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I Quit, Now What? (Reflections on the Day After Tomorrow)

Posted by NWSO • November 22, 2010 • Printer-friendly

I've never quit anything in my life. Maybe that's an overstatement, but it's pretty close to accurate. Solving things and seeing them through to fruition are just part of my stubborn Capricorn nature, so just getting up and walking away has never been easy for me. That's why tomorrow is so different.

I quit.

More precisely, I resigned; but I just like the simplistic power of the words "I quit." Resigned kind of feels muted in a way and doesn’t relay the emotion I want to express. But I digress...

After roughly seven years—including three years freelancing, a nine-month gap when I got laid off before putting in another year—I'm leaving my job for a new opportunity. During the course of my 12-year career, I've never had the chance to exercise the option of just walking away. I was either laid off or the place I was working at shut down. With that said, I feel like I've never been in control of my own destiny in a sense. Before I could decide I was ready to leave I was forced out.

But tomorrow is different.

It will be my last day, by choice.

My choice.

I'm both excited and scared at the same time. I don't regret my decision in the slightest and hold no ill will towards my former (well, after tomorrow) employers but I had to do what's best for me both financially, mentally and most importantly for my future.

So I quit.

More precisely, I resigned...

Ever since I got the news some three weeks ago, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Peaks and valleys. Twists and turns. Highs and lows. My immediate reaction was elation at the opportunity, then trepidation about breaking the news to boss and co-workers. We were in the midst of a huge project that I was spearheading and my departure would follow several staff changes that had occurred over the past two months or so. But those were concerns and thoughts for a later time. Right then and there, in that moment, it was all I could do to keep myself from smiling.

Yes.

That is my final answer.

With that simple one-word reply, composed of one syllable, everything had changed. My mood shifted as soon as I hung up and walked through the brisk street to grab my late lunch. My shoulders weren’t as tight and that constant knot in my stomach was loosening. Even then, I knew…

Tomorrow would be different.

It wasn’t until I returned to the office that anxiety set in. I had a secret that I couldn’t reveal. Not yet at least. Could anyone tell? Was I acting different? Or, was my poker face still intact? Whatever the case, mum was the word until Monday when my boss was back in the office and it was back to business as usual.

The entire weekend was a game of mental tennis as I volleyed different ways to break the news. When the time finally came, I decided it was best to just spit it out. There was no smoke and mirrors; no fuss and drama; just an honest conversation that ended in my decision being respected.

I couldn’t ask for anything more.

The only stipulation was that I was sworn to secrecy for a week, so I spent the next five days in limbo. Planning for things that wouldn’t be my concern after three weeks. Discussing things that wouldn’t seem as important by month’s end. Making decisions that may or may not hold weight come tomorrow.

It was weird.

It felt a little bit like lying. There were plenty of times where I wanted to spill the beans, but I’m a man of my word and I kept up the façade. I went as hard, if not harder, than before until everyone was brought up to speed about my impending departure.

Even then, it was business as usual.

Early mornings and late nights as I prepared to launch the project I was spearheading by any means necessary. Through it all I remembered what I loved about the folks I worked with and savored each moment, as I knew it may be the last time we shared these moments all together, in one space.

It was a mix of emotions.

Part of me was looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel, while the other part was still enjoying the journey to get there.

Bittersweet.

That’s the best way to describe it. The project went off with minimal hitches last week and I’m proud of the work we put in. Now that’s it’s complete I could finally take a moment to let it all soak in.

Tomorrow will be different.

It will be my last day sitting at my desk, walking into that building and enjoying the company of the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Tomorrow…

Marks the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Tomorrow…

Will be my last chance to tie up any loose ends and pack up any of my remaining personal effects. In the past, it was because I was forced to vacate the premises. In fact, a year a half ago, that was the exact experience as I got laid off at the top of ’09 and had to empty out a desk just five spaces over from the one I currently hold residence in.

At the time, I never thought I’d be back once I downloaded my files and music onto a USB and walked out the door, but life has a funny way of working out its own plans. Not to sound cliché, but what is meant to be will be and everything that happens is for a reason. I truly believe that the moments leading up to tomorrow were supposed to happen. If I didn’t go through those specific experiences I wouldn’t be here and…

Tomorrow would be different.

Wish me luck and I’ll holla at y’all…

Tomorrow.

Have you ever quit a job? How did you feel about the decision—excited or scared? How did you break the news to your boss? Was his/her reaction what you expected? Do you work just as hard when you know you’re leaving a job? Have you ever switched jobs only to regret your decision? How awkward is it for you knowing that you’re leaving when none of your co-workers know? How would you describe the way you feel on your last day? How long does it take you to get acclimated to your new gig? Do you want to know where I’m going? CLICK HERE.

