Language: Español
Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.
I quit my job. After five years of giving my all, it was time to part ways.
It was not an easy decision to make. I knew I wanted to leave for a while, but I could not find it in me to walk away. I always talked myself out of quitting. Every day I would tell myself: “just make it through today… then tomorrow… then the next day”.
I finally reached a point where it was hard to get up in the mornings. It was hard to focus on anything. I felt so far removed from my job and I felt like I didn’t have anything else to give. No one talks about the stigma of walking away from a “good-paying job” for the sake of your own mental and physical well-being. I am here to tell you, though, to do what you have to do. For yourself. It is your life. You are the main character. Live accordingly.
If you follow my social media, you have seen me showcase the stunning places all over my beautiful country of El Salvador. Contrary to popular belief, I do not spend every day traveling. Even when I would take some PTO, it was “pretend time off.” The calls, e-mails, and texts never stopped. Although I was working remotely, I felt like everyone still had access to me around the clock. I did not have peace of mind. I was perpetually tired. Tired of the sleepless nights, of the constant state of anxiety, and the lack of support and growth.
I am the kind of person who LOVES to learn. I get bored if I am in a setting where I am not being challenged or learning something new. Some love the routine, but I am an adventure seeker. I live for challenges and experiences that will help me grow professionally and personally. While I am beyond thankful for the opportunities I had and the knowledge I gained in this role, I had served my purpose. It was time to move on.
If I said I wasn’t worried about all the hearsay I would be lying. I was quitting a job that had great benefits and that had temporarily allowed me to live the lifestyle I wanted. I say temporarily because, as restrictions were being lifted, it was only a matter of time before my employer would want us in the office again. I know my family would be the first to talk and to judge. I mean are they even family if they don’t do that? I dreaded the conversations that would ensue: “Why did you leave? Did you find a better-paying job? What are you going to do now?” Let’s not forget the comparisons: “Well so and so is doing this, what are you doing?”
Quite frankly, I had to learn to step into my power and remember not everyone deserves an explanation for my decisions. Plus, no matter what I do, people will always have their opinions. I might as well be happy and content with the life I choose to live.
Do I regret quitting? Absolutely not. I am more at peace now. My body has shown me that it, too, is slowly healing from the years of constantly living on high alert in active stress. For my women in the workplace, please listen to your body. For those of you that don’t know, I have a medical condition, PCOS. During my last three years in this role, my body tried to tell me it was not okay, and I did not listen. Since I was “promoted”, I lost my cycle. I tried everything – I lost weight, changed my eating and sleeping habits, and exercised. The stress from this job heavily impacted my body. It has been two months since I resigned, and my cycle is finally back. I am sleeping so much better and on most days I feel good.
Did I risk a lot? Yes.
Am I making as much as I did? Not yet.
Would I make this same decision? Absolutely.
Stay true to who you are. Always value yourself because more often than not, the company you work for will not value you- to them you are replaceable. Make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Always,
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