We all got a lesson in how not to leave a job by week’s end on Saturday, November 7, 2020. The 45th President of the United States did not acknowledge that his “contract” with the American people was not renewed for another 4 years. At the time of this writing, he has yet to publicly congratulate President-Elect Joe Biden nor has he shared publicly what his plans are beyond this presidency. Is this how you would respond if you didn’t get the promotion you wanted? What about if your contract was not renewed? Thumbs down on your “dream job”? At A Fresh Start Therapy, we know that resistance is best used at the gym and not at your place of employment.
Quitting Your Job During the Pandemic
While it is common for employees to “start from the bottom” or “work their way up” the corporate ladder, these opportunities can be competitive. When an employee leaves the company or there’s a new position created in your department, at least half of your team is applying for this one position. Why does this happen? Yes, let’s say it together: More Money? No. Absolutely not. You think there’s more money on the way, but that’s not entirely true.
When you accept more responsibilities for more money, you are making a trade-off. You are taking on more responsibilities and sometimes you may not have the support in a manager or organization to be successful. You may get paid more but you’re losing time. You personally may not have the physical or emotional capacity to do the work and you’ve decided to make yourself do it anyway. What is the solution to this problem? Quit.
Yes. I said quit your job during a pandemic. Why not? You’ve undoubtedly just experienced the most uncertain period of your life… and you survived. If you’ve had a dream in your heart for the last several months that’s been unearthed by the 2020 plague, then go and follow it. Let me ask you: What do you have to lose?
Define What “Quit” Means to You
To quit your job does not mean that you leave your place of employment today or tomorrow. It does require you to get very clear about your needs. You may have started your job at a specific time in your life when you were in a relationship and now you aren’t. Maybe you took this job simply because you needed one. Whatever your reasoning, things have changed for you. Things have changed for all of us! Even if you’ve only been on your job for six months, life is different. Here are some examples of your needs and how to have them met:
- I need more money. Renegotiate your contract.
- I am exhausted. Reassess your tour of duty or your work hours.
- I need more energy. Re-locate your office to get more sunlight.
- My job is boring. Stop doing the task that you like least.
These are just some examples of how to quit aspects of your job that suck. However, you do have to be willing to take an action and let go of the outcome. This is something that you can work through in a holistic therapy program.
Make a Decision
Every boss and entrepreneur that I know has to do this. So if you maybe want to work for yourself one day, then you will have to do it too. It is the most difficult part of your journey. What do I want to do? What am I willing to do? Will my life be different as a result of this decision? You can always talk this process through with a therapist. I specialize in business coaching, which is an added benefit to my clients. Though, it is not necessary for you to find a business coach. Your therapist can support you as you weigh the pros and cons of your next steps using therapeutic services. Whether you walk away from your job or ask for a standing desk, it all starts with making up your mind.
Contact Your Support System
They are quite protective of you and don’t want you to make a decision that would negatively impact your life. Translation: They are going to tell you all the reasons why doing something different is a bad idea. Write them down. Read over each one and use this list as your road map to success. Use each negative answer to construct a full proof plan not to let that happen.
From 2014-2016, I worked in environments that would now be called “toxic.” I made a decision to stop allowing myself to be treated like my opinions and expertise did not matter. I stood up for myself in meetings and pushed back on things that did not seem right. As soon as I made this decision, a lot of “life” started happening. New opportunities came my way and I ultimately started this company. As I look back, I’m glad that I decided to do something different. A Fresh Start Therapy would not be here if I did not quit. To learn more about how A Fresh Start Therapy can help you, contact us at 855.325.3909.
