₦airaland Forum

True bruv, CaaseStudy

But every plan should be backed up with another pkan

abumeinben:
True bruv, CaaseStudy

But every plan should be backed up with another pkan

good morning bro. Pls expantiate more on your comment

Cutehector:
Wisdom is everything in life!

yesooo . U no say na una be d chairman for dis forum abeg tell dem nah to position dis fine thread for fp. I don hala baba seun and mynd44. Dem no answer my call.

CaaseStudy:
yesooo . U no say na una be d chairman for dis forum abeg tell dem nah to position dis fine thread for fp. I don hala baba seun and mynd44. Dem no answer my call.

lol be patient, today is lalasticlala's birthday.

Just wish him well.

Cutehector:
lol be patient, today is lalasticlala's birthday.

Just wish him well.

abiiooo. Oga lalasticlala enjoy your day jare. Hbdllnp

CaaseStudy:
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

Pathetic but it's a lesson for the wise. Contact us for jobs in Dubai and also obtain your USA visa with NO INITIAL PAYMENT. see our signature.

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

I did it and got a better job just 2 months after. It takes a lot of courage and bravery tho. So many people will discourage you but if you make up your mind, do it! and pray you come out laughing at last.

CaaseStudy:
good morning bro. Pls expantiate more on your comment

Well bruv,

I'm sure u aren't idle. You have something doing...you had ur plan B all along but didn't realise so, until you tried

Like my favourite artiste band puts it: "if you never tried, you'll never know"

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

It doesn't apply here.. Thats Oyinbo

lalasticlala:
It doesn't apply here.. Thats Oyinbo

Exactly. Try am here make hunger show u pepper.

lalasticlala:
It doesn't apply here.. Thats Oyinbo

lala of life ... Dont be this dismissive.. I just gave my own testimony and experiences in line with the opinions and actions of the writer of this piece and am in no doubt that i will not be first or even the last to tow such paths.. i hear say today na ur day ... u go sha take us out nah

LaurelP:
Exactly. Try am here make hunger show u pepper.

my guy i no knw you personally, but u sha can fear... U sure say u go fit chyke point 10 chick wit this kind para? Life in itself is an everyday overdose of risks...

CaaseStudy:
my guy i no knw you personally, but u sha can fear... U sure say u go fit chyke point 10 chick wit this kind para? Life in itself is an everyday overdose of risks...

Broo, its not about fear. Its more about using ur head, taking CALCULATED risks.
I've heard people say something like "After all Bill Gates dropped out of school, I don't need to go to school".
You'd be foolish to say this if u are in Nigeria and u don't have a concrete plan or a reason why u need to drop out. I heard that Seun also dropped out but am sure he knew what he was gonna do and probably had already started practising it.

My point is, don't just do things becos u heard or saw someone else do it. Have a reason and a plan. Again I say, don't just quit ur job anyhow in Nigeria with no backup plan.

LaurelP:
Broo, its not about fear. Its more about using ur head, taking CALCULATED risks.
I've heard people say something like "After all Bill Gates dropped out of school, I don't need to go to school".
You'd be foolish to say this if u are in Nigeria and u don't have a concrete plan or a reason why u need to drop out. I heard that Seun also dropped out but am sure he knew what he was gonna do and probably had already started practising it.

My point is, don't just do things becos u heard or saw someone else do it. Have a reason and a plan. Again I say, don't just quit ur job anyhow in Nigeria with no backup plan.

Well said. There must be a feasible plan.
Would be very unwise to do so wthout it.

hardbody:
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.

True, not everyone can pull it off.

All the best in your endeavors

LaurelP:
Broo, its not about fear. Its more about using ur head, taking CALCULATED risks.
I've heard people say something like "After all Bill Gates dropped out of school, I don't need to go to school".
You'd be foolish to say this if u are in Nigeria and u don't have a concrete plan or a reason why u need to drop out. I heard that Seun also dropped out but am sure he knew what he was gonna do and probably had already started practising it.

My point is, don't just do things becos u heard or saw someone else do it. Have a reason and a plan. Again I say, don't just quit ur job anyhow in Nigeria with no backup plan.

I agree that one must have a reason to quit it could be
1.You're consistently experiencing more frustration than reward in your present job
2. Spending time on your present paid job keeps you from more rewarding endeavors or seriously damages your well-being,
3. You want to be your own boss and set your own schedules, choose your own clientèle and getting more value for your endeavors and time invested in your choosen path. etc
This reasons and more prompts a need to jump into self employment .
where i disagree with you is one having to have a concrete complete plan and back up before making a move. Truth is unless you come from a very wealthy home or have ample reserves of financial security and connections , there must be this one or two bottlenecks that will hinder progress and if you keep waiting till all this factors are in place you will forever tarry and remain at the same spot, and time will flee away with your plans and aspiration and your dreams die off.. You need to challenge yourself and sail into uncertain waters and this is where taking UNCALCULATED risks towards success comes in.

Also i think you didnt read the piece very well, the part where you talked about one doing things because he heard or saw others do it was clearly debunked in the write up.. the writer has clearly pointed out that whatever drastic decision she took came from within and was what she totally wanted to do. She wasn't seeking for validation or approval from others, she knew they will not understand or support her porting from her place of comfort into a place of uncertainty yet she wasn't deterred. This my friend is the paramount success factor in self employment- self belief/recognition and faith... Yes the success story of other entrepreneurs should serve as a source of inspiration but it must never be the sole reason why you are jumping ship . Your decision must be spurred and validated from within...

