Quitting in the Time of COVID
Everyone was surprised when they learned that I quit my corporate job. This pandemic brought us down to our knees. Many lost their jobs. Companies closed. We were forced to stay home and physically apart from our loved ones.
Meanwhile, I was doing well. One of the lucky ones spared. I loved my team. They are the best! I had awesome friends at work. We had work that always pushes us to do better. We have great benefits. I was earning more than I needed.
Nothing was bad but there was also nothing that lit me up anymore. For several months before I finally quit my job, I have been talking about Coaching with my boss, mentors, and peer coaches within the company. I started coaching outside work hours. I read and listened to countless Coaches and coaching demo sessions.
Like a brewing divorce, I saw it coming. It’s not exactly cheating if your boss and everyone knows about it, right? At some point though, we just knew it was time. I was ready and I had an amazing succession pipeline. Did I say I had the best team? Yes!
3 things to consider
I only had three things I was sure of before I quit - my Why, Cash, and If/ Then plan.
1. My reason for leaving is the most important part of it. It had to be more than my dream to just stay in bed all day. Oh but there are some days I get to do that now. That’s for another post. I left my job not because I wanted a pause. It cannot be just an escape. I wanted a more mindful daily life. I am taking a stand on wellness and simplicity. I carefully curated the things I want to enjoy and even the ones I would allow myself to be stressed about.
2. How much I needed to make this happen is another consideration. I knew I would not be earning the same income. I had to drastically reduce my expenses. I unsubscribed from so many things I felt I did not need on a daily basis. I sold a LOT of things too. My friends thought I was going through another depressive episode. I was actually taking a bold step to prevent any such episodes in the future. I even sold my bed and the whole cabinet! I have less things and more time to actually enjoy living.
3. To those who love If/Then’s, ya nerds! I like to apply my basic Excel knowledge in real life. Things are always exciting and fun at the beginning. I know I will enjoy my honeymoon period with Coaching. I also know though that there might be a time when I would lose courage and focus. I am lazy and sometimes easily distracted. Oh a rainbow! Unicorn! Anyhoo, my point is, knowing what those potential pitfalls are and what I would do, who I would reach out to when those happen are essential.
Soon as I had all three ready I went on and just did it. I know it may not apply to all at this point, but for those who have been contemplating it for a while now I hope this helps.
