Harvard Business Publishing

On your death bed, what choice would you rather think about:
1. The time you played it safe.
2. The time you took a chance and went for your dreams.

A few months ago I also did something as "crazy" as yours. Leaving a job I like to pursue something I LOVE so much--something I wasn't really sure I could get or not. Fortunately, here I am now. Living life doing a job I actually love so much.
Well, I believe that fortune favors the bold. Good luck in pursuing your passion!

An excellent write up....and Steven I should say you haven't
gone crazy ,walking out of your plush job and persuing and
following your dreams. At times, we get engrossed and embedded
in our professional commitments and "nine-to five job" schedules
like morons working out late hours , that we bury our
latent talents into the oblivion.With time and age,they get rusted.

I'm a professional banker but for good long years I have been following my dreams, studying languages, especially
etymology and origination of words,with creative writing. I eke out whatever iota of time i get from the tight schedules, but some where in the back of my mind i have a lingering thought to extricate myself from this humdrum of corporate maze. Perhaps your write up can give a much desired boost to my thoughts, rather than "pissing away" my time doing my debits and credits, which at the end of the day nulls out as 'mere deuce'.

But holding out with the ideal job, to follow my flue pipe dreams,at times sends a chill down my spine, as I shall be treading on some unchartered paths, mostly untravelled .

I have got to make a partaking choice...whether to play safe or take a plunge and gain freedom at last.

Sandy Dheer
New Delhi, India

I did the same...I am fourty and I decide to take time to learn english(I am from Switzerland) and to think about what I really want to be in ten years...

This past February I decided (at 53) to have a year off and then plan to go from marketing/management back to creative. Though at times it has been a little frightening I have absolutely no regrets. You can't see change unless you take action.

An image:

If life is one of those snow globes, wouldn't be a crying shame never to have picked it up and shaken it?

A beautifully expressed description of embarking on an adventure. I would say with Thoreau, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Bravo!

I'm a college senior (Dec. grad) fortunate enough to have been offered a job this Feb. with a Dow Jones company with no work experience and virtually no savings. I'm thinking about following my dreams and moving abroad to Spain for 1-2 years and continuing to develop my language skills.

Now is the time, dream big...impossible is nothing.

Well done Steve, you will be happy, you will be productive, you will contribute, and you will be successful. Everyone has dreams, no matter how big or small, and in your own small way, you will contribute to a few of those people having the same courage and self awareness, and in turn they will inspire others too. Infectious dreaming - a possible cure for a world trying to correct itself.

Good for you! I quit my fortune 500 job in June to pursue a very low-paying temporary grassroots job and everyone thought I was crazy. I wasn't happy in my cubicle, and I had just been too afraid to make the jump. Well, let me tell you, my summer has been full of adventure...I've traveled to over 26 states, fell in love, talked to people of all backgrounds/ethnicities/religions/etc., and learned more in 4 months than I did in 6 years as an analyst. Along the way, there were critics, concerned family members wondering how I was going to live without money, and former co-workers gossiping amongst themselves about my "misfortune". IGNORE them. They are slaves to their own fears.
So my job ends next week, and I've already been picked up for a new gig starting the following week! My new company is smaller, in an interesting and growing industry, offers better pay and benefits, international travel, is closer to home, and (gasp) their waterfront office uses natural light and has NO CUBICLES.
Live your dreams, take every day as an opportunity to learn and grow, and the right opportunity will come to YOU.
Best wishes and happy trails

Steven,
Crazy, as we all eventually find out, is a relative term. And the world could always use more of your kind of craziness. I have just embarked on my second startup (my first was in '99/2000, the "small" recession as it turns out). While I don't even know what Beemster gouda is, and have a small cushion of my own, it is scary to embark on your own. Writing is hard enough without worrying about poverty, but some character building seems intrinsically tied to creative endeavors, at least to start with.

Good luck and pursue your heart - sanity be damned; time may show you were the sane one and it was the world that was wrong!
srikrishna

After going through this excellent write up and the comments thereafter , i also feel that Steven you have made a good decision and you would definately make it better and above all in whatever you do , you would be a satisfied person and learn more than what you have must have actually done in your career till now.

Going through all the 8 years that i have been working , yes there had been a continuous learning for me each and every day all through these years but then i had also been one among the millions who have been running from nine to five for the same .Satisfied yes but not actually from the heart.

It is a tough decision to make but worth making for living life and working for what you love the most.

Go For It! It might seem tough at times, but true this . . if you don't try you will never know. And yes again, it may be tough sometimes, you have to decide in some periods weather fitting in with the Jone's sometimes is worth sacrifice for when the payoff comes the damn Jone's will be trying to keep up with you, and your not even there youre on vacation somewhere. DO. BE. HAVE.

Congratulations and all the best on your new endeavour!
Due to my experience this will be an exciting, mind blowing new chapter in your life, showing you new perspectives and insights - also about yourself. Challenges may be your confrontation with new or old but unknown borders which you will learn to cross. Side tracks besides the common path are the most interesting and usually take you to places you haven't expected to see. Sometimes it may feel like these small tracks slow down your speed in life, but sometimes and all of a sudden you also may find in the end this adventure was not just what you wanted to experience but also a short cut.
I wish you all the strength and patience you need. In the end you will be richer.

Very good article, straight from the heart, it seems. Well, even I have given up my well paid job to pursue Ph.D and to look after my son who is appearing his school finals. To what extent will I be successful in my venture, I do not know, but atleast I would have tried.

Good luck
Kakoli Sen
New Delhi, India

This is a very interesting approach on one’s choices in life. It strikes me though that celebrating such choices nowadays when people are being laid off by the thousands, and I’m not only referring to heavily compensated investment bankers, is a bit odd if not narcissistic.

However, there's no doubt that this is a gutsy approach. Best of luck.

Thank you, Christos, for a healthy dose of reality. Grandma would agree with you. And, to some degree, I do as well.

Well Steven, following your dreams is really the only thing that helps wake ourselves up in the morning. I believe your decision couldn't have come in a worse time, but if you would have waited this recession out and you were comfortable in your job again, you probably would have never left. It is a very risky decision you took and I hope everything turns out just fine. I look forward to reading one of your future books.

Christos & Steve,

I think there is a huge difference between being laid off vs. quitting. Being laid off removes one's sense of control, eliminates choice and is disempowering, thrusting a person into reactivity and damage control. It's generally interpreted as a negative, albeit, passive event.

Conversely, making a decision to quit and embark on a different path is taking control of one's destiny, is proactive and empowering. Damage control then becomes calculated risk in this situation.

While timing is always an issue, I don't know that there is ever a good time to get out of one's comfort zone. Whether good ecomic times or bad economic times, a good idea will generally find favor.

Congrats to you, Steve, for taking the chance to be proactive and in charge of your own life, destiny and happiness. We all need a reminder that this life is short and it's important to live now and to live well and fully.

Steven, good for you!

I, too, am bobbing in strange waters. I was sitting at my desk last week after coming back from vacation and every member of my body, except for my mind (always the rational one), was SCREAMING at me to leave this horrible existence that I called my "job". I knew if I didn't resign that day, I'd have a bad racket of noise following me around until I did - think of five kids all trying to play a different instrument for the first time!

I have one more week to freedom. Not sure what I'm going to do next but I'd rather take the path to find it than sit on the side!

Steven,

I am sure you will be happier eating cereal and looking into your passions, then wondering when you'll get to them.

Jerome

Steven,

I think I might be some sort of bridge between you and your grandmother, lol. Disabled in 2004, I have finally found the niche carved out for me before I was born, and on which I had been sitting for most of my existence. It truly is bliss to follow your dreams.

As a writer, former teacher, and a lover of language, however, I want to pass on a bit of advice. Get rid of the woulda, coulda, shouldas from your vocabulary. Realize that wouldas are excuses, or assumptions based on imcomplete evidence; couldas are stale regrets that continue to get staler with time; and shouldas are guilt trips one might never return from.

Strike them from your existence and replace the above with I will, I can, and I most certainly am. That will keep you in the present moment and prevent the whip lash sometimes resulting from trying to second guess whatever is there in front of you.

I do wish you the best,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, thank you for the extremely thoughtful response. I'm not sure what strikes me more: its wisdom or its eloquence. Suffice it to say, I'm struck.

I don't know you, so I have no idea if you're crazy or if this is the right decision for you. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading your layered, evocative, humorous writing. I've sent the link to all my writer friends.

Steven,

you are very welcome (she does a limited curtsy). However, now it is my turn to thank you. For an off-the-cuff writer, the word eloquence is a bit hard to handle. But, I will definitely take it and run (has anyone seen that electric cart), lol.

Elizabeth

PS. I am definitely going to cut and paste it in my book of kudos, thank you, again.

Dear Steven,

I really worried why you Quit the Job. I read your lines:I decided to leave my job to pursue some long-neglected passions of mine: studying foreign language, teaching, and something so self-indulgent I can hardly bear to utter it (writing). In my personnel opinion you can do the above activities part time also. So if you have given only notice then just think about it. This is not the proper time to quit.(This is not my advice or request, only my opinion).

Steve,

I applaud your courage to follow your dreams. Don't worry about whether it is the right time; there never is one.

After being extremely miserable for over 4 years at a job that I really dislike, I am very happy to say that I will be leaving my reliable paycheck at the end of this year to get back to doing the things that make me happy. Right after I made this decision known to family, friends and clients, I noticed that business opportunities started presenting themselves to me that I would never have considered if I stayed in a job. My friends and family can already tell a positive change in my personality and energy. I am sure the same will happen with you.

Be happy and prosper !!!

Dear Steven,
Reality (especially from others) is overrated. Go for it and never look back. One person connected to their dream is more powerful than a million who are not.

Steven,

Go! Full Ahead.
We only live once.

Living life to realise our dreams makes it really worth and full of joy. This helps us to love ourselves and lead a life which is free from attitude of fear and flight. We assume charge of our destiny.
Risk? Off course is there. However, no risk no gains.

I did something similar 6 years back by writing of comfortable Operations Management job near home with a SME, to realise my dream of working freely and independently towards the cause of SME’s Development at large (I believe SMEs are the drivers of economy).

I am enjoying Teaching, Counselling /mentoring, Consulting and Training.
Passion for self development is also growing.

Satyavir S. Sharma

Congratulations on a bold move that will no doubt make you happy!

I just got laid off from a job that I loved, and my last day also is Nov. 14th. Can I have your old job?!

Yes, you're crazy. But the world needs more "crazy" people for things to get better. As George Bernard Shaw said, "All progress depends on the unreasonable man."

I fully applaud your decision, and I believe it'll work out for you. All the best. =).

Dear Steven,

I am very much looking forward to joining you in digression. Thanks for the invitation.

Cheers,
Lisa

Bravo to you for pursuing your dreams!