CaaseStudy:
lala of life ... Dont be this dismissive.. I just gave my own testimony and experiences in line with the opinions and actions of the writer of this piece and am in no doubt that i will not be first or even the last to tow such paths.. i hear say today na ur day ... u go sha take us out nah

your testimony? if it's your testimony straight, it would be ok, but copying from oyinbo site, that's plagiarism naa...

yes o, 2day na my day oo

lalasticlala:
your testimony? if it's your testimony straight, it would be ok, but copying from oyinbo site, that's plagiarism naa...

yes o, 2day na my day oo

wishing you happy bday and llnp...

I quoted the source of the write up " the muse.com" and never claimed to have written it myself. what i said in my 1st post was that i had to share this on nairaland as i have had such experiences and taken drastic uncertain moves like the writer of the piece so i can relate to the message she is conveying in the write up. I am Nigerian not oyinbo so i think its a generic thing... pls could u fp, let others share their thoughts

Abeg where is the party happening

i have been looking out for job for him, mostly a labour in any construction company. at least with that one he can have money to pay and go to work but i have no laid hands on something solid yet, if you know of any pls do send him mail, he is getting more depress to me.

I just had to quit mine. I hated mine so much that every morning I woke up, a new sense of dread fills me. I was on my way to getting depressed. When I quit, I didn't have a back up plan so right now I'm hoping to face my masters. I don't like the fact that my parents still send money to me. They don't complain but still I know not be dependent on them.

Its a tough world out there...and even if its just a survival job, its better to stay put if you like it a bit. For me, I'm never going to walk round the streets of Lagos begging people to buy one product that they can do without. If I see a teaching job sef, I'll gladly pick it with joy.

Nice one

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 can relate to this. There was so much pressure on me from all sides when I took a step to quit my job from one of the big fours.

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.

I can't find anywhere where the writer asked you to quit your job. Apparently you are enjoying yours and he wasn't feeling the same. So stop acting like anybody cares if you quit or not. Cheers.

obiaguna:
I can't find anywhere where the writer asked you to quit your job. Apparently you are enjoying yours and he wasn't feeling the same. So stop acting like anybody cares if you quit or not. Cheers.

Go get a life and stop sticking your head into things you know nothing about. I have had several interchanges with the OP and we are both relating happily so where is your silly comment coming from?

The OP, for ease of your understanding because you appear real shallow said that he left his job because he wanted to be an enterprenuer, and even without a back up plan. That is where my comment came from. If you cannot comprehend, just read and pass, i do it a lot myself especially if i have nothing meaningful to say.

I drop the bomb shell on my boss, on the first week of January. He was nice enough not to ask me, what my reasons were. For crying out loud he already knew. (who collects a monthly salary of 20k after slaving 14 hours daily from mon - Sat) Who does that!

And sometimes to massage his ego, to prove who is the boss, this guy wont pay until the next month.

well to cut the long boring story short, I resigned.

Of course not with the self doubt and trepidation on what the future holds.
And boy, where friends supportive? well you guess is as good as mine.

Right nw, am still on the street seriously searching and hoping in God, same time occasionally numbed by the new hash realities I have to face.

I just hoped I took the right decision, cause now the little I saved is almost gone (that's me putting it mildly)

kpotu:
I drop the bomb shell on my boss, on the first week of January. He was nice enough not to ask me, what my reasons were. For crying out loud he already knew. (who collects a monthly salary of 20k after slaving 14 hours daily from mon - Sat) Who does that!

And sometimes to massage his ego, to prove who is the boss, this guy wont pay until the next month.

well to cut the long boring story short, I resigned.

Of course not with the self doubt and trepidation on what the future holds.
And boy, where friends supportive? well you guess is as good as mine.

Right nw, am still on the street seriously searching and hoping in God, same time occasionally numbed by the new hash realities I have to face.

I just hoped I took the right decision, cause now the little I saved is almost gone (that's me putting it mildly)

stay focused. What are you really searching for, another job? or going self employed.

At times taking a bold step is like jumping off a wrecking ship,there are some jobs you took and after 5years you can not point out what u have achieved,you don't die when u quit cos most times you are padding ur salary with external funds.

hardbody:
Go get a life and stop sticking your head into things you know nothing about. I have had several interchanges with the OP and we are both relating happily so where is your silly comment coming from?

The OP, for ease of your understanding because you appear real shallow said that he left his job because he wanted to be an enterprenuer, and even without a back up plan. That is where my comment came from. If you cannot comprehend, just read and pass, i do it a lot myself especially if i have nothing meaningful to say.

Keep walking.

kpotu:
I drop the bomb shell on my boss, on the first week of January. He was nice enough not to ask me, what my reasons were. For crying out loud he already knew. (who collects a monthly salary of 20k after slaving 14 hours daily from mon - Sat) Who does that!

And sometimes to massage his ego, to prove who is the boss, this guy wont pay until the next month.

well to cut the long boring story short, I resigned.

Of course not with the self doubt and trepidation on what the future holds.
And boy, where friends supportive? well you guess is as good as mine.

Right nw, am still on the street seriously searching and hoping in God, same time occasionally numbed by the new hash realities I have to face.

I just hoped I took the right decision, cause now the little I saved is almost gone (that's me putting it mildly)

Wow. 20k is damn too small. I can totally understand where you are coming from. Hopefully you get another job that can sustain you while you are thinking of your next move. Be strong..