Like most people, the thought of quitting your day job has likely crossed your mind. Every once in a while, the idea creeps into your head: “leave the corporate world, pursue my passion, and find work that truly fulfills me.”
Also, like most people, you probably immediately consider all the reasons to stay: familiarity, consistent pay, benefits, time and energy invested in your current path.
Plus, the physical act of resigning likely deters you from ever taking action. What will people think? What will they say about me? How will I explain that I’m leaving a safe, secure position? What if I fail?
Well, I just arrived on the other side of that very experience and have some insight to share. I quit my job as an Area Process Manager/Team Manager at a large manufacturing corporation without plans to find a new job. As I write this, i am enjoying the first day of my experimental “time off.” Or as a friend put it, “time on” – a chance to pursue the things that make me happy and trust myself not to wind up homeless or drowning in debt. I have a voice lesson this afternoon followed by kayaking with friends.
So, what actually happened in the time since I put in my notice? I’m glad you asked.
I decided to give three weeks notice to give my (ex) boss plenty of time to plan for my departure. I broke the news to him on a Monday morning. As expected, he asked what my plans were, if I would consider staying for more money, and whether anything negative had happened to cause me to leave. I explained to him that while I enjoyed my (very busy, demanding, semi-rewarding) job, I owed it to myself to strike out on my own and revive some parts of me that had been ignored recently.
Not-as-expected, he seemed to really understand where I was coming from. He told me he felt a little bit jealous and proceeded to divulge that he and his wife had considered leaving their traditional path and starting a Bed and Breakfast in Salt Lake City in their early 30s. Of course, they didn’t, and now they have a beautiful family and home, and he has a thriving career in manufacturing. We both agreed that their decision had led to a successful outcome. But still, I left the conversation invigorated and reassured in my decision. After all, my boss had just told me that he was a little jealous of me for leaving the company where I worked for him.
I had similar interactions with other senior leadership at my facility. My HR Manager told me I was in very good standing, and that I should reach out if I ever wanted to come back. My Facility Manager expressed disappointment that I, “a future leader of the company” was leaving. However, he followed that up with empathy and admitted he should have worked less when he was younger.
Everyone else I ran into over the next three weeks offered kind words and wishes of success. Many confided in me that they were pursuing side hustles and hoped to set out on their own one day. I felt so lucky to have access to this previously unearthed side of my co-workers. As it turns out, many of the people I worked with over the years were also wondering what else was out there; what else were they capable of; and even dabbling in alternative paths. I wonder what percentage of those who dream actually take the leap.
The maintenance shop for my department gave me a nice card full of encouraging words like “you will never discover new lands unless you leave the shore.” Even my direct reports (operators) had something nice to say. One told me, “you seem like you’re on a mission these last two weeks.” And I was! I was on a mission to wrap up as much of my work as possible and give the next person a clean starting point. Another offered this encouragement: “I’ll tell you the same thing I tell my children: always remember your worth.” *tears*
Along with all the overwhelming, positive support, my team gave me a couple small gifts, a cake with my name on it, and celebrated my last day with a home-cooked (work-cooked) ribeye luncheon. It felt as though every challenge, every disagreement we had encountered, had only fortified our relationships and brought us to this final moment of closure.
Has anyone else received similar reactions upon handing in a resignation? Anyone had the opposite experience? Please share your stories in the comments!
