This article was last updated on February 22, 2016
Do you daydream about quitting your job in a blaze of glory?
I have. Many times.
In my dream, I stand up in the middle of another useless meeting and tell everyone what I hate about them.
Then I storm out, throw my computer out a window, flip my desk over, and march out of the cubicle farm with my head held high yelling, “I quit!”
Oh, dreams…
There is, however, another way to get similar results without ruining your future career options and possibly going to jail…
Commit to change and find a new job.
I know. Change can be scary. As much as we hate our current job, it’s safe, secure, and comfortable. But have you ever heard the expression, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone?”
Start with baby steps. Update your resume and cover letter. Get online and apply to job postings that interest you.
There’s no harm in that, is there?
But the time will come when you get an interview, then a second interview, and finally a job offer.
Then what do you do?
Do you stay in your comfort zone and keep the job that makes you want to dig out your eyeballs with a three-hole punch? Or do you take a risk, embrace change, and accept the new position?
I say take the new job, and here’s why:
9 REASONS YOU NEED TO QUIT YOUR JOB (AND FIND A NEW ONE)
1. You can feel like you’re in charge for a change.
Do big decisions excite you or make you want to crawl under your desk and hide?
Personally, I love having a big decision to make; it means I have options. It means I’m in charge and I get to choose the direction I take.
There aren’t many times you’ll feel in control as you work your way up the corporate ladder, but this is one of them. Don’t squander it.
Big decision = More control. Enjoy!
2. You can negotiate the terms of your new job.
You’re in the driver’s seat; it’s time to negotiate.
Your potential employer has gone through two interviews with you, wrote up a job offer, and waited days for your response. They don’t want to go through this process again. You can negotiate your start date (so you can take a much deserved vacation), salary, benefits, or working hours.
When I received a job offer last year I couldn’t believe what my new employer was willing to give me. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to get what you want before you take a leap of faith.
3. You can say goodbye to gossipy co-workers.
You’re not perfect. Maybe your mouth slipped a few times in meetings and you said something you regretted. Or maybe you had a romantic ‘fling’ with a co-worker. Or maybe you just work with a few A-holes.
Regardless, you know people are trash-talking behind your back and you’re sick of it.
When you quit your current job you’ll say goodbye to those jerks, forever.
Photo credit: Nicolas Alejandro via flickr
4. You can change your habits.
Whether you want to quit a bad habit or start a good habit, a new job is the perfect opportunity.
For instance, when I started my new job last year I began waking up earlier. Now, before I go to work, I write for one hour, make a latte for me and my girlfriend, and I read a couple chapters in a book.
Waking up earlier has made a huge difference in my life. I start my day feeling productive and I have less stress because I don’t feel rushed.
Habits are not easy to change, but when you throw a kink into your life like starting a new job the process becomes much easier.
5. You’ll make new friends.
It’ll be hard saying goodbye to friends when you quit your job. But there’s nothing stopping you from being still being friends after, right?
At your new job, there will be new people to meet and friendships to forge. It’s important to introduce new people into your life—they offer fresh ideas and ways of seeing the world. You never know, your new BFF might be waiting for you!
6. You get a fresh start on organizing your work space.
When I left my old job my desk was a mess. Papers and files strewn about reflected the state of my mind. Even my digital space was a mess; my email inbox was an unorganized disaster.
The thing was, I’m not a disorganized person. I love things to be in their place (I can be an anal retentive engineer). But once my work space organization started going downhill I couldn’t recover.
Starting a new job gave me a chance to hit the reset button on organizing my workspace. Now, I arrive to work with a clean desk, files where they need to be, and emails sorted into folders. My stress level is lower and I feel more productive. Win!
7. You’ll learn new skills.
There’s a learning curve for every new job; you have to learn new systems and ways of doing things.
Learning is good for your brain and your well-being. Starting a new job will force you to become a student again. It will be challenging, but it will also be a refreshing change.
Never stop learning and you’ll never be bored.
8. You’ll have new lunchtime options.
Are you tired of eating at the same restaurants around your office? Do you like trying new foods and discovering a hole-in-the-wall where the owner learns your name after the first visit?
When I quit my job last year, I was excited to have different lunchtime options. Now I have new lunch go-to spots.
Maybe I think with my stomach too much, but hey, food is awesome!
9. Your self-confidence will improve
If you choose to remain at your current job instead of accepting the offer, you’ll be choosing to stay in your comfort zone.
Where’s the risk in that?
When I challenge myself and push the limits of my comfort zone, the quality of my life improves. I win more control over my life and I’m more confident to take on the world.
Don’t you want that, too?
So what are you waiting for?
I understand where you’re at.
Quitting your secure job for an unknown is a big decision. It’s not a simple choice. You’re thinking, “But Eric, there are other factors involved and I’m just not sure if it’s the right time.”
Do you know what I call those “other factors?”
Excuses.
Maybe you’re worried that the new job will be just as bad as your current soul-sucking job. But how will you ever know for sure if you don’t go for it?
You can do this.
As I’ve outlined above, keep in mind how much you stand to gain; you are in control of creating positive change in your life.
Go on and take a chance. Push the limits of your comfort zone.
I know you won’t regret it.
Photo credit: Unsplash.com
