My 2021 began when I decided to leave my job. While working, I realized how my attitude changed, and by each day, my self-doubt, my tiredness, and my lack of motivation grew. That weight lifted when I submitted my letter of resignation.
Change can be difficult to bear, especially when it comes to our careers. Our career path establishes a sense of purpose in our everyday lives and reinforces who we are as people. However, we may experience a time where we question our own career choices. We start to ask ourselves if our path can provide us long-term happiness.
Taking a Step Back
I picked up a book called When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink. The book covers how we should make decisions from when to drink our morning coffee to when we should get married. When quitting your current job, Pink lists out a few questions:
- Is your current job both demanding and in your control?
- Does your daily work align with your long-term goals?
- Do you want to be on the job on your next work anniversary?
- Does your boss allow you to do your best work?
If we answer “no” to two or more of his questions, it indicates that we need to quit our current job. Some of us may not have the capacity to quit because of rent, bills, etc., but Pink’s questions challenge us to reflect on our careers and goals. Quitting a current job is an option, but we can always start by seeking the jobs that bring us excitement. Look into companies that spark your interest and read the job postings that inspire you.
During the Pandemic
Career changes can be daunting during a pandemic, but we need to make the most uncomfortable decisions to find our happiness and create our own achievements. According to purpose coach, Mory Fontanez, she explains to Business Insider that the COVID-19 pandemic “…is an opportunity. It asks us to pause and look deeply and honestly at all the things we have been doing day in and day out without really thinking about whether those things fulfilled us…”
We sometimes factor money into our job decisions, wondering if this will cover all our expenses while in a pandemic; we consider the security of having a job. Although these are valid concerns, it could lead us to continually jump from one job to the next without taking into account our needs and our interests. We need to evaluate if a job is meaningful and fitting for who we are.
My decision to leave my job, especially during the pandemic, may be disagreeable to others, but it provides an opportunity to learn about myself. It allows me to explore different things that make me happy while strengthening my own skills.
For this year, do what makes you happy in the career of your choice.
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When she experiences a writer’s block, she finds inspiration from different media (MasterClass). In her spare time, Jerline enjoys kickboxing, taking photos with her Canon, and playing video games with her sisters.
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