I happened upon your blog when I googled "why I quit my job to write." I recently resigned from my public relations job. Writing news releases day in and day out was mind numbing. I felt my creativity was being stunted. I've been working on several children's books prior as well as a YA novel and am going back to freelancing which is what I did prior to my pr job and for less pay. I would also like to teach writing classes someday. My heart just wasn't in my previous job.

Welcome to the other side of the rat race. It's a happy place with no regrets.

Kim, thank you for your encouragement. A close friend of mine is a young adult novelist, and it's wonderful to watch her exercise her creative side so routinely (though she does work very hard). I'm glad you are finding joy and stimulation in writing for young people.

Luckily, the job I am leaving is far from mind-numbing. I'm fortunate to be with a great company where there are extremely stimulating people and work that I enjoy. But sometimes you (or, at least, I) need to make the space and reserve the energy for the things that fire the soul just a little bit hotter. I guess there's only so much of a person (this person) to go around. If my attempt doesn't work out, so be it -- at least I tried.

I'm heartened to hear from someone who made the shift with no regrets. What my shift will look like exactly is hard to say at this point, which is part of the thrill.

Steve DeMaio

A friend forwarded me a link to this. I've never visited this site begore. hell I've never visited a business website. Cool to see business people want to quit their jobs too. Be a writer man, you're good. Forget all that financial mumbojumbo. Steal cheese if you have to. Hey, and I didn't know business types wrote about Obama. Figured they all were for McCain. Lot of Obama stuff on this site. Nice.

I have some thoughts. Left Brain: You have saved money to help in this transition and it sounds as though you do not have restrictive debt or dependents that rely upon the income from your job. And, while I agree that it’s important to ponder whether or not the state of our economy can support your preferred vocation (I trust it can), it’s even more important to your soul to make a move such as this...when you’re personally ready to (obviously you are). Right Brain: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, as it sounds you have, then you simply may not be wired for an ordinary job or the corporate life. You have arrived at this fork in the road, at this time, for a reason. Take the road less traveled...my hunch is that it will a bit more challenging but far more rewarding - to you. If this rings true to you, then you’ve already made the right decision FOR YOU. Do not worry about what others think or say - they are not your nor is your life for them to live. Live free, fully, and deeply! Nobody really knows if we get another chance at this so why not go for it? What's the worst that can happen...you could go back and work a job like you just gave up. Best of luck to you...although you won’t need it.

I did quite the same, although my previous job was not as glorious as yours :-)
If you are by any chance heading for Japan, I might be of some help.

I just stumbled upon this article after searching "quit job in bad economy," which is what I am about to do. There is no perfect time, and it's hard not for me to be terrified right now, but your article has put me a little more at ease.

Steve,
I liked your writing and admire the bold decision. Many of us live with similar dilemma that you went through. On one hand we have this desire to follow our instincts and passion and on the other, the compelling and demanding, yet secured life. In cases of many successful people if you notice, there has been a leap of faith, at some point of time in their lives.

I have a few passions myself, and I think about them everyday, and about how I would want to get out of my 'reactive mode' life, to a more proactive, dream seeking life. Here is what I am doing. I am trying to make sure that I am very efficient in activities that are imminent and demanding, so I would get more and more time for myself, to do what I always wanted to do. Also I am trying, not to leave any pebble unturned about avenues to realize my passion in whatever little time I would get.

Finally I would suggest, one should always listen to what every one has to say, but do whatever his or her heart says, and not get discouraged. Remember, they may not have the thoughts you have, they may not have the background you have, they may not have the attitude you have, and they may not have the dreams you have!.
Good luck.

Steve,
I liked your writing and admire the bold decision. Many of us live with similar dilemma that you went through. On one hand we have this desire to follow our instincts and passion and on the other, the compelling and demanding, yet secured life. In cases of many successful people if you notice, there has been a leap of faith, at some point of time in their lives.

I have a few passions myself, and I think about them everyday, and about how I would want to get out of my 'reactive mode' life, to a more proactive, dream seeking life. Here is what I am doing. I am trying to make sure that I am very efficient in activities that are imminent and demanding, so I would get more and more time for myself, to do what I always wanted to do. Also I am trying, not to leave any pebble unturned about avenues to realize my passion in whatever little time I would get.

Finally I would suggest, one should always listen to what every one has to say, but do whatever his or her heart says, and not get discouraged. Remember, they may not have the thoughts you have, they may not have the background you have, they may not have the attitude you have, and they may not have the dreams you have!.
Good luck.

Two different people sent me a link to this. The first time I didn't bother to click over, seeing it was a business site. But I'm glad I did the second time. Your little article is one of those pretty rare things that stays with you long after you read it. I wish you had written more. I want to know more about the story behind your story. Let yourself digress. I wish I could digress with you, but I can't. I'll live vicariously. Ciao!

The more flavors of cheese you try, the happier you'll be.

I just did the same thing, and like an earlier poster googled "quitting job bad economy." I quit on Nov. 4 to pursue twin goals of writing and seeing therapy clients.

I feel soooo much better outside of corporate America. I was a marketing copywriter making a fairly good living, but felt it was time to go.

Good luck to you and to each person who's made the bold choice to go for it!

EJ

Starting anew takes time. People you know will want instant results. Tell them to cool their heels.

Steven,
I'm another reader who found this article by Googling. I asked the almighty search engine "should I quit my job in this economy?" She responded by delivering this gem and the comments associated with it.

I too am considering the plunge into the unknown, but I've been wondering if I'm just being foolish. Every day we hear worse news about the economy and jobs being lost. I have good job security, I make a pretty decent living, and I have good benefits. Should I really give that up without a clear path ahead? That's the proverbial "$64,000 Question".

I'm 24 years old and I'm wasting away in corporate monotony. I sit in a cube all day, overworked and under appreciated, and there doesn't appear to be a next rung on this ladder. I don't like anyone I work with. I don't like the tedious work that I do. I hate my one hour commute. Every day I wake up and feel like my spirit and creativity erode a little more.

I've worked here for about two years now. I was strongly considering leaving after the first year, but they decided to go and give me a raise, so I decided to ride it out a little longer. Now I'm wrestling with the same thoughts again, day in and day out. I needed something to give me the push. I think you and the commenters above have done just that.

I've realized that even though the ocean may look rough, you have to leave the harbor if you ever want to get anywhere. I've always loved a challenge, but I've been settling for what was easy, what was right under my nose. When I took Myer-Briggs tests in college and high school, they always said I was an ENTP, or "the inventor". That aligns well with my love of argument and debate. If someone says something can't be done, I have to find a way to prove them wrong. What bigger test than this? What better time to challenge the doubters and the naysayers?

I'll be delivering my notice when I return after Thanksgiving. Thank you Steven for your encouraging article and thank you to everyone who commented above. May the next chapter be the best!

Cheers,
Will

With this blog post now buried deep in the bowels of the Harvard Business website, its life seems to have entered a new phase. People are finding it haphazardly through Google searches; others are receiving the link from a friend; still others are arriving from far-flung cyber-outposts via circuitous routes.

I find myself imagining a map of the paths people have taken to get here, picturing the faces and fingers at each internet crossroads. A few are piping up, saying something heartfelt, provocative, or just clever and interesting. Witnessing this is strange for me, but also fascinating and fun.

Will, your response is one of the most compelling replies to a blog post I’ve ever read -- honest, reflective, even confessional. With the benefit of such a clear view into your thinking, I feel pretty safe in saying that you are making the right decision. So many elements of your story point to a need for a life change, not the least of which is your age. You should absolutely go for it. Still, your instinct for security is a healthy one -- and one, I suspect, that will lead you to make wise choices within the risks you take. Risk without judgment is what makes for recklessness, and it sounds like you have judgment in spades.

By the way, Will, I have tested on the Meyers-Briggs as an INTP (I believe that’s “the architect”), but when I read the INTP profile, it doesn’t quite fit the bill for me, even though each element (I-N-T-P) seems right. I, like you, identify more with “the inventor” (ENTP). Maybe our NTP paths will cross someday. I wish you the best.

Wow. I thought I was the only one googleing information about whether or not I should quit my job in todays economy.
I tell people that I plan on quitting my current job, and they think I am absolutley crazy especially with todays economy. They say that the job market is horrible and it would take me months maybe almost a year to get another job. I am not saying I am not thankful for my job right now, I am. But I am very stagnent and unhappy there because it is very monotomous and I do not feel I am doing anything that my heart really wants to do. And because of people saying that I won't find a job in todays economy, I had became depressed until a friend encouraged me to keep looking and be positive that I will find the career that will make me happy. I plan on quitting in a couple of months so I cannot wait to what lies ahead :)

I am also one who found this article and discussion through a search engine ("I quit my job and want it back"). I have one week left at work, and am going into HR tomorrow morning asking to "have my job back". I thought long and hard about the economic situation and how truly fortunate I am to have a job. If they let me stay, I'm going to work with a different focus, and slowly find just what it is I want in life. I also work in a cubicle, am under-paid and somewhat under-appreciated. I hope everyone thinks twice about leaving their job--know what you want, think about it thoroughly, let it sit for a while, and decide. P.S. - I'm 24 and scared!

It is always best to try. You must be smart about it, but without risk taking there is no joy.

Steve, I had the pleasure of working with you shortly, and when I discovered recently that you left the great institution, I went searching for you. I am glad that I did.

I, too, left the field—in my case to teach (25 years ago). Then along came kids and an unemployed husband and I returned to the workplace, though more on my terms this time around: part time and mostly as a telecommuter. Then when I found myself unemployed a year or so ago, I returned to the real love of my life: writing fiction. I have not one acceptance and many rejections, but it is still the singular thing I can spend the day doing and wonder where the afternoon went.

What has sustained me most are two main principles: (1) live now (spend the day) the way you want to live (spend the day) when you retire (luckily, in my case, the requirements are simple—my retirement package, for instance, does not include a block of Beemster gouda), and (2) financially, never look beyond the month you are in: if you can handle this month’s bills, you are good. As an adult I have pretty much always lived on the edge. And although truly adhering to that second principle can kick up a lot of nervous energy, the great thing about raw panic is how easily it can be burst and replaced by its polar opposite: an unexpected rebate check, extended unemployment, a surprise visit from your college sophomore. You’re gonna love it here. I’d love to hear from you. Best of luck out here.

