So I quit my job today. With no other job to go to. Have I made a mistake? Thoughts appreciated :)

hairyfairy

Been in it for about 5-6 years, and over the last year felt like I wasn't getting as much as I'd like out of it. I'm on gardening leave at the moment, so going to finish up my Level 3 (hopefully), and then looking to travel Europe and South America for about 3 months. No plans after that.

I'll admit that there's a bit of a mid-life (quarter life?) crisis aspect to this, but I'm actually really excited and happy for the first time in a long while. So it does feel right. But scary at the same time.

Anyone else gone through something similar, or are thinking along similar lines? Would be reassuring to have a kindred spirit out there

mattyc

Wow good for you @hairyfairy.  Bold move indeed but your happiness is worth taking risks.  I would just start thinking about how you would craft this period of time to a future potential employer.  Multi-cutural life experience can really help in interviews but you also dont want to come across as a wildcard/unreliable.  So have fun, but just keep in mind how you would frame this once you decide to rejoin us in the rat race  

WesMantooth

Good on you for having the courage to do that! That is super exciting! Can't possible be a mistake if this move has left you excited and happy for the first time in a long while! Happiness is always worth it!

hairyfairy

mattyc said:

Wow good for you @hairyfairy.  Bold move indeed but your happiness is worth taking risks.  I would just start thinking about how you would craft this period of time to a future potential employer.  Multi-cutural life experience can really help in interviews but you also dont want to come across as a wildcard/unreliable.  So have fun, but just keep in mind how you would frame this once you decide to rejoin us in the rat race  

That's the scary part - I haven't really thought about my CV when I return to the rat race. At this point I'm not even sure if I'll be rejoining the same industry.

@wesmantooth - thanks, appreciate the vote of confidence!

mattyc

The reality is this hiatus will probably make you a more productive person.  Being stuck in a job you hate slowly chips away at your motivation and ambition (talking from experience) so you end up doing the minimal amount of work to get through the day.  Taking a step back, clearing your thoughts and refocusing on what makes you happy will only reinvigorate yourself.  So if you decide to go back in the same industry or not, you'll be better off.  You have time to think about my original point so dont stress.

medve

I realize this is an older post, but my take is that I guess your "main" job in life is to be happy, so you actually promoted yourself from that perspective. Work never ends, there will always be a job waiting for you. As for your CV, well, you can always be a "consultant", no?

hairyfairy

Words to live by @medve. Thanks.

Just as an update, I'm working on my own thing - more of a hobby than anything for now. Although not making any money to speak of yet, I've never been more engaged or happy with work in years! Add that to my new CFA charter, it's all going great

Yeshank

@hairyfairy    Congratulations on your CFA charter and Kudos on your new found happiness and contentment.
There are very few people in the world who get to experience true happiness .... as long as you are fulfilled money doesn't matter.

Good Luck for your future ......Best wishes

Snippy

@hairyfairy I just saw this post today. Congratulations on your charter and on the big bold move! Glad to hear that you're doing things that are making you happy

eqbank

@hairyfairy Congratulations! Keep doing what makes you happy!