After a decade of misery I finally plucked up the courage to send that resignation letter. This was summer 2019 and I was going to take a few months to readjust and figure out if I wanted to stay in the same field or change altogether (needed distance from the awful working environment I'd accepted for so long, to judge if I could still enjoy the skillset I had). I was in your vicious cycle and I cried a lot but with relief more than anything (and a bit of frustration at myself I hadn't done it sooner).
I'm in a similar role now but much healthier work conditions and better at balancing work and life, as well as time on my own without tech. Luckily Covid-19 pandemic didn't completely mess me up as timing of my decision could have backfired but I am now harping on to any friends who will listen that if they are remotely unhappy, act on it and don't let it build into an impossible hurdle to live in a vicious cycle of misery.
Yes. I have quit a few times when it was no longer worth the pain and effort; mostly the stress. For many of the reasons you said in your thought provoking article. Thank you.
And I followed my many dreams. I took with me all the things I loved doing; being with people; writing stories; working to the rhythm of my own beat. Only taking on projects which I wanted to do or where I thought I could make a difference.
The biggest problem is making ends meet; having to downsize my lifestyle. Basically, that means having very little money for the fun things which make a difference. And not having had a holiday for a very long time. But the trade was worth it. What I am doing now is worth the effort. I am in in the driving seat of my life. If I am stressed it is because project finance hasn't come through; or I have taken on a bit too much. My life is Feast or Famine and we have all experienced the lean years of Covid so there is a lot of catching up to do. But mostly, I am positive and optimistic. I have refreshed my goals and made them more manageable and learned SO much! Now, in my 60's, I am not planning to retire, but to just do even more of the things I love doing. Creativity doesn't have a use by date and is a constant flow if we nurture and treat ourselves and the wellspring of our creativity with love and respect. Thanks for making me think about this, Lauren. I wish you well with your future creativity. Don't think of it as quitting, but moving on to do something even better!
Oh Anita. This was beautiful to read. And I will read back over and over. Love especially what you said about cutting back in other ways in order to make ends meet. Taken on board (by me) and I am sure I'll remember for years. Thank you!
After a decade of misery I finally plucked up the courage to send that resignation letter. This was summer 2019 and I was going to take a few months to readjust and figure out if I wanted to stay in the same field or change altogether (needed distance from the awful working environment I'd accepted for so long, to judge if I could still enjoy the skillset I had). I was in your vicious cycle and I cried a lot but with relief more than anything (and a bit of frustration at myself I hadn't done it sooner).
I'm in a similar role now but much healthier work conditions and better at balancing work and life, as well as time on my own without tech. Luckily Covid-19 pandemic didn't completely mess me up as timing of my decision could have backfired but I am now harping on to any friends who will listen that if they are remotely unhappy, act on it and don't let it build into an impossible hurdle to live in a vicious cycle of misery.
Loved hearing this story. Really loved how your tears weren't left, but led you to something you love more. xxxxx
Yes. I have quit a few times when it was no longer worth the pain and effort; mostly the stress. For many of the reasons you said in your thought provoking article. Thank you.
And I followed my many dreams. I took with me all the things I loved doing; being with people; writing stories; working to the rhythm of my own beat. Only taking on projects which I wanted to do or where I thought I could make a difference.
The biggest problem is making ends meet; having to downsize my lifestyle. Basically, that means having very little money for the fun things which make a difference. And not having had a holiday for a very long time. But the trade was worth it. What I am doing now is worth the effort. I am in in the driving seat of my life. If I am stressed it is because project finance hasn't come through; or I have taken on a bit too much. My life is Feast or Famine and we have all experienced the lean years of Covid so there is a lot of catching up to do. But mostly, I am positive and optimistic. I have refreshed my goals and made them more manageable and learned SO much! Now, in my 60's, I am not planning to retire, but to just do even more of the things I love doing. Creativity doesn't have a use by date and is a constant flow if we nurture and treat ourselves and the wellspring of our creativity with love and respect. Thanks for making me think about this, Lauren. I wish you well with your future creativity. Don't think of it as quitting, but moving on to do something even better!
Oh Anita. This was beautiful to read. And I will read back over and over. Love especially what you said about cutting back in other ways in order to make ends meet. Taken on board (by me) and I am sure I'll remember for years. Thank you!