Steve, how funny it is to find this site as I was searching for an answer to my dilemma of quiting my computer progamming job after 25 years. Am I crazy? Apparently not. I prayed about this and thought maybe I can find some insight on here. A sign. A revelation. Something to help me take that ever so scary leap. Guts. Then your discussion was the first thing that popped up! I am taking it as a sign. I think it is time to move on and for the first time in my adult like, I do not have a plan. But I feel I am doing the right thing. Strange. here we go..wish me luck. same to you! Life is short, be happy.

ditto. to everything everyone said about googling this and quitting our jobs in an economic downturn. im only 23 one of my main job criteria's was not to hate it and here i am, hating it.

so im resigning tomorrow, putting in my 3 final weeks, dealing with my boss probably treating me like shit for doing it, and then moving to hawaii and beginning the job hunt from there... at least it'll be sunny.

everyday i worked and worked wasting my young adult precious time. dont start in 5 minutes, tomorow, a week from now, a year, start now! nobody said it was going to be easy but hey working a bullshit life draining job aint easy either! i quit my job 2 weeks ago and yea i got a lot of obstacles but im free and open minded now! this is a make it or break it situation the only option u have is to make it! work hard at your goals and enjoy the late nights staying up and watching movies or spending time with a hott gurl knowing that you dont have to wake up on a saturday and come home at 5:00 pm! no never agian will i go back!

wow this is great ! I handed in my notice a week ago..have a few goals i wanna go for, it will be hard but i felt powerful making that one decision in to leaving my job..like i was in control of my life for once:)

A lot of women who freelance so that they can stay at home and raise kids would find this inspiring. HR professionals should also provide this link to people who leave their jobs for similar reasons. I'm so glad to see something about these types of life decisions that isn't dripping with sentimentality. Smart practical people make decisions like this.

Congrats!

I am putting in my notice tomorrow to leave my social working job and return to nursing school - something that I've been trying to do since I graduated 2 years ago. Yes, I'm very scared since I'm not quite sure how I'll pay my part of the mortgage, etc, but I'm confident that this will work out.

Best of luck to all of us who are crazy enough to loose our benefits in this economy! Here's to hoping!!

Way to go!
I am about to do just the same thing. I keep getting those anxiety pins and needles when I think about it. But I also get those when I think about going in the next morning.

In my opinion, the most valuable thing you have in life is time. It is the only reason we have limits and choices at all. Use them wisely, you have one chance here.

Steven,

I completely agree with you. We only have 1 life to live (that we are aware of), and whats the point of living if you cant do what you like in during that life. As people have stated above, you are extremely brave while others are slaves to their fears. Columbus did not stay in Europe because he was afraid that he would be wrong. Personally if I work my entire life doing what I love, then I can not look back and feel that I wasted my very short and very precious time here.

Life is short, so there should never be a moment wasted.

Enjoy!

Hi Steve,
You did the right thing. I quit my job last year. I could no longer work for an organization which stood for everything I did not believe in. I spend most of my days now drinking and regreting my decision. How can I get past the past?

I too chanced upon this while googling 'quit job in recession', and what a surprise I'm not alone in this!

Writing, languages, and teaching is also my passion. Though my job entails me to write quite a bit, its the surroundings and people that are disturbing. They practice biasness in terms of staff welfare, boss yells according to moods, and worst of all, work competence equals to long hours - if you leave on time - you're not doing well in their eyes.

I wake every morning for the past month feeling more dread than the morning before, and from this I know the time is up for me to quit. With recession it has caused bit of stirring in me, but I just got to do what I got to do!

Cheers
Sun

Congratulations on your courage.

I did the same a few weeks before you and am now terrified. I wanted to take some time to pursue some dreams before aging much more and also take a break from the dehumanizing monotony of work.

I had no idea that the worst economic crisis in EIGHTY YEARS would hit a few weeks later. I always planned on having jobs to fall back on. Now there are none in my industry. Tens of thousands of layoffs. It is a disaster. I no longer have freedom to get good paying work again. I could have pursued the dreams without quitting.

My savings are also evaporating quickly. I was accustomed to having income to supplement my savings. Now I have no income and am running out of money much quicker than I thought. I never spent extravagantly but now I can’t even comfortably go out to eat on a whim. I’m going to a temp agency on Monday to begin working as a receptionist for $12 an hour. That is a fraction of what I made as a professional. But I don’t have a choice now.

The worst part – how the hell do I fill that gap on my resume for “pursuing my dreams”? The world is ruled by obnoxious career climbing yuppies that do not look favorably at people like us. I would like to retire one day. I just added 5 years to the struggle.

This really sucks. I did not predict such a massive economic disaster. Life is really depressing right now and my confidence is shattered.

Unless you are truly loaded, wait a while before you quit your job. It truly sucks out there right now.

I am one who believes in follow your passion and the money will come. My husband was laid off in October from his 100k + job. We looked at it as a blessing, not that we have a lot of savings but we made a few smart investments. But by no means prepared for this, and with 3 small children all under the age of 6 and one on the way. I can still say this has been good for us. so much so I just convince him to turn down a 100k+ job offer. To pursuit his passion, I believe the money will come. And we are teaching our children to do what make you happy. I did not always feel this way. When choosing a career I went for what would pay the most.

Lee, your comments really resonate. A few years back I quit my job without lining up another one and ended up working in retail for 8.50 an hour, which -- to my surprise -- ended up being a fun, creative, incredibly rewarding and stimulating work environment. Sure, the money was terrible. But I kept freelancing on the side and after about 9 months, my combined freelancing and retail work led directly to a better job at a great company. (Full disclosure: that company is Harvard Business School Publishing!)

I think too many of us wait until we are totally burned out in our jobs (eg, "the dehumanizing monotony" to which you refer) and then seek an escapist change.

But perhaps the more prudent thing to do -- especially in the current climate -- is gradually nudge ourselves in a more rewarding direction. We can pursue some dreams in our personal time, with enough discipline. (Everyone at my low-paying retail job had a secret passion they worked on outside of the store, despite a demanding, irregular schedule.) We can make our day jobs more rewarding by pitching fresh ideas to our bosses for projects we'd like to work on. (Most bosses are happy to have an employee take such initiative, in my experience.) No, it doesn't fulfill the escapist dream of the truly burnt out -- but hopefully it keeps us from getting burnt out in the first place. In fact, I bet you can try some of these experiments even in your temp job.

I wouldn't worry too much about the yuppies -- you don't want to work at those companies anyway. Truly. You'll just end up burnt out again in another couple of years. I think if anything, most people will be impressed that you had the nerve to go after your dreams. And employers like people with nerve!

Now I look back on my time in retail and, even though I wasn't "following my dream" 100% of the time, I did learn I had several new dreams I didn't even know about until I took that random leap. And that's pretty invaluable.

Lee, I am so sorry to hear about your struggle. When the economic reality of earning a fraction of what you once did truly sets in, it can indeed be frightening. But, with time, you naturally recalibrate your expectations. It's possible that six months from now, the prospect of waiting an extra five years to retire won't trouble you as much as it does now. It's also possible that I may be dead wrong about that. Before taking the plunge, it pays to make a list of realistic worst-case scenarios (I emphasize realistic), and if any one of them is something you think you simply could not endure, by all means don't quit. Foresight is hard, of course -- present realities are tough to compare with future realities, especially if you're presently burnt out. So, Lee, I sympathize.

That said, I was not burnt out when I quit. I liked my job and the people I worked with. That may make me seem like an even bigger fool than you first thought. Why leave a rewarding job when times are bad? Well, not all jobs are like retail, with discrete hours that leave time (and energy) for truly intensive outside pursuits. Sometimes if you have a stimulating job, you don’t feel the need to do other, more important things as acutely as you would if your job were a mind-numbing drag.

For me, complacency is one of the scariest things there is. And the older you get, the tougher it becomes to avoid it, because security starts (legitimately) to matter a whole lot. I kind of knew that if I waited another few years to take the plunge, I probably never would. I may drown eventually (there are no guarantees in life), but I think my survival instincts are pretty good, so I'm betting on being around a while. Then again, maybe I am a deluded fool who’ll be in line for food stamps this time next year. Ya know, even that would not be a terrible tragedy.

Luckily, since I posted this blog, I've lined up three part-time teaching positions, two of which are personally very rewarding (the third, admittedly, is an on-call post that doesn't amount to much). I have my own classes teaching math to adults who are working to get their GEDs and teaching English to adult immigrants. Although these types of positions don’t pay very well and funding can dry up pretty quickly, there are (to my surprise) long lists of applicants for them, even in good economic times. My background in teaching adolescents and adults, plus a couple of good tryouts (yes, they actually make you teach model lessons to real people), landed me these gigs. I am fortunate enough to also have good freelance connections in the industry I just left (publishing), and I am earning some money that way, although I am using a chunk of it to pay for an evening refresher course in Spanish, another passion of mine.

If it weren't for health insurance, I'd be able to cover my expenses. For now, I'm dipping into savings (a very modest pool) to deal with that cost. Luckily, my health has been excellent, and I hope it continues to be. Sure, I don't eat out anymore, I ride my bicycle everywhere, and I wear sweatshirts at home to keep the heat low. There are peronal and societal advantages to all of those things, though, so I’m ok with it. I do have a little bit of fear about the summer, when the teaching positions will dry up. Fortunately, an employer of mine from years ago would like me to fill in for a spring/summer maternity leave, if only I'll incorporate as an LLC to cover their internal legal requirements. (Is that really worth it? Not my area of expertise.)

Needless to say, there's much to navigate, not all of it in enticing waters. In the end, I may decide the “passions” experiment didn't work and try to go back to publishing, if there are any jobs to be had. Maybe, eventually, Lee and I will find ourselves in each other’s shoes. Maybe I’ll win the lottery. Maybe I’ll take up pottery. Maybe I’ll write more poetry. For now, maybe I’ll just buy that Beemster gouda I never tried. One of you suggested I try more cheese, right?

Anyway, enough cheese for now. This online discussion continues to be fascinating. Thanks to everyone for sharing your ideas, advice, warnings, and personal stories. And keep them coming!

Well well well, I did not expect that one (the long interesting blog), but then again HBR and related well written lines always come up with cutting edge thinking, or is it? This blog is about 'plain truth', that's all. And the plain truth goes deeper than any 'so well thought out' intellectual, analytical and symmetrical article. And yes, those other articles are well thought out and deserving of much praise - their deep insight including the mechanisms of mind, thought process, decision making, leadership, etc... are fabulously rich and so good at pointing at the 'next step' - in thinking for managers and businesses to be more competitive, profitable... But this blog is pure. Raw, yet very touching. Pure emotion that leads to the right decisions ! Right because the ones taking those decisions stand behind their decisions and they toil the gut. Excellent ! Everything positively great (just about) in this world came about through sufferance, the great difficulty type not torture.. And, are not the true, deep down, pure decisions the ones we need, especially now in our recessionary world ? Not so intellectual, but a bit more emotional (ly intelligent). Leaders of this world, READ this blog and get truly emotional, not calculated and too cunning!
The well thought out line on narcissism touched an interesting cord, but the really TRUE stories about each ones lives and the emotions that prompted such turning point decisions are an immense gift. Thank you everyone.
For the record I was an ENTJ (took the test twice in a five a year span, and it can evolve). I too 'quit' after 15 years of super corporate life. Started my own business and now my wife is wondering why I am spending so much time at home ! And although I spend more time with my passions, like sailing, management consultancy, biking or helping set up new business - it's tough. Mainly because I have to run after the money when a job is done, it is not a salary anymore that just plops in the account every month. But from a freedom perspective, I would not trade it in for anything. My first pay check was as a mechanic, as a teenager (I am now 46). What i want to say is there are not 'good' or 'bad' jobs, rather an education provides more freedom. So for all the ones that quit to learn more, bravo ! You are investing in freedom.

