I sat fidgeting in an uncomfortable chair that was placed adjacent to my boss’ expansive desk, feeling the sweat already start to tickle my forehead. I kept picking at a piece of torn upholstery toward the bottom of the seat, despite my best attempts to look cool, calm, and collected. But, no matter how many articles I crank out about successfully putting in your two weeks notice, I’ll admit it’s pretty tough to look confident and composed when you’re quitting your job.

That’s exactly what I was doing. I was seated across from a man who had been my manager for years—starting when I was just a college intern to when the company took me on full-time—and explaining to him that I was hitting the road.

“So, I guess you could consider this my two weeks’ notice,” I said to him while doing my best to avoid any direct eye contact. “Oh, here, I put it in writing too, in case you need that or, like, something,” I added while practically throwing him an unsealed envelope and simultaneously trying to edge my way out of the room.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he said, with a forced smile on his face. “Where are you going? Did you receive a better offer elsewhere?”

I swallowed nervously, took a deep breath, and attempted to keep my voice from trembling. “No, not exactly,” I replied, trying to stifle the nauseous feeling that was slowly rising from my stomach to my throat.

“So, why are you leaving?” he pressed, “Where are you going?”

“I want to be a freelance writer. I’m going to do that full-time,” I quickly responded.

His face said it all. Like so many others, he was confused as to why I would leave the comfort and security of a traditional, full-time job (and, hello, health benefits!) for a life of uncertainty as a freelancer.

I wanted to explain to him that this was something I just had to do. I’d been thinking about it for ages, and I could no longer tolerate it being only that—a thought. I needed to take action and give it a try.

But, in reality, I didn’t say any of that. Instead, I kept my mouth shut. Why? Well, the truth of the matter was I didn’t really have a plan that I could share with him. Sure, I had one big client that I was hoping would carry me until I could get things off the ground (that client actually ended up dropping me only a few months later, but that’s a story for another time). But beyond that, I didn’t have any other potential opportunities lined up. I lived in a small town with very few connections to the type of work I wanted to be doing. I really had no idea how I was going to go about running my own freelance business. Oh, and I had absolutely zero clue how I was going to pay those pesky things called bills.

As someone who loves security and predictability, to this day I have no idea what came over me. But, regardless of the fact that I didn’t really know what was coming next, I quit my job anyway.

Looking back, jumping ship from my full-time position with no firm back-up plan in place probably wasn’t the smartest thing. And, I’m definitely not trying to encourage you to march into your own boss’ office tomorrow and use that exact same tactic—unless you’re prepared for a lot of shameless crying into an open carton of those delicious (and somewhat addicting) frosted animal crackers.

However, I do think taking that terrifying leap of faith was one of the most enlightening career experiences I’ve had so far. Call it stupid, impulsive, or brave—at the very least, it was educational. Here are a few of the (many, many, many) things I learned.



1. You Don’t Need the Approval of Others

When I would tell people about my plan to sprint away from my cubicle in favor of the freelance life, I so desperately wanted them to reassure me with statements like, “Oh wow, you’re so brave!” “Good for you!” or even a friendly and dad-like, “Go get ’em, tiger!”

Unfortunately, that’s not really what I got. Instead, I was faced with a lot of, “Wait, you’re doing what?” types of comments.

In the end, it really didn’t matter. I was the only one who needed to feel good about my decision. And I did—at least in between the animal cracker crying sessions mentioned earlier. Yes, we all naturally crave approval and reassurance from others every now and then. But, trust me, you don’t need it—at least not as much as you think you do.



2. Scary Is Exciting

There’s a reason that people fork over wads of cash in order to see a horror film about possessed grandparents or to walk through a haunted house where someone is guaranteed to leap out with a chainsaw. There’s a big part of being terrified that makes you want to run and cry—but the other piece is actually somewhat thrilling.

In the first few days (ahem, alright, months) after leaving my full-time gig, I’d sit down at my computer and feel totally overwhelmed. Every day was a battle to try to scrounge up work and at least take one step in the right direction. But, at the same time, I felt absolutely exhilarated. I had no idea what was coming next, and that actually made me feel surprisingly motivated and optimistic. It was one of the most distressing, nauseating, and anxiety-inducing times in my life—but it was also the most exciting.