Speak your piece…

Tagged as: boss, fired, i quit, job offer, laid off, recession, work

http://thecandyshoppe.wordpress.com Ronnie6676

I have quit and it was the most liberating experiences of my life...I also believe it allowed me the freedom to think and believe I could do and be more career wise. Congrats and good luck on your next adventure
http://halloftheblackdragon.com Greg Dragon

http://halloftheblackdragon.com/reel/3552/when-i-quit-my-day-job.html
http://melhopkins.info Mel

I'm only loyal to family and friends. If I'm working for a corporation I will quit when I've had enough. If I'm working on the behalf of a client I've secured - the client has me for life. All this to say no trepidation on my part when I leave - I do what Ildeth/Edith (Lot's wife) was supposed to do - I don't look back lol.

Much success to you! I hope your loyalty is return to you in all your endeavors.
sunshyne84

I quit a few months ago. It was exciting and scary then one day it just happened. Even I didn't know when I was actually going to go through with it. Nobody ever thought I would, but I have bigger dreams than doing what I was doing. I just didn't want to be there anymore and I hate when people question me about it. It wasn't a career by any means.
Kemz

First, you're messed up for that you tube vid lol

More importantly , congrats and good luck. I wish you all the best in your new endeavors
http://melhopkins.info Mel

Great insight. I was happy to find even more like it on your site. I would have subbed if not for the butt dimples staring me in the face.
Rogue Thought

Lol that was funny...the video

I have quit before. It was a great feeling. But I too am a Capricorn and hated the idea of someone thinking that I quit because I couldn't do it. Actually I'm in the process of trying to quit now. But haven't yet because there is no place to leap (there is the temp world and that is where I will be landing if I don't find anything.)
But quitting for mental stability is the BEST reason to quit. Some folks take extreme cuts in pay for mental stability.
Congratulations on your new endevour!
http://www.thesinglegirlsguidetomen.com/ nikbanks

Good Luck Much success and Congrats on being able to leave your way....
carmool

Congrats!! and we already know much success shall come your way you workaholic
Enid Wilson

Hey, I'm a Capricorn too! Change is good. It means new opportunity and new challenge. All the best! We'd climb every mountain...

My Darcy Mutates
QuoteMan

I’ve had just two jobs my entire life - my current and my former. In fear of the unknown, most people would pass on change. Change could be risky, but the biggest risk in life is not taking a risk. As long as you work hard and smart, success will always find you. Best of luck, homie.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

lolz
http://brooklife.tumblr.com brook

Ah man. I know this feeling. Bittersweet nails it. I first felt this when i was teaching and decided to take the leap from Atlanta to New York City, the classroom to the editorial room. Leaving something that works for you for something that feels more like it will work for you is very unsettling. we don't usually learn to leave something that works but it can be good if you do.
it can be great.
its so surreal.
But growing is like that.
evolution.
you have to grow. you have too. so you do and then you realize that it is all going to be okay. You have lost nothing and gained everything because you have the strength to make it happen. YOU.
and what's better than gaining yourself.
I said it before: Endings are beginnings.
enjoy it.
have you not earned it?
duepayer

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I think its dope that you chose to go for what's real over what's comfortable. I know some of the folks you work(ed) with and they're great people so I'm sure it was tough to leave that comfort zone. But I'm sure you have greater things waiting for you ahead...

As for quitting a gig, I can def relate. In my early 20s I was stuck in one of those dead end, just to get by retail jobs. I was in college and just needed a lil bread in my pocket to pay the bills and actually be able to eat. Didn't wanna be one of those dudes signing up for a banking account just to get a free slice of pizza. My CUNY heads know what I'm talkin about. Anyway, I had been there for 3 years and knew it was time to move on but didn't have a backup gig lined up yet. I tried out to go on tour with TheTruth.com but figured it was a long shot at best. Still, I knew there was something better for me out there and I HAD to liberate myself from that place. So I gritted my teeth, walked into the manager's office and "resigned." After the talk and a bit of haggling he let me go in peace. Can't tell you how relieved I was but I was def leary of that job search. I shit you not, soon as I stepped out of that office my phone rings, "Congratulations...you've just been selected to go on tour with us this summer..." My life hasn't been the same since... #faith
JC

Much luck and success to you

I quit a job I was at for 8 years. It was decision I made without having a backup (ie, another job) while at the time I really did regret not having a backup plan I was at the end of my rope and I NEEDED to leave. It took a long time to get to the spot of knowing I made the right choice although I went about it the wrong way.