Enjoy Life !
Nick D

P.S. Steve, maybe someone can start a fan club called Steve's Blog!

I can't help but to feel grateful for all of you.... I can't lie, I feel a little strange seeing how I found this article weeks ago but randomly woke up to see that someone with the same name as mine (Nick D) posted comments only a hours before I finished this article.... :) ... anyways, I as all of you, have taken my leap and look forward to every peak and valley..... I didn't have a plan, I don't really have that much money saved and I don't even know what it really is that my dream is.... and I'm okay with that.

Two weeks ago I was a 24 yr old, Auditor make 100k, my little brothers mentor, my mothers pride ..... Today I'm the 'foolish unemployed family embarrassment' who doesn't seem to get that same look that I once did from my family and friends (the look that says, I respect, I believe in you,) .... thats really hard for me right now.... but the worst thing isn't the way that I perceive them to be treating me, but that for the last 5 day.... I started to believing them.... I started trying to find another Auditing job as soon as possible and blah blah (you know what I mean.... I was letting the fear of what they thought of me determine the next step that I took...

you all have help me to see the reasons why I quit my job in the first place...Helped me to find my truth.... I am going to follow my passion for Self Development (still have no idea where to start so if anyone have any stories about their journey into unknown please fill free to email me a NicholasAaronDavis@gmail.com)

Just to help make sure this doesn't creep back up on me again I've taken about 10 quotes from this blog, printed them off and tacked my office window so when (not if) everything outside seems to fog, maybe the selfless truths can help clear up my thinking. ( i.e., I did this for a reason..... it wasn't a mistake but a CHOICE.)

Thank you all for truly helpful words,

Nick

How odd the way the universe works.

I too, like countless others before me, found this article through Googling "I just quit my job." I wasn't sure what I would the search would bring up and honestly had no true expectations of anything.

You see, dear friends, I took my leap of faith a mere 6 hours ago. My husband and I have almost reached the point where we are living paycheck to paycheck. We have a 9 year old who we send to private school, not to mention bills that never cease. The 13 years we have been together has always been lived with risky investments (life decisions), yet things always seem to work out.

I have been working at a job, miserable behind my desk, for the past 4 months. I was bound to it by cowardice and comfortability. I love my co-workers, but not the company. I was trying to find peace in knowing that I was financially contributing to our family and providing a safety net, but even knowing these things as solid fact was not enough to push back the sickening feeling that I want more...something better and something...happier.

It was through many tears that I submitted my resignation letter today, but I do not regret it one bit. The weight has been lifted. Reading this article, Steve, has reassured me that my decision was the right one. In the eyes of others, it is foolish and perhaps even reckless...but I have no doubt in my mind that my leap of faith will be rewarded with something great...as it has been rewarded in the past. I have a plan. I have focus. I believe in myself.

So best of luck to all the other Nicks out there (Yes. I am a Nick too...well, Nicole for that matter. Talk about fate...), Steve's and other brave souls who are deemed crazy!

Believe in what your heart tells you. Be empowered by choice, not held back by fear.

i favorited this blog so when shit gets hectic i can find some comfort to keep going. Im 18 and I quit my job about a month ago to follow my passion. This has helped tremendously because i have gotten so much better at it it amazes me. However i have no money my savings are down to the wire. Food is scarce, mom is struggling, i have no car, no bed. I wake up everyday thinking what the fuck am i doing? But then i read this blog and it reminds me of why i quit my job in the first place. My passion involves money and pretty soon i wont have that anymore. This is a make it or break it situation. Failure is not an option. Im tired of being a robot in society. Get a job, white house with a picket fence, wife and kids. Wake up at 9 in the mourning and get yelled at from your boss everyday for no reason! Fuck that shit! I rather do what i love and get yelled at! Cuz then when you get yelled at for something you love it wont matter! Because at the end of the day your doing what you live for......

Hi, this is Lee again. I’m posting an update. Might post a few more as this journey unfolds.

My fear of this economy has turned into a full blown personal depression. What was supposed to be a great adventure to pursue dreams has turned into an extended period of lethargic, anxiety filled couch surfing. Even the receptionist temp jobs are vanishing. And the idea was to not work at all. I have no idea how to reintegrate into the workplace now. My former work mates (still working) tell me about their vacations to warmer places. I don’t have enough savings left to travel comfortably. I did the whole backpacking / youth hostel thing when I was a youth. I hate this decision I made.

For anyone not taking this economy seriously, think again. This is the worst economic period in memory. There is absolutely no security left. Keep your job for now. Get strong anti-depressants and lots of therapy to cope with work if necessary. Perhaps anesthetize yourself with partying or helicopter parenting. But definitely defer your "dreams" for at least another year. Fight to stay employed right now. We used to have freedom to do things like take time off of work to pursue dreams. That freedom has been taken away from us. More than ever we are slaves to this economy and there is no hope in sight. Things are getting worse every day. This truly sucks. Wait for better times. We don’t have the freedom to be free right now.

I resigned at 4 pm today - in the midst of this econ-crisis - in my heart I know that it was the right thing to do. People have stopped listening to their inner calling for way too long, folks... we are all caught up in the humdrum of routine existence running the "sprinty marathon" which never seems to end but only sucks all the juice out of you. Whether it was the right decision or not, only time will tell. But today, I have no regrets.

May god be with those who have the courage to pursue their dreams and listen to their hearts.

Steven, I have returned to this page several times to read the comments. I just saw your update on what you are doing, and I enjoyed it almost as much as the original you wrote. Your writing is very engaging, you speak for many. What makes me shake me head though is that someone who does important teaching work like you are now gets no health insurance for your work. If we dont get national health care by the time Obama leaves office I am moving to canada. it's time we take care of the people who focus on the common good instead of their own.

I will be putting my two weeks on the 30th of this month. I thought I could stick it out a little longer, but I just do not have desire to. I wanted to quit in September but I waited and I do not wish to wait any longer. I am scared, scared, scared out of my mind. Yet I am very satisfied. Here I go jumping into the economic shark tank. I am forever the optimist, or as some people have told me, I am just crazy and naive. Why is it so wrong to believe that the economy is going to be better? Things have to get worst before it gets better, and believe me I think it will be better. What goes down, will come up again. We've seen it many times before. But darn it I'm still scared scared scared out of my mind. Is that normal or am I really just crazy?

I must say this rarely happens to me. I read your article and started going down the path of the comments. As far as I went, as far my urge to add my words to it was.

I am too one of the people jumping into the unknown, quitting a safe and, to some extent, rewarding job for the taste of different challenges and a search for fulfillment of latent dreams. And to top it all, in the midst of recession, financial turmoil etc. I will not argue if it is wrong or right, but I do believe it is one of the most personal decisions and comparison simply doesn't work here. For me, simply expressign the resignation felt like I gained wings. I can't sleep at night: I have too much energy now. One week before I felt like a vegetable when I entered my home.

For the ones thinking this is a big mistake, all I have to say, is that this is indeed a better decision for everyone involved. Maybe someone that quits a job leaves room for someone in desperate need for a job. The company, although at first will suffer, just maybe will find someone more passionate that will generate more inovative ideeas in this uncertain time.

When the going gets though, bold decision, even apparently small, make things change. If we all panic, hung desperatly to our safest corners till the storm passes, we could miss the wave that brings us ashore.

All the best for all of you facing your fears!

Best of luck Steven!

Well? I turned in my resignation this past Friday. "Friday the 13th" will be my last day at "the grind"! Some might think I'm crazy for it, but (what the heck?) these current times are beyond crazy! I am scaling back & leaving a well- paying job with benefits for the "unknown." I do have a few smaller (hustles), but nothing in life is guaranteed... life itself is not guaranteed!

Why not re- claim my "life energy" now while I can, as no amount of money can compete with this precious gift from God!

===================
"Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Revised and Updated for the 21st Century" (Paperback)

http://yourmoneyoryourlife.info/

===================

"Redemption Song"- Bob Marley

Old pirates, yes, they rob i;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took i
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the and of the almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.
Wont you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? ooh!
Some say its just a part of it:
Weve got to fulfil de book.

Wont you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.
---
/guitar break/
---
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! have no fear for atomic energy,
cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say its just a part of it:
Weve got to fulfil de book.
Wont you help to sing
Dese songs of freedom? -
cause all I ever had:
Redemption songs -
All I ever had:
Redemption songs:
These songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.

I too am jumping into the rough waters. I am leaving a "stable government job" that is dull and uninspiring to pursue my interests in the private sector. I have had to listen to too many persons try to "warn" me, my boss repeatedly ask "are you sure" (this is the guy who has worked in one place since graduating college - more than 20 years ago), and casual acquaintances give me half-hearted words of encouragement.

Your article was just what I needed right now. Thank you.

Well? I just got home from "the Grind" today & received a call from a prospective employer. I can just imagine how many other potential calls I missed yesterday due to AT&T's crappy wiring which had my phone line down all day.

Anyways, I'll keep praying, follow up on this lead, & keep looking in the meantime!

I am in Philadelphia on yet another business trip, and I have decided this will be my last. I'd like to connect with local people who are in transition. Maybe you guys should set up a chat room, or at least somewhere people can email questions to your bloger.

"Healthy Food on an Unhealthy Budget
Thursday, 1st June 2006 (by J.D.)
This article is about Food, Frugality"

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/06/01/healthy-food-on-an-unhealthy-budget/

i too read this article with interest as every year for the past 4 years I have considered leaving my safe, full of freedom state job to run my own business.
I have been employed in the same capacity for 13 years now, and after taxes
i make a paltry $550 per week, with a MA degree. My benefits have gotten worse.
I have my own production company where I make sometimes double my yearly salary at this state job. ON top of this, we are not getting our wonderful 3% raises for at least 2 more years. It is time for me to go for sure.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-209738

An interesting little video!

I envy you Steven. I dream of quitting my job to spend more time with my 2 kids. My kids are growing up and I am missing it... I have worked for the last 13 years as a Software Developer and I am tired. It is a very intense job sometimes and takes a lot of time.

My husband got laid off last year and now is a contractor. He is starting to make enough money for us to live.

But since my husband got laid off, we used all our savings until he got set up as a contractor. So, we really need to save more before I can actually quit. Oh.. I wish I could quit Steven...

I wish you the best of luck!

Steve,

The day before yesterday, I was posting a poem on another blog and happened to see something someone had written about the would have, could have, and should have's that limit our lives and most often tie us up in knots. I immediately thought of the comment I made here several months ago (seems like years). Then today found a link back here on my own blog site. I love synchronicity.

