How my career started, then ended, then started again
My job was my whole life so I burned out.
It’s not something I’ve always been good at, but balancing career and passion is now my main goal. It's an active practice that I work at everyday. At first, my passion for building community led me to the wonderful world of coworking. Then I quit the job I had loved so much because I was burned out to the max as I didn’t know how to create work/life boundaries at the time. I also didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and thought leaving would bring me the answers I needed. After a somewhat knee jerk decision to put in my two weeks notice, I spent a whole lotta time in my robe staring at the wall and letting the pendulum swing to boredom (those that know me, know I don't do bored).
When I was way past my due date to get back into the workforce, it took me many frustrating months of searching, submitting SO MANY resumes and still…nothing! I finally realized I needed a plan, a north star, a direction, a vision that was bigger than my current self. I went back to my creative roots and started collaging and journaling until I had my AHA! moment of what I wanted to do. Fast forward another 6 months, with a fun temp job in the meantime, I got back into the coworking job that I loved, but on my terms. Yes ma’am! This time around I worked part-time with the salary I wanted!
I learned a lot during this time and wish I had done a few things differently. If you are thinking of quitting your J-O-B, here are my top 5 lessons to consider before you give notice:
1) Check your financials
How long can you go without working financially? Do you have the funds to support yourself for 3, 6 or 9 months?
2) Find a new role in your current company
Look within! No, not your meditative practice silly. Think about transferring departments or changing up your role in your current company.
3) Ask to be let go
Whah? Yup, it’s something people do and changes your eligibility for unemployment benefits or severance pay while you look for a new job. Make sure you know what’s happening at your company so you can make an informed decision and be 100% prepared to leave before you have this kind of convo with your boss.
4) Take a sabbatical
Do you love your job, but just burned out to the max? If you have been working with your organization for a good chunk of time (think years people), a personal sabbatical might be essential for your mind, body and soul.
5) Be a woman with a plan
Get clear about what you want your next career to look like before you quit. This includes what industry you want to work in, salary, benefits, what feeds your soul, etc.. While you’re still in your current role start volunteering in different industries or asking for informational interviews with people that have your dream job. Take a workshop or class to hone in a new skill that will help you get your next job. Have fun with this as you never know what will spark your interest!