I won't go into how I quit, because considering how close I was with my bosses it was extremely unprofessional, but as I said I was at my breaking point and not just with work but with personal issues as well. It took a while but my bosses got over the betrayal ( yeah it was seen that way) and we are on friendly terms. But in leaving that job I knew that I was leaving a part of myself behind. I knew I was never going to be the same person. I'm in a better place mentally now, which is enabling me to get my career on track. I wouldn't have been able to do that if I had stayed at that job.
journeytowifey

good luck! onward and upward
Junegemini

Ans, I quit my job on June 30, 2010 after working for my company for 20 years. I am working on my doctorate and being able to quit allowed me the mental space to work on my degree. My final weeks and last day were a mix of emotions: relief, sadness, joy, happiness; an amalgamation of many emotions. Five months in it still feels surreal not to be working. I felt stifled in my job so leaving it was necessary but still scary.

Blessings to you on your next adventure. I enjoy your work and look forward to the next great NWSO adventure.
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.com Tiffany

Congrats on the new venture and good luck.

Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
Preachthecomedian

I've been fired and I've quit. If I don't like the job I i mentally check out like 3-6 months in advance. I guess I tend to quit in advance. When your on your deathbed nobody is going to wish they WORKED more.
Life becomes a big ass memory...be damn if most of it is doing some shit I HATE....
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

I've quit 2 jobs. I'll focus on the most recent one.

I quit my last job on 5.6.2010, effective 6.8.2010. I was there for 3 years and there were a mix of emotions - anger, sadness, worry, happiness, nervousness, excitement. I'd known that I was leaving for a while, but it took a while (due to bureaucratic stuff on the new job's end) to hand in the resignation. Unfortunately, things didn't end at the last job on a good note due to backstabbing and lies, and I had to involve the union; I did, however, work & exit with grace and humility (that's my normal M.O. anyway), and those who are still there told me that things have gotten worse since my departure.

Now I'm here, thousands of miles away, and despite all the ups and downs, this is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Hopefully things will only go further up from here.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

True indeed, for real.
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

Best wishes to you.
CrystalJ

Seriously are you reading my mind?!! I'm going to be in this position in a couple of weeks...and while exciting it will definitely be bitter sweet. I will miss the folk that I've worked with for the last 3 years but I know at this stage of my life I can see myself in this career for the rest of my life and will be going back to school to pursue what I really want to do.

I've been mulling over ways to approach my resignation and I've scratched out every letter that I've written, every speech I've penned has been re-written...*sigh*...I just know that when I walk away from this place I will finally feel uplifted.

I do feel guilty (slightly) because I've been sitting on this secret for about a year...yeah a year of knowing the date of my resignation...talk about feeling some kinda way, lol.

I wish you good luck though and hope that where you're going is all that you expect.
Paulette_bajan_gal

Awesome...did something similar myself last week and it has opened doors beyond my wildest imaginations.You have to leave the nest to fly.
http://www.wellbehaveddontmakehistory.blogspot.com Miss Malorie

Congratulations, and many blessings to you! With the next year coming, I've got to make some decisions as far as working goes, and this post just reminded me to not be afraid, but to step out on faith. I too believe that what will be will be, and that everything happens for a reason. I'm excited for you!!
Preachthecomedian

I was going to try to say something funny but this isn't the tine nor place. My uncle is a minister and his new years sermon was about getting out of the boat. When Christ called his disciple to meet him on the water he got out. During the walk he began to doubt and then he sunk. Now religious/spiritual beliefs aside the major lesson is that you have to leave at times. Iron sharpens iron and these times when you step out the boat make u better. Some people never grow because they stay stuck. Life is too precious to not go after what you love. This is not the time to doubt. This is the time to rejoice. You do not move around for the Universe you must make it move for you. Peace and blessings brothers and sisters
Flykiss

I have been trying to leave my job for a while now - looking for and applying to new jobs that would both interest and challenge me. A bit more money wouldn't hurt either. While I would love to quit (tomorrow lol) I know that I need to have something lined up before doing so. I just started writing a cover letter last night for a dream job I found posted online. Reading this post was a great little piece of inspiration today (thank you). I'm determined to put together the best application I can and hope (and pray) that this is in His plan. Also, thanks for knowing that people need a serious word of encouragement sometimes and not just a Wet Wednesday....but keep those coming too (
no pun intended).

Flykiss
Preachthecomedian

Been thinking about quitting and moving to pursue my comedy and my writing. Gives hope to know so...
Older & Wiser

I have only quit once in my life and that was after 20 yrs of moving up and feeling it was now or never to make my move. I left to the amazement of my colleagues with no other prospects in site! I quit that career just to spend time reflecting on what should be my next move. It was time for a change and I had to force myself or I never would have done it.