Was astounded at how your original posting has generated so much thought, feeling, and this mountain of words. Also found that my original comment still holds true for me personally. But, also realized that you are following a very similar path to the one I took many many years ago. I was Managing a bookstore and dreaming about being a writer. Realized that I'd never do that because I was exhausted from my job. I took the plunge and sort of launched myself into the Universe. I had read, many years before, that if you had a particular dream, you must follow whatever path or opportunity was presented as long as it had some connection to that dream. That is what I did.

I worked part-time from that moment forward in various positions: editor, publishing, writing a monthly column for a local magazine, and eventually free-lance writing instructor. The money wasn't good, there were always small financial crises of one sort or another, but I managed. And learned a great deal from each and every one of those endeavors. Didn't know it at the time, but I was preparing myself for the fulfillment of my dream, even the little money aspect. I learned how to do with a great deal less and actually found out exactly what was important to me and my own well-being.

When my dream came along, I was more than ready for it. I walked into it naturally and with a great deal of confidence. And am now reaping the rewards in contentment and a strong sense of being right where I was intended to be all along. Yes, I have moments of doubt, an occasional twinge about how this can't last, it's too good to be true. Those are natural and also old habits that need to be resolved. I do just that, as they arise. I am living inside of my dream, writing about all of it, and still have a roof over my head, and plenty of ice cream in the freezer.

The reason I came back to comment again is to say something I have learned throughout all of this experience. If we truly want a different and better world, then it must begin with us, each of us. When we follow our bliss, we find happiness and satisfaction, as well as some degree of contentment. When we do, we affect everyone and everything we come in contact with. Following our bliss is healing our own souls. And as each of us does that, we also heal a portion of the soul of this world we inhabit.

Thank you Steve for providing this space to do that in,

Elizabeth

Hello all-

We here at HarvardBusiness.org remain amazed by the conversations this three-month-old post continues to spur. And for all of you who have commented and those who read the post, we have some good news:

Starting in about 3 weeks, Steve DeMaio--the original author of this piece--will begin a weekly blog with HarvardBusiness.org in which he details his experiences as a, well, as a person looking to follow his muse in this rocky time.

We hope all of you who have been touched by the original post will join Steve on his journey through our pages. It's your interest that provoked our outreach to Steve and we're thrilled he agreed to write for us.

Thanks-
Eric

Eric Hellweg
Editorial Managing Director
HarvardBusiness.org

The conversations and ideas that have sprung up around this post these past three months have fascinated me in many ways, some of which I've discussed in follow-up comments above. But more than that, they've called together from all corners of cyberspace an online team of sympathetic compatriots, wise naysayers, and clever observers whose compelling opinions are relevant not just to me, but apparently also to many others who have navigated, are navigating, or are deciding whether to navigate the ups and downs of a radical career move in uncertain times.

At the generous invitation of HarvardBusiness.org, I'm looking forward to writing a weekly blog in which I share the ups and downs I've experienced since I first quit my job. What excites me even more is the prospect of continuing that journey with you compatriots, naysayers, and observers all at my side. I imagine we'll continue to learn things from one another. It looks like we've learned a lot already (I certainly have). It's a humbling kind of learning, don't you think? It is for me. And my mind and heart are still hungry for wisdom from this online classroom. I hope yours are, too.

Thanks so much.
Steve

I just read your other article on English. Very interesting to read about your background too. Leaving a job to teach is very honorable.

Quit...definitely not in my plans right now.

I almost teared when I read about Lee's current predicament in my office, comtemplating whether to hand in the letter or not.

It brought home the reality of how the situation is out there currently, and it's real disheartening to learn that someone had actually fell to the other side of grace in the course of following their dreams. We love motivating stories of successes and how some had made it, but apparently the truth is that some still won't. Someone is currently living out my worst fears of "What If" should I fail in my undertakings.

I guess I still can't shake off the naggy fear inside me as I make my choice.

Letter stays in my drawer for now.

I quit my job yesterday. It had been a long time coming. This past year had been just awful. Couldn't get up in the mornings and dreaded going into work. I was doing work that no longer fit my goals. I had gone back for my Masters but still was at the same job (with a slight promotion).

I have been working a fee-for-service job in the evenings which does fit my career goals but I couldn't keep up the pace of working both jobs. So I had to make the decision. Stay in a secure job that I hate or go for my dreams and take a leap of faith in fee-for-service work. I have been reading that the future jobs will be more temp and consulting work. So I finally gave notice yesterday. I am filled with relief but also fear. It is scary to give up a "sure thing" for one that isn't but I did it.

I know that a bad economy is stopping so many from leaving their jobs. They are putting up with abuse, no raises and are not appreciated for what they do. The question to ask is, "if I stay on this job was is it costing me?" Costing in terms of health, happiness, and relationships with others.

After I gave notice, I looked at my co-workers and noticed (for the first time) their own weariness, unexpressed anger and sadness. I thought that is the cost I just gave up.

Congratulations, Laurie!

You did the right thing. While you are correct that there is the "unknown", reflect upon the "known"; that is, your & your "co-workers' weariness, unexpressed anger and sadness" while remaining in that work environment.

So far, my choice of quitting my main job is "paying dividends" as I have been getting more work (compensation), & more free time, without the stress from the other job that "expects the impossible!"

It might be a good idea to craft a spending plan, exercise plan, & focus on living a more simple life at this time. Check out the VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY MOVEMENT

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/

very comforting and quite amazing to know that I am not the only one who took this crazy decision. I did it 2 months before and I already regret it. The irony is that I found your article as I was trying to find articles on "how to get your job that you quit". I wish you all the best.

so i just quit a 55,000 a year job and i was worried i made the wrong choice! i am from the southwest, which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE! I was offered this good paying job in New England last september and I took it because I thought it was all about the money. Well ever since I stepped foot off the plane I have been miserable. I missed home sooo much. I missed my family, my girlfriend, my friends, and the awesome weather. From day 1 at the job, i was miserable and it showed. I tried my best to hide it, but i'm not a good liar. My boss would always make comments about how i bet i wish i never came out here. I think he was joking, but on the inside i was hurting because i knew he was right.

Finally, a few weeks ago, i couldnt take it anymore. My girlfriend back home was about to break up with me and things were going downhill. So i just went in my boss's office and resigned. He told me that he saw it coming.

I really needed the money bad, but New England is not my home. My home is in the southwest united states. It not fair that i had to move 3,000 miles just to find a decent job. I dont mind relocating, but not 3000 miles!! ITS NOT FAIR.

In the end, i realized that would be happier working in retail back home and working towards something else in the meantime than be here.

So am i happy with my choice? I have mixed feelings. I am going to miss the money BAD. i really needed it. but i was so miserable that EVERYONE at work noticed. If i had stayed i would have gotten a bad performance review. It was to the point where i was acting out at work - doing things like missing meetings on purpose and avoiding phone calls.

I just wish i could find a job like this where i am from. Its going to be a struggle when I get back. Im going to have to move back in with my parents and look for something, but i dont even know what will happen.

so i guess its a mixed bag at this point and this could still turn out to be the worst decision of my life.

What's made Steve's letter important is the recession. Without it, none of us, perhaps, would be reading, I dare say. These are hard times. I will take tomorrow off, but not quit quite yet. Why? Because I have no financial support from anyone, and I am old. The few people who cautioned us, thus far, got to me, somehow. I tell you, I anticipated the economic downturn and prepared. Instead of moving, as usual, in search of the high paying job, I stayed put. I moved from a large rental house to a modest studio and took a low paying job (I went from being the boss, to being the assistant). I joined the community health clinic and shopped, for food, at the local food bank. I went to the local thrift store for my clothes. I told myself I was going to be doing my share of using less gasoline (no commute) and doing my part to protect the environment. I read, non-stop, inspirational material to keep me strong. I practiced meditation. However, nothing prepared me for this job. I was idealistic. I would subdue my ego and use the bad experiences as foder for my buddhist practice. I would learn to be quieter (my goal)and to listen more. I would be a helper rather than a boss. It hasn't worked out that way. My low paying job has entitled me to barage of insults and a constant lack of respect. I realize now I earned that high position by passing through those bottom rungs. It feels like I'm starting all over, again! I have to associate with people who are just beginning the process I completed long ago. Instead of moving forward, I am falling behind. I made a mistake. I made a mistake. I curse those selfish bastards who caused this recession because this isn't fair! About my experiment in simplicity and sacrifice? I was not englightened, but awoke to the hard and cold reality of this mess we're in. I feel trapped and hopeless. It feels like THE END.

What's made Steve's letter important is the recession. Without it, none of us, perhaps, would be reading, I dare say. These are hard times. I will take tomorrow off, but not quit quite yet. Why? Because I have no financial support from anyone, and I am old. The few people who cautioned us, thus far, got to me, somehow. I tell you, I anticipated the economic downturn and prepared. Instead of moving, as usual, in search of the high paying job, I stayed put. I moved from a large rental house to a modest studio and took a low paying job (I went from being the boss, to being the assistant). I joined the community health clinic and shopped, for food, at the local food bank. I went to the local thrift store for my clothes. I told myself I was going to be doing my share of using less gasoline (no commute) and doing my part to protect the environment. I read, non-stop, inspirational material to keep me strong. I practiced meditation. However, nothing prepared me for this job. I was idealistic. I would subdue my ego and use the bad experiences as foder for my buddhist practice. I would learn to be quieter (my goal)and to listen more. I would be a helper rather than a boss. It hasn't worked out that way. My low paying job has entitled me to barage of insults and a constant lack of respect. I realize now I earned that high position by passing through those bottom rungs. It feels like I'm starting all over, again! I have to associate with people who are just beginning the process I completed long ago. Instead of moving forward, I am falling behind. I made a mistake. I made a mistake. I curse those selfish bastards who caused this recession because this isn't fair! About my experiment in simplicity and sacrifice? I was not englightened, but awoke to the hard and cold reality of this mess we're in. I feel trapped and hopeless. It feels like THE END.

Just read Steve's he quit his job blog. Wow, I am jealous. I have an IT job and a dog grooming business for almost 3 yrs now on the side. I hate to admit it but I love to groom. I cannot wait to quit my day job and just groom. I get to see a project beginning until the end. Make a difference and get paid in the same night and usually and kiss from the dog and a hug from the owner. Man, it doesn't get better than that! I am sitting here now writing this instead of working because well there isn't much work. I wait patiently to get laid off AGAIN so I can pursue my passion never to returen and not get any static from family or friends who wonder if I can make it. Well, while all these big companies are laying off my little business is growing just fine. The only thing keeping me here is well my husband would probably be mad to quit for it would strain us and I have a boy in college and one in HS. So there's my dilema but while others are hoping to hang on to thier jobs I can not wait to lose mine so I can be happy again! The job is ok but I feel like I am making someone else rich while I commute 32 miles one way everyday in all kinds of weather only to wish I was home in my shop. If i don't get laid off or severed I expect to say I quit one day soon and just go home and pay the consequences. Tired of reading about everyone else It is soon my turn to make a difference in the world and be happy doing it. Ok I feel better now that I have vented. Thanks for reading.
Tracee
Furry Paws Grooming Salon, Pine Grove PA

I quit my job too. Did not think I was crazy when I was doing it. Only now I think things are not as simple. For instance when I had a job I thought quitting work would give me time to think about different careers. Unfortunately think is all I have done till now. I sure do hope all this thinking is followed by some action!