3. You Never Know Until You Try

I hate to sound like a cheesy, cliché high school commencement speech. But, this sentiment really does ring true. You have no idea what you’re capable of until you push yourself to try it.

I’ll be honest—it’s not that I strongly disliked my full-time job. However, it didn’t set my heart on fire either. A big chunk of my duties were administrative. And, while I did perfect the art of mail merging like a total boss, I didn’t really feel all that challenged or fulfilled by my work.

However, as a self-described creature of habit, I think that I likely could’ve dealt with that mundaneness for the rest of my life. There was a big part of me that figured I was suited for that sort of life and career. It was safe and predictable. I was content.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve accomplished things that I never even thought were a possibility for me. I’ve been published places that I assumed were mere pipe dreams. I’ve worked with people who are essentially celebrities in my eyes. Just think—none of it would’ve happened if I had stayed with the “safe” route.



4. Your Career Really Doesn’t Define You

We all have the tendency to use our careers to define ourselves. But, it’s important to remember that your job isn’t who you are—it’s what you do. As Muse Managing Editor Jenni Maier explained in her article about being laid off, your position definitely adds to your life, but it doesn’t make up the entirety of it.

When I left my job, I felt the need to justify my decision and clarify every last detail until people were literally snoring in front of me. There was this immense need to explain my employment situation in order to give myself a purpose and identity.

Turns out, that’s really not the case—all of that pressure to define myself using my career was totally self-imposed. In fact, most people honestly didn’t care if I was a dog walker or the Dalai Lama. Although, above anything else, they were most likely just wondering why I gave them a play-by-play career breakdown when all they asked was, “Paper or plastic?”



Jumping ship from my full-time job was undoubtedly one of the scariest career decisions I’ve made in my life thus far. But, even though it had my knees shaking and my palms sweating, I’m glad I did it. It’s worked out well so far, and I’ve managed to learn a lot along the way.

So, if you’re contemplating taking your own leap of faith anytime soon, I hope these lessons encourage you and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, in those moments when all you feel is sheer panic? Well, reach out to me on Twitter. I’ll come running—frosted animal crackers in tow.
Source : themuse.com
Cc obinoscopy mynd44 lalasticlala Seun

Tanx for sharing

Guy... you get mind o

ambassadorgozie:
Tanx for sharing

you welcome

Wow finally something I can relate with. I feel the same way you did or probably worse. Heck! I feel worse coming here everyday. This is really inspiring and I'm happy it turned out nicely for you. You didn't drop your Twitter handle or anything. How can I reach you?

Who does that in a country like ours?
You'll so hate yourself after.

Don't quit your job if you've not saved enough and gotten a backup plan!!!

You are so very brave. Even though freelance writing might be profitable than most jobs today, who ever wrote this must be soooo courageous. Can't even try it even though i'm a part-time freelancer

obiaguna:
Wow finally something I can relate with. I feel the same way you did or probably worse. Heck! I feel worse coming here everyday. This is really inspiring and I'm happy it turned out nicely for you. You didn't drop your Twitter handle or anything. How can I reach you?

Well i didnt write this piece. Sourced it from one career counselling site "the muse". However i had to share it here on nairaland cause i can relate 100% to the the writers sentiments as i have been in such situation where i just woke up one morning with the stark realization that my lucrative but uninspiring bank job was no more what i wanted and without looking back i resigned that same week. Yes i had no prior plans, neither did i have stash of cash in my bank accounts but deep within i knew there was something else i could do that reflects the real me.
Fastforward to this day, i have never regretted that dangerous and decisive decision and path i choosed to thread. Its being success all the way in my choosen business venture. It wasnt easy at the onset though and the road was a bit rough and tough but eventaully where there is a will there must be a way.

This is not for the faint hearted, you must be strong, focused and determined in whatever path you choose to navigate through. Expect harsh and soul scorching criticisms from family, friends colleagues and acquaintances who will never understand you and the action you took.

