Quitting My Job Without A Backup Plan Made Me More Successful

A few years back, I was at a job that not only made me unhappy, but was also making me physically sick. I had grown to hate getting up every morning and got the "sunday scaries" every week. Feeling myself sink deeper and deeper into a funk, I decided to change my situation. After all, only you are responsible for your own happiness, and only you have the power to change your circumstances. 

So, I did it. I quit my job. 

It felt amazing. The only catch was that I did not have a backup plan in place. I had given a month's notice, figuring that I was not only being generous to my then-employer but that the time would allow me time to figure things out. Hopefully, I would have another job in place. I interviewed with a publication and was poised to move into a full-time editor/writer role, but in a twist of fate — my potential position had disappeared. 

Well, that didn't quite work out as I had hoped. 

At the time, it was something of a blow. I had prepared financially when I quit my job, but not necessarily emotionally. Being unemployed for 2 months taught me a lot about myself, what I really want out of not just my career, but my life. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. 

I imagine that many others have found themselves in the same position that I was, so I'd like to share some of the invaluable lessons I learned along the way.

This, of course, is a wonderful thing but can also be extremely daunting. I started writing each day, just for myself, and created a general guideline of the things I wanted to accomplish, what kind of job I wanted to obtain and other 'extras' that seemed interesting to me. I included all aspects I considered important — salary, experience, fulfillment, perks, culture, etc. as well as how this new job would flow into my personal life. Then, I assigned a preferred timeline to accomplish each goal, with interim check in points along the way. Breaking up larger goals into how to make it happen, step-by-step, was not only helpful, but made it less overwhelming. 

People change their minds all the time on what they want, and this is no different when it comes to career choices. When I gave my notice, I was excited about that other job opportunity; I was ready to be a writer and was certain that is what I wanted to do full-time. Even once I was unemployed, I told myself I would spend each day not only job hunting, but writing as well. I soon realized that I enjoyed writing — but only on my terms. I would still love to work at a publication, but more likely in a role where I could collaborate with others and edit content. I also pinpointed that I wanted to delve more into marketing and that I love to help others. My game plan changed once I identified what my most important values were, and my dreams shifted as a result. 

This is something we are surely all guilty of at one time or another. In researching best practices, suggested interview methods, etc. I discovered that I was already implementing a majority of these before ever having read any of these articles. This discovery gave me a lot of confidence in myself, as well as my abilities. Sometimes, all you need is a little common sense and life experience; don't let your lack of credentials or educational background deter you from seeing yourself as the smart, competent professional that you are. 

I have a number of things that I hope to accomplish and a lot of them scare me. I now see this as exciting and motivational whereas before I used to just worry about the possibility of failure. I now know that I am not progressing if I don't fail; failure is a necessary step in learning and growth. I know that even if I fail, I will get up and try again until I succeed. 

But most of all?

Nothing is more empowering that a sense of healthy self-respect. After all, if you don't set boundaries for how others treat you, no one else will. 

As a disclaimer, I would never suggest haphazardly quitting your job; in this case, it was necessary for my health and well-being. Evaluate your personal and professional situation and plan accordingly. Good luck! 

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