Hope you feel better Tracee. Good for you. Some people are afraid to say what they truly feel. I, am like Tracee, there is nothing better than a woman with determination. I too have been tossing around the probability of quitting my job soon. I too have been helping make someone else rich and feel I have more in life that needs to be done right now. I have a big heart and always find myself helping others. I think it is soon time to think of me. I may sound selfish for saying that, but, I have accomplished so much in life so far that I am truly happy with myself. I think of the day I can say, This is my 2 weeks notice. I quit. What will I do ? Probably take care of mom for quite a few years I hope. She is going to be 77 and I feel I should spend some time with her. Take her places she has never been and just enjoy life. You see, she deserves it. I loved what I did at my job for all these years, but, right now , something is more important. If I feel the need to return someday to the working life I can easily do that. For now, I think I need some time. If you follow your heart you are usually right. I have yet to make a decision I regretted and if I ever do, I know I will find a way to correct it. So as for my working days, I am counting and anticipating the words, "I quit". I may miss some friends for a while but life will go on. I have found that there is so much in life that a person can do and life is short. So as I take my chances, I plan to enjoy every minute of every day God willing to give me the time. I feel better now too...

what can i say? a friend just sent me this blog knowing full well that i would find it useful. Reason: i also just quit my job after several years of torture working in a job i hate with a passion, with a boss that fuels the hatred by acting like a maximum ruler. i decided enough was enough.

the recession is only just hitting Africa so i can say even though job cuts are no so prominent yet, but recruitment doesnt seem to be happening either. so you could very well imagine friends and family think im mad but for me i feel a lot happier these days than ive ever been. its about that freedom y'all have talked about. freedom to think and decide how you want to live your life and not how other people think you should.

i cant help but be happier that there are more people like me all over the world.

Welcome Tosh,
yes it does not matter where you live in the world all of us want to be free and do what we love to do. We so often are worried about pleasing our parents, pleasing our children, and others we forget to please ourselves. In the end when we hurt ourselves it helps no one. I to am learning this the hard way. Still have not broken free from my day job. now the economy has me scared and I have too many people dependent on my income. I can't tell you how many times i wanted to just pack a bag and move on with my life but can't do that to my boys. But, I know very soon my dream will come true. I believe in the concept that; "Thoughts become Things". I am very happy for you and wish you much luck and happiness in your new journey.
Tracee

I’m starting to think this whole Email thread is somewhat destructive and deluding people into thinking that quitting their job is somehow presently acceptable or even heroic.

READ CAREFULLY: THE ECONOMY IS DESTROYED. DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB. SAVE EVERY PENNY YOU CAN. THIS IS THE WORST ECONOMIC CRISIS SINCE WORLD WAR TWO. THIS IS NOT A JOKE OR TEMPORARY ABERRATION.

If you try to go back to a job you quit to “pursue your dreams”, there is a very strong likelihood that you will derided as unreliable, impulsive, and unprofessional. How do I know? It just happened to me.

The corporate climbers got where they are by playing politics, staying put, and keeping mouths shut over long periods of time. If they actually had creative dreams, they wouldn’t have sold their souls for a repetitive lifestyle encompassing a predictable commute, steady paycheck, mortgage payments, and a few token weeks of annual vacation. Corporate bosses like lifeless, predictable, loyal servants. They get the promotions. People like them get jobs.

Creative people interested in pursuing different things in their lives will always lose. They especially lose now when jobs are scarce and becoming scarcer daily. Pick any industry and you will find that the most sold out, robotic, business minded people are the only ones safe in this economy. Painters, writers, lawyers, musicians, bankers, laborers, and programmers must consistently and politely pump out product or face serious economic pain. Keep your job. Shut your mouth. I don’t know who or what did this to us and our economy to make us all slaves again. But more than ever we are all vulnerable. We do not have the freedom to be free.

Mr. Lee,
Your definition of a corporate slave is dead on! I am one and live down the hall from many executives doing what you just said. Even, so again you may be right about staying where you are because of bad economic times and needing security "until" you can realize your true passion and dream. But, I do however think you are on the wrong blog. Without risk, without inoventive ideas and pursuing ones happieness you as a citizen of this USA would not be able to access the internet to Blog, drive a car, or watch sports on TV. Was the economy so great when Edison discovered electricity and was told he was a failure. Henry Ford failed 5 times durning bad economic times before he succeeded. No my friend now is the time to take risk and live your passion and American dream and NO it is never ever easy. You are what is called a Blocker, a ney sayer. We have enough pessimism in this world. sorry to yell at you but I have a dog grooming business that despite this horrible economy is doing rather well and yes soon as the economy seems to be getting a bit better I am outta here.
Tracee

Hey all,

I just took the plunge. I'm done!! Soon to be unemployed, with no mortgage, no credit cards and debt free....

Thank you Micheal. It's been awhile since you blogged that, but you made me feel so much better about my decision.

I'm taking option #2!!

Mile Hi City or Bust!!!

Yep, I did the exact same thing.

Quit my job to pursue my interest in learning a Foreign language and coaching.

It has been a good 6 months now, and I must say, though I am still uncertain, but I have learnt to LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE and DO the thing I think I cannot do =)

All the best!

How old are these people quitting? Are they single? Are they self-supporting? Do they have parents and siblings or other relatives who will support them? If I had but one support, other than myself, I would RUN from my job.

I'm 26 years old, a writer with a college degree. I've been laid off 3 times in a row, and recently got a job after almost 6 months of being out of work.

During my "time-off" I got a glimpse as to what would happen if I'd quit my job and focused soley on writing. IT'S BAD! You have NO MONEY coming in, and even though you're doing what you love, eventually your savings will slowly dry out and you're dream will once again take a backseat.

My advice would be, rather than quitting, get a part-time job so you have both time to focus on your love and money coming in. Learn to live frugally, spend less, and so on. I work 20-25 hours/week, which is a struggle, but I manage. I write at night, or I get up hours before my shift and write. In other words, I FIND THE TIME.

I HATE what I do for a living, but I tell myself "I'm here solely for the money. That's it." I have plenty of time to be creative, as it never leaves you. I see my job for what it is: $$$$$, which keeps me from the politics/clicks/suck-ups/bullies, etc. jerks who look to make your life hell because they're insecure about their positions. I disagree with Lee when he said "We do not have the freedom to be free," as creative people. The freedom I have is to see things for what they are and knowing that at the end of the day, I DON'T HAVE TO but because I WANT TO I have the choice to stay or go.

Once you realize that, you'll still hate what you do, but you can do it without sneaking off during lunch and crying in the bathroom about it. Fake It 'Till You Make It.

Steve,

I like many others admire your decision. It's amazing to see the response and to know that I'm in good company. Even your risk to write this excerpt touched many people. I long to do that with my writing as well.

I googled 'quit searching for a job' and came across this link. I've been searching for a few months and trying to muster the courage to do what I really want to do (write, program, publish - the list goes on). I think my desperation to get a job and dreadful thoughts of returning to Corporate are sabotaging my efforts.

There are so many ways to make money. I'm confident that once I follow my passion opportunities will present themselves. Thank you for having the courage to post this! This post and all of the positive responses is just what I needed to go for it.

I too came across this googling "quit your job in this recession". Amazing blog that has certainly been inspiring. A little bit of background. I worked 70-80 hours a week for a hedge fund for the past two years. While the money was good (not spectacular for others in this industry), I truly hated what I did. I didn't know if it was the responsibility of practically running the company because the boss was mia in la la land most of the time and having several job titles, or the people I worked with, but either way I couldn't stand it. Not to be judged, but I was secretly hoping that it would go under because for some reason I couldn't bring myself to just quit. Well that day came where it went under, and I had never felt so relieved in my life. I had 3 months off to think about my passions (of which I have been thinking about for quite some time), but I was scared to make the jump and continually battered myself by watching bloomberg/cnbc and keeping up with the markets all day long. Through my network, I was "luckily" able to get a new job in finance, thinking it would be better, and I would be happy. I had a close relationship with some of the people at this new company and was pretty sure the work and hours would be more normal, so I figured why not. Well here I am 3 months after taking the job, still not doing my passion, and totally miserable AGAIN. I do have a new condo which my wife and I love, but we are trying to rent it out to move somewhere sunny. I would quit in a heartbeat if we could rent it out to cover the mortgage, but having planned and saved, I wonder if I should just quit before it gets rented out. Who knows how long that will take in this environment. I truly can't deal waking up for the second time around going to a job that I don't care for at all. I feel like this experience of NOT doing what I love has destroyed me as a person, and most days I feel dead inside. I think I'm about to quit within a few months, and do that which I love, or at least figure out how to do that. Life is too short, and as many have mentioned, there is never a right time for the plunge. To anyone who dreads waking up every morning, I implore you to take control and just do it. The hardest part is getting over that initial fear of losing the stability. I will tell you this much, you may be risking a certain amount of stability by quitting your job, but by not doing that which your heart knows is right, you are risking your LIFE. Good luck to all.

I too found this blog through a google search on "quitting a high paying job", although I did not quit my job but was laid off in January. My situation is a bit different in that I was trying to get laid off because I hated my job so much. I wanted the severance and the unemployment cushion as a springboard to propel me to finally figure out what I want to do with my life. (I am 44). I moved to nyc from the midwest to pursue a career in technology and I was very successful but hated my job. When the company I worked for was acquired by a bigger, more ruthless company, I knew layoffs would be coming soon (I have been down this road many times before...). Instead of reacting in fear and trying to protect my job, I let the waves of fear wash over me and I prayed for the chance to change.

Well, I got it, and I am trying to use this time constructively. I moved back to the midwest to be closer to my family and am learning to live a more frugal life. I am going back to school to pursue my creative passions and ride at least a couple of years of this recession out. I don't ever want to go back to fortune 500 hell.

I feel fear every day, but I also feel hope every day (which is more than I ever felt in my career)

I'm doing the same thing today. Reading your blog plus all the great comments from everyone really helped ease my mind. I know it will be a challenge but I have to believe I am up for it.