Finally not all of us will work a paid job to survive, some of us are best cut out for self employment if only we discover our true selfs

LaurelP:
Who does that in a country like ours?
You'll so hate yourself after.

i did it and many others have too. Guess what? Many have succeeded immensely being self employed.

CaaseStudy:
i did it and many others have too. Guess what? Many have succeeded immensely being self employed.

You had a plan bro, and backup too.
Even though your plan didn't work exactly as u had anticipated, still it did on the long run.
U can't just leave ur job without at least a concrete plan.

CaaseStudy:
Well i didnt write this piece. Sourced it from one career counselling site "the muse". However i had to share it here on nairaland cause i can relate 100% to the the writers sentiments as i have been in such situation where i just woke up one morning with the stark realization that my lucrative but uninspiring bank job was no more what i wanted and without looking back i resigned that same week. Yes i had no prior plans, neither did i have stash of cash in my bank accounts but deep within i knew there was something else i could do that reflects the real me.
Fastforward to this day, i have never regretted that dangerous and decisive decision and path i choosed to thread. Its being success all the way in my choosen business venture. It wasnt easy at the onset though and the road was a bit rough and tough but eventaully where there is a will there must be a way.

This is not for the faint hearted, you must be strong, focused and determined in whatever path you choose to navigate through. Expect harsh and soul scorching criticisms from family, friends colleagues and acquaintances who will never understand you and the action you took.

Finally not all of us will work a paid job to survive, some of us are best cut out for self employment if only we discover our true selfs

Well done, well done. You have done very well for your self. I still haven't seen your Twitter handle Lol.

Nice

CaaseStudy:
Well i didnt write this piece. Sourced it from one career counselling site "the muse". However i had to share it here on nairaland cause i can relate 100% to the the writers sentiments as i have been in such situation where i just woke up one morning with the stark realization that my lucrative but uninspiring bank job was no more what i wanted and without looking back i resigned that same week. Yes i had no prior plans, neither did i have stash of cash in my bank accounts but deep within i knew there was something else i could do that reflects the real me.
Fastforward to this day, i have never regretted that dangerous and decisive decision and path i choosed to thread. Its being success all the way in my choosen business venture. It wasnt easy at the onset though and the road was a bit rough and tough but eventaully where there is a will there must be a way.

This is not for the faint hearted, you must be strong, focused and determined in whatever path you choose to navigate through. Expect harsh and soul scorching criticisms from family, friends colleagues and acquaintances who will never understand you and the action you took.

Finally not all of us will work a paid job to survive, some of us are best cut out for self employment if only we discover our true selfs

I feel good about this article, I quit my job late last year and I didn't even require anyone's approval before I went ahead. The truth is that I realized my worth and I wasn't really happy with my work and so I quit.

It is true that you'll never ever have it completely figured out. But you'll have to just go with the flow. Don't overthink things. A lot of things are beyond your control and as long as you're optimistic and hopeful about the future .That's all you'd ever need.

I am trying to reply a post that said you shouldn't try quitting your job if u haven't saved enough n don't have a solid plan....

Giggles.....

The truth is that if u continue d job simply because u feel u haven't saved enough, you will just be there till the owner says its time to leave his coy, because you can never save enough.

If you feel u are not happy/satisfy with a job, the best thing is to bounce. Its a tough decision tho, but its a smart move at a long run.

Nice one OP for sharing this post. God blessings on u always

Hello My Fellow Nairalanders, I Needs Your Help-Concerning My Brother, He Lost His Job In 2014 Due To A Job He Did With His Boss At Mushin Lagos. The Job Execution Was Successful But His Boss Told Him That He Should Call The Following Week For His Money, Which He Did But The Boss Number Wasnt Going. To Cut The Story, After Some Months- Close To 2015, He Saw His Boss Online And Asked What Happen. The Boss Now Told Him That He Is In Ghana, That He Will His Money Across.Up To This Very Moment, No Word. His Wife Gave Birth Last Year November Through C-section Which He Never Planned For And He Still Has A Balance Of 150k To Pay, He Has Moved To His Mum House With His Family And Things Are Not Going Well. He Didnt Finish School Due To Somethings And He Need To Clear His Outstanding, Pls If You Find It In You To Help, Pls Do So. But Most Importanly, He Says He Needs A Job, But He Doesnt Even Have Money To Leave His Mum House. He stays At Mowe Presently, Here His Is Email: John1brooms@gmail.com. Pls Help Him

