I’m pretty sure that anyone that has worked at a job for a while has at some point thought about quitting. Most often, these thoughts arise when the job has become less enjoyable or more stressful. I’m familiar with this feeling considering that I’ve worked at a lot of positions since I graduated college in 2003.
However here’s a little story about a job that will never show up on my resume and once you read this, you’ll understand why….
(Note: this is actually a picture of when I graduated from grad school in 2011)
When I finished school in 2003 I was working at a small news magazine in New York City where I had previously interned. The magazine agreed to have me back but they knew they couldn’t hire me full time. Eventually, through my connections there I scored an assistant media buyer position at a prestigious advertising agency.
Although the position was supposedly a “dream job” because of the young environment and connections into hot media parties, I had my doubts about it. (awful salary, didn’t like the people that interviewed me, and the company frequently boasted a “pay your dues” motto). But I took it anyway.
(hey, parties are great! But they don’t make the job….)
After a few months of working ridiculous hours under very high stress for horrible money on a team of sexist, unprofessional people, I knew I had to get out of there. I was SO NERVOUS to quit. I’d never quit a job before!
On the morning I went in with the intentions of quitting, I arrived to an email from my boss stating a complete restructuring of my department. For some reason this wrench in my plans made me FREAK OUT. I ended up writing an email to my boss telling him that I quit effective immediately and then I literally ran out of the building. I had lost it.
I was totally embarrassed and relieved at the same time. I’ll never forget that feeling I had as I was walking away office hoping I didn’t bump into anyone that I knew. My heart was pumping and I was tingly from the nerves.
Although over 8 years later I’m still mortified about what I did (and my family still makes fun of me), but I learned SO MUCH from the experience. I was able to reflect on what happened over time and it helped me to become a better decision maker. The next time I left a job I was still extremely nervous but I was able to go through with it (and give 2 weeks notice), and leave on great terms with the company.
I also learned the importance of going with my “gut” when it comes to choosing a job, even if I’m feeling desperate for work.
I’m sure that some of you who read my blog are still in college or recent graduates. As someone recently back on the job market for various reasons, I understand what it is like to be out there in this economy. Finding a teaching job is almost impossible at this point, but I know that one day I will have that “dream job”. And I won’t run away this time.
Have you ever quit a job?
What is your dream job?