To Andreas and others currently or formerly in similar situations: I am 61 years old and have not done what you have done or are contemplating doing, and I can assure all of you, a life lived like mine is beyond miserable at times. It brings on periodic waves of depression to realize how little time I might have left to do what I should do. As self-indulgent as it may seem, I feel I will leave the sentient life one day with a story left untold - not necessarily a great story, but mine.
My advice: Be smart about quitting - don't be impulsive to the point of risking your family's security if you are fearful - but quit nonetheless when the risk is "acceptable."
I began riding a motorcycle about 20 years ago - I never knew how much I really wanted to do this. I have ridden to Sturgis, SD, from NH and back twice, Nova Scotia three times, and am heading down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Deal's Gap's horrendously twisty road this summer. I have experienced some breathtaking scenery and breathtaking joy just from hugging the edge of the road at a speed that is right, if not legal.
That's what the decision to quit must feel like, based on what I read here. Riding is a risk but one you accept when you do it. So is quitting your job. The moments of sheer panic, it seems, are outweighed by the satisfaction and joy of doing what makes you joyful at the time (and, of course, that does change).
My congratulations to all who have done it.
And thanks for this blog.

It was very difficult to move out of nyc knowing that I would not be coming back and that I would no longer be defining myself as a "success", at least career wise. I have absolutely no regrets though. Like Andreas, my job was killing me inside. Each day I had to ignore what was important to me deep inside in order to pursue what the world defined as important (money, prestige, security, success, etc).

I was offered my job back about a month after getting laid off and I turned it down. Having made the jump, I simply cannot go back to the world of deadened creativity and quiet desperation that I have lived for 15 years. I feel like I am just learning how to walk again. I became so out of touch with what is important to me that every day is a lesson in the very basics of my life (discovering my true values, what I want, what I enjoy etc...)

I believe that leaving fortune 500 hell has been the biggest gift that the universe could ever give me. I don't regret it for a minute even though financially I will probably never come close to making what I was making.

Life is too short to chase after money and status. I ended up spending all the money anyway, to deaden my pain, and the status was a fun-house-mirror illusion.

I found this post as I sit at home on my lunch break, dreading the thought of going back in for another 4 hours. I can't thank you (and the comments) enough.

The first thing I'm going to do when I go back in is give my notice.

I work as an attorney in an insurance defense firm. It's my first job out of law school and I've only been here about 7 months. Long enough to know this isn't for me. I've decided to go back to law school in August to pursue my passion of animal welfare law and I will spend the time between now and then getting more involved in the field. Even if it means going back on my parents' "payroll" and volunteering at an animal shelter. Or even being the J.D. cashier at the natural foods store for a few months. I've already lost 7 months of my life to misery and uncertainty, despite a healthy bank account. I don't want to lose another second.

A bad job can effect your health, even kill you. Don't underestimate the negative power of a hostile environement. I just quit my job to start my own business and I can't say that I regret it. Do I have doubt sometimes? Sure, but I know that if I wanted to remain sane and healthy, I did not have a choice. I love the busines that I am trying to start and I am living day by day in faith.

Good luck you all. I wish you the best as you follow your heart.

4 years ago, I quit my job as an IT professional to play poker for a living instead. I had tracked enough statistics to have a reasonable mathematical basis for the decision, but in the end the deciding factor was that no possible outcome from giving poker a try was less palatable than staying at that job - I decided that even being broke but knowing I gave it a shot was better than always wondering what if. It sounds like you may have come to the same conclusion.

I only played poker for 15 months and leaving it was only partially by choice (games were getting tougher and my earnings were decreasing), but I'm still very happy with the decision. Almost immediately after deciding to rejoin the ranks of the employed, I landed a job where I was making software for an electronic poker tables. I consider it more Machiavellian fortune than dumb luck - that job was only available to me because of my previous experience with poker.

As for the job I left? Well, the company was recently nationalized.

I hope your new situation is working out for you. I'll try to catch up on your other posts.

Nikki -- if you're still checking posts --

This is a post about unintended consequences, and the rewards of .

I'm another working mom with a 9 yo, like yours. We had our kid in private school, but pulled out last year and put them into public school b/c the tuition was killing us(we live in a district with a good rep, but our kid is very smart and we were worried about subjecting kid to the stultifying boredom we had experienced ourselves as children). One year later, our kid is informed that they are invited to a gifted center, a two-year program with a curriculum that puts our former private school to shame. Kid will be challenged, and just as important, make friends with kids who share similar world view. Some of those kids will eventually go to middle school and high school together. No tuition. : ) So kid is much better off now than would have been if we kept spending our HELOC to send them to private school out of fear of making a change and subjecting the kid to public school.

If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Quitting a job that is sucking your emotional reserves is good for the family. Things work out.

Kafka was a government employee who wrote, among other things, annual reports for a bureaucracy not unlike OSHA. He seems to have managed to do some other work on the side. ;)

(Of course, he wasn't also a mom, which does make it harder to find time to sneak in a few pages of writing...)

Kafka is not remembered for his annual reports. I don't even know if he made any money at it while he was alive. But he surely contributed to the world! And remembering Kafka is what gets me through my days as a government employee. The work I do is important; my colleagues exhaust me.

Hello,

I am going to write my resignation to my work tomorrow and post it. My parents are going to go crazy but I myself have been crazy to work in a call centre for the last year and a half. It is bloody awful!

I just never turned up for work today and didn't call them to say I was not coming in either which I do feel slightly guilty about as my boss is a great man, but, I also could not bring myself to phone and have stopped caring about the place completely.

I am 26 and have no dreams other than to get out of that place. I tink I would actually feel much better working in a pizza hut.

Regards

Ok, my real name isn't Joey, but I didn't want people to relate this post back to me.

I handed in my resignation recently with nothing to go to afterwards. 99% of people have told me I have been hasty/foolish/ridiculous/moronic etc etc. One person has told me I am doing the right thing. They also quit a while back and felt much better for it.

I still have a while before I leave my post, but my job was getting ridiculous. My hours were insane, and I could not function properly. I had to quit.

Steve,

It's good you're sharing your thoughts on quitting and the progress thereby.

Most mid career professionals go through this phase in their lives, but what prevents them from pursuing their dreams is lack of financial resources, fear of the unknown, lack of entrepreneurial skills and endless worries about going wrong.

For the few who dare, the journey itself is exciting and full of learning, regardless of the results.

Stick to your decision and you'll be happier, Steve.

Best Wishes

Rajasekar
CKO - MIdcareers.com

Steve - thanks for starting this conversation. I am a thirty something professional, earning a competative salary at a well established corporation. I have been very unhappy for the past several years in my industry and find it ironic that for me the end of the rope has come during this recession (what timing). While I have not given my notice, I am so very close to doing so. While I have resources to last for a year or more, I still fear the recession and not having a determined monthly income.

I respect those who have the courage and vision to just let go, as I feel that life is short and we must find ways to live to the fullest and remove ourselves from those toxic or negative work situations that drain us of who we are.

All the best to those who have left bad situations to pursue happier goals.

I just came across this article and it totally strikes a chord. A couple of weeks ago I quit my "glamourous" publishing job-- a job that gave me a decent salary but was making me miserable. I've been alternating between "whoohoo!" and "what the hell have I done?!", but lately I've been coming across lots of people like you who, despite the recession and the knowledge that everyone in their life will think they've fallen off the deep end, have quit their jobs to pursue their passions and are the better for it. Very inspiring... thank you. And I look forward to reading more!

UPDATE

I have been unable to go to work, and it's been three days, now. I spent two weekends in bed and thought I was fighting the flu; swollen glands, FEELING feverish (no fever), and exhausted. I felt like I was going to die. Fast forward - Three days without my work environment and I have regained myself! I am now smiling and despite the fact I may not be able to go back to work, I have hope. Hope is back!!!

WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

ME

Hey Steve!

Thanks a million for allowing a bunch of people to connect over an idea or "an action" that I'd like to believe most of us have contemplated at some point.

I find it fascinating, how supportive most of us tend to be, about others doing what they are determined to do, even if that is: quitting a job in these supposedly crazy times.

I think that the important thing that I see here, is that people can truly pick up when someone is being genuine, and that sort of creates an intrinsic reaction of support.

I, like you, quit my job. I love what I do, I am a Supply Chain Engineer with a penchant for true foundational process improvement and sustainable growth, through genuine people development and progressive team work culture.

I happened to end up in a corporation that did not share the same vision, and once I became aware of the mismatch that I could not foresee during my 2 job interviews with them, I quit on the day of my 6th month probation, also as I like to call it, their 6th month probation.

"what the heck companies think that they are the only ones evaluating?" Raise the Roof I say!

But that is another long conversation...

what I wanted to share with all past readers and future ones, is that, as metaphysical as it may sound, the minute we truly decide to do something, things start happening that align with the new path that we are trying to follow.

I had not even gone back to my office after I handed my resignation letter, and I had a headhunter, calling me to discuss possible future jobs on my mobile. Now that is life saying "See i am already helping you out!!!"

More calls have come my way, without even me starting to look for jobs officially, some are good some are better, a decision is still to be made.

I firmly believe that when a door closes another opens, and I firmly believe that if we consciously close some doors, unconsciously we open others.

All the best to all looking to make changes in their lives.
and Steve thanks again for allowing us to share a little of each one of us.

Best!

JD Loera

It is very comforting to see how many people are in the same situation. I have been in the insurance industry for 7+ years and I have been miserable all along. So, why did I stay? Job security, salary increases, predictable hours, etc. You might be asking yourself, "what's the problem then?" Well, these jobs have been slowly sucking the life out of me.

I returned from vacation last week and was tossed on a plane hours later to start a new project. The next night I called my wife in tears from my hotel room asking what I have done with my life. This is not what I was supposed to sign up for out of college. Thank god I have a wife who is so supportive. I walked into my boss' office yesterday and gave my notice. Next Friday is my last day. It's only been 24 hours but I'm scared to death! I'm not scared for change. I crave it. I guess I'm just scared to not have money. Anyway, I have dreams and its time to go after them. It won't be easy though. Finding a job in the craft beer industry in Connecticut is as hard as finding a pearl in the ocean. Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm ignorant. Maybe I'm on to something. Who the hell knows? I've always been a risk taker and it has always paid off. I hope my luck continues. It's time to smile again and I can't wait!

Steve,

I googled should I quit my job in this economy- and this is what popped up. Oddly enough, I am exactly in the position you once were in. I, too work in a publishing company and for few years, loved my job. But one day, I woke up and started losing interest. My desire to do somethig more creative kept slowly creeping in.

My bosses and co-workers are great. Work load is normal. But at the end of the day, I am still unhappy. Am I crazy to quit this good job and pursue my creativity in this hard economic time?

I'm so scared to take the leap. Help.

Hi, Kelly. I know your predicament too well. But quitting a job, especially one you like, is a very tough personal decision contingent on factors that are unique to an individual and her circumstances. To help in a small way as you make your choice, I'd suggest reading some specific posts from my ongoing blog. It's called "I Quit -- Now What," and you can access it via a link at the end of the post you read on this page (see above, where it says UPDATE after the article proper).

