“Follow your passion to live your life to the fullest.” Seems cliché, but it’s one of the most repeated pieces of advice given to us. Many of us dream of becoming our own boss, being in charge of our own time, and doing what we love for a living.
Chasing your dream may sound marvelous, but it’s easier said than done. Many of us have to face the fears of failure and the risk of financial ruin to follow a path seemingly unfamiliar to us. We have to grapple with questions like, “Can I afford not to work?”, “Do I have enough savings to pull this off?” and “What if I don’t succeed?”
While these are reasonable concerns, they are not the only things to consider. Here is a list of things to keep in mind when thinking about quitting your job:
Can You Work while Pursuing Your Passion?
Before handing in your resignation letter, think about why you want to leave your workplace. One of the first steps to following your dreams is to know if and when to quit your job. While it’d be freeing to get out of working for other people, you should not make rash decisions.
Even though I’m not a fan of hustle culture, I think you can start pursuing your dreams on the side while keeping your full-time job. It’s not ideal, I know, but it’ll help cushion the blow should you need to step back from following your passion.
It’s during this stage that you assess how you spend your time. Are you able to balance working full-time AND to pursue your dream? If your answer is no, it’s time to re-evaluate and look into letting go of one of them.
Letting go of your current job may seem to be a clear choice, but you have to gear yourself up for the hardships that’ll come your way. Can you handle the possible strain this may cause your relationships? Have you thought of how you’d handle the transition? Do you have plans on how to manage unforeseen circumstances and risks?
Ultimately, you have to decide if it’s time to move on.
Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Money Management Guide
Do You Have a Clear Goal?
When you think of quitting, you should have an idea of what comes next. This is the time to look at the bigger picture and gaze into the future.
Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This will give you something to work towards, and it will be your guide and gauge so you can measure your progress. This will prevent you from floating about; rather, it will give you a sense of urgency and direction on where you’re meant to go.
What is your ideal career? What are your long-term goals? How about your short-term goals? The answer to these questions will help you decide which steps to take and when to take them. Once you have a goal, it will be easier to see if you’re moving towards a said goal or you’re moving farther from it.
Having a plan will prevent you from impulsively throwing away your career for a path you haven’t thought through. It will help give you a purpose and a result you’d aim to achieve.
Never mind how out of reach your ideal career seems to be, knowing what it brings you a step closer.
Have You Maximized Opportunities from Your Job?
Knowing what you want and planning to pursue it is only half the battle. Acquiring skills and networks to build on is the other half.
Before leaving your current job, make sure that you’ve honed all the skills you developed from your current position. Gain as many relevant experiences as you can from it and learn what you can from everyone around you. Don’t forget to get to know your co-workers and have a pleasant working relationship with them.
Leave your company on good terms. Not only will it make things easier for you to focus on your dreams by having a good reputation, but this will also help you tap into a network of people you met at the company. Your colleagues would be a great circle of influence from whom you could gain access to other people, opportunities, and prospects.
Make the most of what you currently have; try to connect where you are now to where you want to be.
Conclusion
Quitting your job is never easy but staying in a place you’ve outgrown is worse. Most of us are afraid of leaving a stable work environment for the unknown. We dream about pursuing our passions but dread parting with the comforts we’re familiar with.
It’s understandable to worry and to need to look before you leap, wishing to cover all your bases and be sure of your choice. Keep in mind that it’s preferable knowing you’ve tried than having “What ifs?” weighing you down.
Before making a decision, take a step back and ask yourself if the risk you’re about to take is worth it. Don’t be afraid of the path you have yet to explore. Live a life you would be proud of, one where you’re in control and fearlessly face the trials of uncertainty.
Remember that success is just around the corner for those brave enough to seek it.
