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This was a very scary idea for me. How in the world did I even fathom the thought to quit a job and start over. Leaving a career I was most proud of was essentially all I knew out there in the typical 9-5 work world. After a while, I knew that If I wanted a change, then I had to do something about it. Less of “talk the talk” & more of “walk the walk”.
The Beginning
I had the pleasure of working as a speech therapist in clinics, homes, and schools for 7 years with children of all ages. I’m not saying I was not happy working as a speech therapist, but I am saying that I outgrew that passion because of many reasons. It took some time for me to understand that changing my career at any age was perfectly okay. Personally for me, it was never about what kind of career I had, it was more about the fact that I felt my career taking over my days, my life. I have so many aspirations, goals and hobbies I wanted to work on, but essentially I couldn’t do half of them if I worked all day everyday. In my opinion, that’s no way to live such a short life. So I eventually quit my job to start over.
Testimonials
Honestly, what helped me at first to even consider the idea of quitting my job was to read a lot of testimonials. So I reached out to some people who’s personal short stories I’ve read based off a quote I found on instagram. These wonderful people agreed to let me share their stories with you. Some will remain anonymous to their liking.
I needed to hear this today! I’m 31, and because of health issues and taking care of family, I didn’t receive my bachelor’s until years after my original graduation date. Now I’m trying to figure out grad school, and feeling defeated because I should’ve finished sooner. But I kept telling myself I can still be proud of finishing school even if I’m over 30.” – @beckyconk
“I’m 28, I’ve been through two careers already and looking towards my next one.” – @xbelladonna9013
“This is totally me! I worked so hard through grad school and was running my own department at 26, but by 28 I felt like I was suffocating! Now I am 30 and I quit my old life to work on two farms. Still figuring it out, but happy I can breathe.” – @nextnovember
“Phew! If I was still a leasing agent I’d lose my mind! Love my current career more than any job I’ve ever had and didn’t find it until I was 40!!!” – @Kari_j_s
“I relate to this so much… My story was perfect on paper: went to college for marketing while interning for a real marketing team, I was hired the second that I graduated college and worked hard to get promoted a couple times. Everyone told me I was so lucky to work in the same field as my degree, but I sat behind my desk and dreamed of becoming a wedding hairstylist. 5 years later, I’m now in cosmetology school and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been with my career and future. It’s so hard to leave what you know and risk everything, but it’s WORTH IT!” – @annasullivanhair
“Yes! This is so true! I suddenly realized one day that even though I was good at my job I couldn’t imagine doing it until I retired. Seemed as if I had so much more potential than being an AE for a large corporate company. It was scary but I stepped out of my comfort zone and switched careers; I’m only sad I didn’t do it sooner but grateful that I have perspective to appreciate my new career.” – @victoriagriffin818
“After achieving a bachelors in marketing and masters in project management, at 29 I’ve realized I want to be a nurse. Never too late to purse your dreams :)” – @sandylikes2hike
“Love this so much. My first career was a wonderful foundation to grow and build upon, but after 8 years the future potential dimmed. I’m so thankful I made a change and this article is great encouragement to make it work!” – @pillowsofgrace
“I didn’t go to college (well a little jr. college and then the interior designer’s guild) but I’ve changed career paths at least 3 times and didn’t start blogging until I was 45. You can change your path anytime you like as long as you don’t mind hard work and a slow start. Bit I think if you love what you’re doing you’ll succeed that much more and that much faster.” – @sfgirlbybay
“Omg! This is so relatable! Got a Master’s degree, a mountain of loans and now that’s not what I want to do! I am slowly working on my wellness blog at night! Learning the tricks!” – @m.mdna06
“Omg this could not be more true! And every job I’ve had has led me to where I am today! Thx for sharing this <3” – @styledoutwest
“Yes! As someone who quit my job right after I turned 31, I struggled with “the path” and have it all up for a better, much healthier life. I love reading this.” – @charmedbycamille
“OBSESSED with this!!! This is my story, too! BA degree in Communication Studies, MA in Public Relations, landed my first “big girl job” and quickly realized that wasn’t that path that was meant for me! After YEARS of climbing the corporate ladder searching for my magically happy job in a career path that I hated, the Universe stepped in and now I’m a holistic wellness coach and LIVING out my passion every day! Thank you for sharing this today and helping to validate so many of us who have carried guilt or shame for not sticking to the ‘path they went to school for.'” – @thatwellthylife
“I am 49 hoping to graduate by the age of 50 with my Bachelor’s of Education. I’ve been a preschool teacher for 20 years and I wanted a change, Go for it girl!” – @budgetingbyfaith
“Soooo true! Usually people have to try different things to figure out what profession makes them happy & purposeful!! I know I did!” – @urbanpearlcollective
“Lawyer for about 20 years; then full time mother/volunteer; now boutique owner. Don’t be afraid of the next act.” – @poppystylenj
“Thank you for the reminder that mnay of us are in the same boat, especially during a time of transition when none of it seems set in stone. The flip side is, it leaves room for the most opportunity.” – @meanderandcompany
“Can’t explain how true this is. The old way of doing things where you stay at a job for the rest of your life doesn’t have to be typical anymore. As we grow, we figure out more of what we like/don’t like to do. If we’re patient enough to discover and try new things there’d be less of us working jobs we hate.” – @herisnow
Now What?!
I had no definite plan as to what I was going to try when it came to income, but at least I had the comfort of knowing that I had some savings in my bank account and a home to go to if all else fails. With that said I highly suggest you:
- Have savings. Enough where you don’t have to worry about shelter or food. Remember you want this to be a realistic experience. Not an experience where you have to live boarder-line homeless.
- Make list of jobs/gigs. Especially jobs you would like to pursue that make you happy and will also given you an income. After I quit my job I personally chose being a stewardess on a yacht because I love the ocean and love to travel.
- Side gigs to consider that are not your typical 9-5 job: working on boats, completing surveys, blogging, babysitting, pet care, caregiver, Lyft, Uber, renting a room, tutoring, etc.
- Manage your spendings. This is a big one, especially if you like to go out drinking with friends. Don’t get me wrong, once in a while is fun, but be aware that at least over $20 and more will be spent if you go out and pay for an Uber, food, or drinks. I advise that you keep that part of your life to a minimum. Plus, It’s way more fun feeling productive in the morning without being hungover…I mean am I right or am I right?! Same goes to other expenses like clothes, nails, make up, furniture, supplies. Buy whatever is necessary. Things you need,
not want, that’s the key. - Do not compare yourself to others. This is a trend I see often. No one has the right to tell you what you should or should not do (if you should quit a job or not), not even myself. Know that everyone has their own story, their own lives, their own careers. Don’t be discouraged by seeing your friends and family “be more successful than you”, if anything, I commend you for taking a leap and starting a brand new chapter!
- Do not let fear take over. Sure this could be risk, but ask yourself this, “If not now, then when?”. Don’t let the ‘what, if, or but’s’ scare you away from something that can be great! And you know what? Worse case scenario, as mentioned above, if you have savings regardless of what happens, you’ll be fine.
- Believe in yourself & know that to quit a job you don’t want is not giving up, it’s just another chance to try something new.
Find A Job You Love
Remember, the reason you are quit your job is because you are not happy with it. Typically people love their career/job if it is a passion of theirs. So make sure whatever you choose for your next career/job, let it be something you actually like doing. If for any reason you do not like the new career you have chosen, then keep trying!
There is no finish line, this is not a race. This is just you against the world. You’ve got this! Do not settle. Life is way too short to not live it the way you want to π