Hmm exactly what I did last year, quit my job for freelance writing; it was suicidal. My client cancelled the contract, before then transformer blew up and power was out for 2months, when they brought the light it was high voltage; destroyed my laptop. I suffered men. Thank God I was able to bounce back. The freelance world is unpredictable. I learnt the biggest lesson of my life in three month of depression.

I am sooooooooo not quiting my regular employment until I have made piles of money and huge investments in estates and cash reserves. This job is paying my bill's and providing for tons of others. This job fuels my car's, got me a 13. 5KVA gen, provides 200 litres of diesel to run it monthly, gives me access to Ikoyi Club.... endless opportunities. I will only leave when practice can provide a back up while my investments continue to multiply and take care of this life style I have grown to have.

I don't plan to be a hero in suffering.

Royaljohn:
Hello My Fellow Nairalanders, I Needs Your Help-Concerning My Brother, He Lost His Job In 2014 Due To A Job He Did With His Boss At Mushin Lagos. The Job Execution Was Successful But His Boss Told Him That He Should Call The Following Week For His Money, Which He Did But The Boss Number Wasnt Going. To Cut The Story, After Some Months- Close To 2015, He Saw His Boss Online And Asked What Happen. The Boss Now Told Him That He Is In Ghana, That He Will His Money Across.Up To This Very Moment, No Word. His Wife Gave Birth Last Year November Through C-section Which He Never Planned For And He Still Has A Balance Of 150k To Pay, He Has Moved To His Mum House With His Family And Things Are Not Going Well. He Didnt Finish School Due To Somethings And He Need To Clear His Outstanding, Pls If You Find It In You To Help, Pls Do So. But Most Importanly, He Says He Needs A Job, But He Doesnt Even Have Money To Leave His Mum House. He stays At Mowe Presently, Here His Is Email: John1brooms@gmail.com. Pls Help Him

Sorry to hear about your brother .
This may be irrelevant, iknow you said hes your brother, but are you the John? Cos i noticed your moniker and the email ad... which ever case, the best thing to do is follow existing job boards and recommend them to your bro. Also, you mentioned him not finishing school, so he should get up and get out, for the sake of his family. There are still real jobs tht arent posted online, although they may not pay much but its something...

Op, thanks for sharing this story, and yours aswell. Fear has prevented alota ppl from taking certain steps/ making moves tht may have changed their stories. God help us all.

hardbody:
I am sooooooooo not quiting my regular employment until I have made piles of money and huge investments in estates and cash reserves. This job is paying my bill's and providing for tons of others. This job fuels my car's, got me a 13. 5KVA gen, provides 200 litres of diesel to run it monthly, gives me access to Ikoyi Club.... endless opportunities. I will only leave when practice can provide a back up while my investments continue to multiply and take care of this life style I have grown to have.

I don't plan to be a hero in suffering.

Lol. That's another way to go, leveraging on your current cash flow to make certain calculated investments. Hopefully it'ld workout really well for you.

taurus21:


I feel good about this article, I quit my job late last year and I didn't even require anyone's approval before I went ahead. The truth is that I realized my worth and I wasn't really happy with my work and so I quit.

It is true that you'll never ever have it completely figured out. But you'll have to just go with the flow. Don't overthink things. A lot of things are beyond your control and as long as you're optimistic and hopeful about the future .That's all you'd ever need.

