure I miss the vacation time and other bennies. Sure I miss what became a very misguided pride in working for my country – when you are only one in your department who feels that way, it is indeed quite misguided.
I no longer get sick on a daily basis but am left with a life-long illness due to my time there. Sometimes, you have to know when it’s time to pack it in and move on. Your health and well-being can’t be bought by a pay check.
Life has been a roller coaster since then. Right now I’m earning 1/4th of what I made then, paying for my own health insurance and live with my Mom. But, I get up each day excited to work on my sites and have hope that I can continue to increase my income without selling my soul.
You have such a large following here and elsewhere on the web. Maybe you could approach Plaid with a concept for a “position” within the marketing department that allows you to basically be a free agent. I can’t imagine how many sales of their products have been generated by this wonderful blog of yours and your other web activities.
Good luck!
We all come to the fork in the road when we must choose which road to take…the well worn one or the new one that as never been walk on…as long as you don’t let fear take a hold….and walk with a positive demean…….find your passion!!!! And then fly!!!
Hi Amy,
I TOTALLY understand what you’re going through. Life is a process. I congratulate you for knowing the job wasn’t right for you and making a difficult decision to quit. I have done this a few times.
Good luck finding your new path! If you need a vacation, come to SoCal and craft with me!