Six weeks ago I took a huge leap of faith and left a job of seven years for a new adventure. I’m now taking another leap … this time without knowing where I will land. Rather than being scary, it is quite liberating.
After a month on my new job, I knew for certain it was not for me and wouldn’t evolve in that direction. It was simply a bad match. Once I made the decision to leave, all the stress I’d been under disappeared. It was the right thing to do. Coming from an HR background, I knew that bad fits happen. I also knew it was best for all concerned for to make an early exit from the position, which is what I did.
It helped that my boss had known how stressed I was. I was honest that my skills are better suited to a different environment. He didn’t disagree.
Before looking forward to where I want to go next (I’m back to that again), I looked back to see where I went wrong. Even in reviewing the situation, there weren’t any red flags that I ignored. Strangely enough, that made me feel better.
Conventional wisdom (the infamous “they”) would have dictated that I line up another job before leaving this one. I am seldom conventional, and “wise” is in the eye of the beholder. I was miserable and not performing to the level they deserved, so I jumped completely blind into the abyss.
This is definitely one of those times where being frugal and having an emergency fund pays off. As Ma put it, money might not buy happiness, but it does rent it.
Maybe I should have fear. Instead I have faith that something will catch me after the jump. It is a liberating feeling.
Have you ever left a job without lining up another one? or What liberating/crazy choice have you made lately? or If you know of any job opportunities, please send me an email!
Grown Up, Now What? 
I think my Mother would have a heart attack if I left without the next thing lined up. That takes real courage – I wish you the best!
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Thank you, Lisa. My wonderful step-mom said she’d be a nervous wreck if it were her, but she knew I’d be just fine. It’s nice to be known for taking big risks that pay off. I already have some interviews set up. I’m really excited about the possibilities.
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I think it’s awesome that you’re willing to leave a job without having another one lined up. If a job doesn’t fit, you shouldn’t stay in it especially if it’s stressing you out. I’ve left jobs before without having ones lined up. It’s not ideal, but sometimes you have to do it. I’m like you in that I have money saved up to cushion me for a while until something else comes along. Well, good luck in finding something else.
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Thanks, Steve. I’m feeling so much better. I already have some interviews lined up for interesting positions. Plus, they are jobs that will be really good for me that I never would have thought of applying for had I not left my comfortable job in the first place. It’s a big road trip adventure without a map!
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