Fast forward three years, that's right three years not working (my choice) and I reinvented myself and I am more satisfied with my choice to break away from the known to pursue the unknown and now I'm living my life like it's golden! I have NO REGRETS and haven't looked back since! BTW, I am a Multipreneur of several enterprises and being my own boss was definitely the right move for me!
Candace

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Have you ever quit a job? Yes 3 times
How did you feel about the decision—excited or scared? Both
Have you ever switched jobs only to regret your decision? Never
How would you describe the way you feel on your last day? Completion. No regrets.
How long does it take you to get acclimated to your new gig? 2-3 months
want to know where I’m going? Ouiiiiiiiiiii
BRANDI

I have "resigned" as well as quit jobs in the past. Mostly, when I have left jobs it was because I've reached the breaking point with things at my former place of employment.
I wish you the best at the new job! And I pray that the new job brings much success and satisfaction to ya!
Vaughnny

I have always thought about going back to school. I grew up a military brat and in the army reserves myself, so being comfortable is different. Kinda off. I had a good job for five years, moved up and had a nice start to a career. Finally in June I woke up and decide to go to school. Called the boss and let him know I wont be coming in anymore. I was at my annual training at the time and my boss took it well. Cash out my profit sharing, got rid of my debt and enrolled in school full-time in a new city. In the end you want to say youdo it for personal fulfillment but we want to be the provider for women, have the nice things and own place, and get prepared for having children. Adjusting from a nine to five to fulltime school took a while but in the end it will be worth it.
AD

My Man...congrats!!! Hope the new gig is the next thing closer to your dreams, hopes, and goals!!! Yeah its scary at first, but you'll overcome it. Hey you doing something that many people can't or don't have the guts to do...MOVE FORWARD! So again Bro, congrats!!!

AD
God’s Gift

Best wishes on your new endeavors!
Shaqtastic!

LOL! I know my date too!
Shannon

I quit several jobs in my time. Granted, I'm still young and that also means I haven't learned workplace etiquette. I've gotten into fights with coworkers, cussed out supervisors, even slapped a boss for accusing me of being lazy when I worked a 16-hour shift and covered the prison infirmary for two days--alone.

Usually, it went something like, "Fuck you, I quit!" and take off for the parking lot. Or I would get up for the next workday and decide I don't want to go in and just never go back. Once, I left during the workday; I punched out for lunch and just never went back.

I was young and hotheaded and expected too much from my superiors. It took me a long time to learn to be a team player and never really learned, to be honest, and currently work in a position where I make certain I'm alone. It's just easier and best for all involved if I work alone.

So where are you going, NWSO? A new position with the same company in a different location? Your own company? (That would be so sweet, for real.) Perhaps a joint venture? Inquiring minds would like to know and send congrats to you! Not everyone gets to quit a job; the economy is too bad, money's too tight and times are too hard to just up and quit a job. So relish and bask in the privilege! I wish I could do the same!
R.e.D

The ambiguity of the new job is of no surprise seeing that you never mentioned exactly what the prior was. To each his own, nonetheless, these are celebratory times, so congrats to you and all the best in your future career, whatever that may be....
http://www.AConleyCreation.com karmagini

It's awesome to hear of a new opportunity, a new path for you. I think that sense of newness is a great high. I hope your new venture bodes well for you.

I've quit jobs for something better, & never regretted it. At my last job, I had to give a 2-day notice instead of 2-week notice... that was awkward. It was only to CYA, as they were unscrupulously trying to boot me anyway.

That was the only job I wanted to pull a Scarface from Half-Baked... "F*ck you, f*ck you, f*ck you, you're cool, I'm out!"
menluvmysmile

Congtratulations first and foremost!
Ending something and starting something within the same persiod of time is a mix of emotions, but no matter what it sounds like you have everything under control and what you truly need.

I can not wait for you to share more!
IgorPK

What a coincidence!! I have been grappling with the same thoughts over the past couple of weeks, and in four days, everything will be different!
Sherell

Good Luck Ans! I have no doubt you will do well, wherever you go. Yes I have quit a few times. One time, many moons ago I was leaving a bad situation and hadn't secured a new gig. I envisioned jumping up on my desk and saying hey every body and giving them the finger!! Lol!!! I ended up not doing that, but the thought was wonderful. Others times, I have left valued colleagues and it was with mixed emotions. But I can honestly say I have no regrets.
ps.. I just started dating a Capricorn and as much as I admire and am intrigued, he can drive me crazy, so much like you.