I'd specifically suggest the quiz titled "Does Your Work Matter to You?" and two older posts called "When Not to Quit Your Job" and "How I Learned to Say No." Then, if you decide to quit, many of the other posts offer suggestions for how to manage yourself once you're out on your own.

I hope all of this will be helpful. And I encourage you to continue the dialogue with people who have commented on the various posts.

Good for you!!!!
In my humble opinion (come to think of it, that ´s not true, since I would "impose" it on everyone if that were possible) that is the only way in whish life is worth living.
The best part of it is that so called passion can change throughout life. You may be passionate about making money and climbing the corporate ladder and then think that your passion is growing orchids in Southern Florida which can be replaced by a yearning to go back to school and become an academic. The problem is that we seldom get in touch with what we really want, the sort of role model we want to give to our children, the stance in life we want to adopt, the sort of life we want to live.
Again, good for you.
Dr.Diana Levinton

I'm late to this discussion but I have to say I admire you for your courage and determination in quitting your job to pursue your passions. There have been many, many times in the past I wished I could do the same. However, marital and parental responsibilities have always prevented me from doing so. But I haven't given up the dream yet and I still can see the day when I'm able to do it. I wish you all the best!

I quit!

Steve's beemster cheesy stranger must have yelled 'Who moved my cheese?' when he was laid off. Now he's keeping it close to his satchel :-)

I left a well-paying bank job for the not-for-financial-profit sector six years ago. Friends and family thought I was crazy because it meant less pay. I needed to do it. If I hadn't, I would forever wonder 'what if I had?'. And I had gotten bored with my old job (I knew it because everyday I woke up and wished I didn't have to go to work). No regrets, my current job is never routine and has given me the opportunity to meet very interesting people, which I love to do. I have developed strengths I never knew I had. The approach to work is focussed, but different from the cut-throat, pressure-filled, achieve-achieve-achievemore world of banking. And I am helping to bring positive change in peoples' lives and society, which is fulfilling.

Yet I still have dreams, which I intend to pursue soon. In the meantime I am accumulating a nest egg of investments as a fall back position (probably not unrelated to my being raised by a struggling single parent); not for me the chuck-it-all-and-live-on-bread-and-water pursuance of a dream. I am 37. I do not need to be rich, but I want to be comfortable. Money can make our dreams more enjoyable, and give us the freedom to pursue them. How much money varies and depends on one's particular situation.

The present is here with me, I embrace and enjoy it even as I plan for my future.

I'm amazed at how man people are considering quitting their job. I gave my notice a month ago and have lost 25 pounds, just from the fact that I'm no longer under so much stress. I found this site, after googling quit job in a recession, as I wrote an article on quitting a job during a recession and it seems to be the only article getting searched.

No job is worth your health.

It's amazing how the need for personal change transcends the worst ecomimic and political times and what an international 'common denominator' this need for change is! Your article seems to be doing for lots of people worldwide what the simple book 'who moved my cheese' did for me two years ago and w/out much analysis and plenty soull-searching, I quit a well-paying and enviable job with one of the best paying organizations in Kenya to pursue a less glamourous career in farming! It's been the best decision I ever took and a lot of people still marvel at how risky the whole thing sounds! Farming? Who trades a big corporate job with an international firm with ultra-modern office buildings (and cubicles) for a rural farming life?

Nimo

I am THOROUGHLY happy for all of you that have quit your jobs! I wish that I could quit and though on paper it seems like a great job, and its what I went to school for but I HATE IT WITH A PASSION. I stay up late at night just because if I go to sleep then that means I have to wake up an go back. I would quit like yesterday if I had any money but I don't. And of course when I was in college I messed up my credit like an idiot. So no money and fair-to-bad credit equals my going to a job that makes me feel like I'd rather poke myself in the eye with a pencil repeatedly. I am almost in tears every morning when I here the alarm because I have to go there and the bad thing is that I know what I want to do. I know where my dreams are. I started a business the excites me but I need start up money and money for during the transition time between quitting my job, that makes me want to gag, and running my business full time. I do not regret going to college and getting my master's degree but now I don't even make enough money at the corporate job to make a dent in my student loans. What do I do? I live paycheck to paycheck at this so called "good job" and climbing the corporate ladder is doing nothing for me. How do I quit, which I desperately want to do tomorrow, and still pay my bills? Especially in this economy? I don't feel like I can help myself let alone help and bless others when I am miserable Monday-Friday, 9-5. Lots of other people seem to at least have some type of financial cushion but I don't. Do I just quit and hope for the best? I don't want another job, I want to be financially free and do not mind working hard, in the industry I want to be in, to do it. I feel bad that I can not help out some family members when I feel like I should be able to. But something has to change if I feel like going to that dreadful job every day is making me so unhappy. It's ashame....I have the degrees and the "good" corporate job, and no time or money. Insanity: doing the same things and expecting different results. Any advice from people that have been here with no money but needing to quit there job in order to stay sane??? Thank you for listening to me vent also :-)

Steve, I have to say your blog and the comments on it have been an inspiration.
I have been stuck in a meaningless office job in London for some time with a comfortable wage but a boring life. The 9 to 5 schedule has sapped my energy and begun to take my soul! I have always wanted to be a landscape photographer, studied photography at uni and have had exhibitions of my work. I left my dream behind some years back to get married and live a settled life, anyhow, unfortunately the marriage is now over and therefore the job has to go and I have to move back to my home, the Lake District, to rekindle my dream. I feel highly optimistic and know I can make it with alot of effort in what is one of the most difficult careers there is, I have already been told I have the talent to do it. I found myself thinking "if everyone else is happy in these comfortable jobs, why aren't I?" I did start to think there was something wrong with aspiring to something so difficult to achieve. I know I will have to do other jobs to bring the money in to fund my dream, but at least I will be able to spend my spare time photographing the places I love, organising exhibitions and getting my pictures in books and galleries. And at least I won't have to work in the financial sector again.

I read a little book called "Inspirations" and it helped me immensely when I was feeling down. It contains many quotes from writers much wiser than I. Here is a favorite from the book:

'Life is like a wild tiger.
You can either lie down and let it lay its paw on your head- or it on its back and ride it'- INDIAN PROVERB.

Well I finally put in my notice and last Friday was my last day of work, and I can honestly say it feels amazing. It's as if I'm a totally different person in the matter of just 1 week. Really incredible stuff. I am starting a company that I have thought about for 7 years with my buddy who also quit his job at one of the large bulge banks. We both feel incredible. Some say to start your business on the side, but I am the type of person who needs to dedicate 100% to a venture. With a clear head and a vision, I know that's it's no big deal that I am starting from scratch. Full throttle. I am finally happy internally. Remember "the most successful people are those who do everyday what they would otherwise do on their summer vacation" -mark twain

Yeah, I did the same thing and wrote a book about it called "Why I Quit Another Job". I go into detail about rotten managers and mistreatment on the job. I also give real hope about going after your purpose. Take a look at www.brandedforimpact.com

Thanks!

John

I just ran across this article as I am up at 1am with insomnia stressed about my job. I am disgruntled and disgusted with the poor disconnected management and bosses from hell. I have been sitting in the cube for 2 years at this job and hating every second of it! Before that I had a job I LOVED and left for this one because it paid more. Sometimes that makes things harder since you know the grass can be greener on the other side. My dream is to pursue my PhD and teaching. Things have come to a nasty head at work and I feel somthing has to give. Discrimiation is apparent. The only two women in the position have been assigned the most projects while the men in the group only have 1/4 of what we have! The women have also been excluded from training sessions..sounds too fishy to me. Panic attacks and emotional breakdowns have been the way for the last 10 months and I need to fix it fast! I have at least a couple months cushion, not as great as some..but I think I need to spread my wings and fly away from the nightmare. Life is too short. Thoughts?

Hey Sleepless in OHIO,
I got on because I am preparing to leave my job someday soon and run my business full time. But, I have been in your situation and I am not a professional shrink or anything but I do think your gut feelings are correct and before you get yourself physically sick - GET OUT! NO job is worth that my friend. Even if you have to take on another less paying and totally different job its better than to stay in that environment that is eroding your mind and now phyically causing you ill. Since you have identified what is wrong and powerless to do anything about it - LEAVE is my advice to you. Make sure you have some family and friends to support your decision. you do not have to go it alone. All that check this blog out are here for you. peace be with you.
Tracee

On 2/19/09, I posted my decision to quit my job and now would like to post an update. I admit that initially I had a few sleepless nights worrying about paying the bills and wondering if I did the right thing.

Since leaving my job, doors have opened up for me. I started receiving more work in my fee-for-service jobs than I thought I would. In fact some days I have to turn work done. I feel great being in charge of my own time and schedule and having escaped the 9-5 prison. They say when one door closes, another one opens. I firmly believe in the power of change.

Regards,
Laurie

I came out to check the posts worried about that person from Ohio and how thier job (prison) was making them sick. But, then i see a nice positive one.
Oh GOOD FOR YOU - CONGRATS!!!!! THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS! I have a dream of leaving this poisenous big corp job and going home and running my grooming shop and daycare full time. Well, my sons and hubby cleared out a great place in the woods behind our house to put in kennels and containment area in the shade for my dream. I am so happy and now positive it will happen very soon.
So I am so happy for your Laurie. It is truely a great day!
Tracee

It's also hard to put into words just how comforting and empowering at the same time it is to see how many people, including myself are bound together by a Google search.

"I want to quit my job in a recession."

As I read through the posts, the one that resonated the deepest was Will's from November 25, 2008.

And then Steve, I read your response. Tears of relief sprung into my eyes as I finally knew that my decision to quit is going to be the right one.

For, I too, am an INTP, and reading that you are one too, I know that having my heart overrule my head is truly the right choice.

I've done a lot of reading lately about the MBTI - having been formally tested about 9 years ago and again about 6 months ago - and have finally realized that the parts of my personality that have caused me to struggle in the past are exactly what I need to embrace and trust to succeed in the future.

Thank you Steve, and Cheers to the INTPs!

*Sorry this is a dupe post, but I lost my first para somehow...*

It's hard to put into words how I feel having spent a half hour for the past three nights reading the posts of people just like me, conflicted by the need to be free and the fear of the unknown.

It's also hard to put into words just how comforting and empowering at the same time it is to see how many people, including myself are bound together by a Google search.

"I want to quit my job in a recession."

As I read through the posts, the one that resonated the deepest was Will's from November 25, 2008.

And then Steve, I read your response. Tears of relief sprung into my eyes as I finally knew that my decision to quit is going to be the right one.

For, I too, am an INTP, and reading that you are one too, I know that having my heart overrule my head is truly the right choice.

I've done a lot of reading lately about the MBTI - having been formally tested about 9 years ago and again about 6 months ago - and have finally realized that the parts of my personality that have caused me to struggle in the past are exactly what I need to embrace and trust to succeed in the future.

Thank you Steve, and Cheers to the INTPs!