10000000 likes for this bro. Another major issue is how we handle the "the future fear failure factor". many want to go the self employed route but fear about the future outcomes of crashing totally. I do not reccommend ignoring one fears but it must never deter him or her to pursue his aspirations. One must embrace this fears but also use it as a source of inspiration to aim for better and positive results while self employed. Example is a student who fears to fail, what does he do, study harder and better and success follows. The fact that this wise student is afraid to fail his exams will not make him quit trying to pass and maybe dropout of school or accept the fate of just failing and remaining at the level he is.
Like you rightly pointed out, one must not wait to figure it all out before making a move cause the indices and factors required for a smooth sail at that moment of decision 80% of times are never complete. There must exist this one or two limiting factors which when overly dwelt on will lead to a total halt to any plans to go self employed. I for one had no concrete plans and resources at all when i quit my banking job, all i knew was i had something else my passions craved for and i just pursued it totally. Today its success all the way. Self believe and action-faith also play vital roles if you ever wish to tow this path. Forget about hope..

Sholaystar4me:
I am trying to reply a post that said you shouldn't try quitting your job if u haven't saved enough n don't have a solid plan....

Giggles.....

The truth is that if u continue d job simply because u feel u haven't saved enough, you will just be there till the owner says its time to leave his coy, because you can never save enough.

If you feel u are not happy/satisfy with a job, the best thing is to bounce. Its a tough decision tho, but its a smart move at a long run.

Nice one OP for sharing this post. God blessings on u always

bless you too

hardbody:
I am sooooooooo not quiting my regular employment until I have made piles of money and huge investments in estates and cash reserves. This job is paying my bill's and providing for tons of others. This job fuels my car's, got me a 13. 5KVA gen, provides 200 litres of diesel to run it monthly, gives me access to Ikoyi Club.... endless opportunities. I will only leave when practice can provide a back up while my investments continue to multiply and take care of this life style I have grown to have.

I don't plan to be a hero in suffering.

lol. You have mapped out your path. Kudos to you. Some people will just be their best in a paid job. Many however are destined to greatness via the SE route but due to fear and uncertainity stick to their average life on a paid job. Dont misrepresent me but most of the benefits which tie us down while working for others are minute to what we can achieve going self employed. The dangotes, gates and zuckerbergs of this world are living proofs to this fact. Lastly that company one is toiling away his future under is owed and run by some persons and those persons are definitely self employed, why not aim to be like them

Cc obinoscopy mynd44 lalasticlala Seun front page please. would love to share this with a wider audience and get their thoughts too. Tnks

jostking:
Hmm exactly what I did last year, quit my job for freelance writing; it was suicidal. My client cancelled the contract, before then transformer blew up and power was out for 2months, when they brought the light it was high voltage; destroyed my laptop. I suffered men. Thank God I was able to bounce back. The freelance world is unpredictable. I learnt the biggest lesson of my life in three month of depression.

thank God you sailed through. Most great and positive lessons of life are learnt during the times of adversity. Ride on, the sky is your starting point.

CaaseStudy:
lol. You have mapped out your path. Kudos to you. Some people will just be their best in a paid job. Many however are destined to greatness via the SE route but due to fear and uncertainity stick to their average life on a paid job. Dont misrepresent me but most of the benefits which tie us down while working for others are minute to what we can achieve going self employed. The dangotes, gates and zuckerbergs of this world are living proofs to this fact. Lastly that company one is toiling away his future under is owed and run by some persons and those persons are definitely self employed, why not aim to be like them

I quite feel you bro. I am not in any way demeaning your chosen path either. Perhaps I am a wimp but I have also reasoned that the probability of being a second Dangote in Nigeria will lie on a probability of one to one fifty million. Same as a zuckerberg or a Bill Gate. Perhaps some of us have chosen to remain average for fear of losing out on the bigger pie. I wish you well sir.

Moyarh:


Lol. That's another way to go, leveraging on your current cash flow to make certain calculated investments. Hopefully it'ld workout really well for you.

Thanks bro. I am pretty certain it would. I will invest with your likes and grow my own investments. That way it's a win win situation. We certainly can't all aspire to be entrepreneurs although it's a good way to go too.

hmmm

Good advice for those already employed and those seeking to be employed.
You need a back-up plan because you can't determine how secured your job will be. Your Job security is not guaranteed.

This is why it is essential to learn money making skills that can act as your back up just when your job fails you.

Wisdom is everything in life!