Yo, Consider Quitting

Hello, darklings.

My mood continues to improve. I’m being a good goblin and have my sun lamp on (a lamp that emits artificial sunlight), taking my vitamins, eating less junk, and doing my stretches. My concentration is returning, and my creative juices are flowing once more. Might just be a trickle, but I’ll take it. 

So, I’m doing my part of showing up to the scrivener ready to work, and my muse is finally getting back into the swing of things. 

Now let’s talk about quitting your job! 

One thing that I and other writers complain about is the soul-sucking nature of places of work. They get home, beaten and creatively defeated, all excitement and energy sucked out of their being so when they pull up their document, it only stares back at them. 

Listen. That means you need to change your job.

Responsibly, of course. It might be as simple as asking your supervisor if you can try your hand at another position (I’ve done that with good results). Maybe you need to adjust what time and shift you work. Maybe you need to adjust yourself. Sometimes, there is no change that will improve the job. It will continue interfering with your writing marriage, and that means it’s time to leave before you and your word craft divorce. 

Now obviously! 

Don’t leave that job until you have another lined up. 

Don’t leave that job until you are certain the new one can meet you and your family’s needs. 

Don’t leave the job if you and others are reliant on the health insurance. Do the research and be sure other companies have comparative benefits. Remember, you can’t write if you’re not able to take care of yours and your family’s meatsack needs. 

Weigh all the pros and cons. Identify when a job is poison and unhealthy for you. Change.

When I quit my job a year and a half ago, it was past time when I knew I needed to move on. Supervisors were getting toxic. The pay didn’t compensate for all I did and the seniority and experience. The health insurance was phenomenal, but… not at the cost to my health from the stress and sense of helplessness. I did a few changes in job duties, but soon realized that wasn’t enough. And I was struggling to write. 

Time to leave. 

I was very frank with my boss and HR, informing them that my path was taking me elsewhere. I thanked them for what they had done for me and letting me try my hand at different tasks over the years, the experience they gave me. Nothing was a lie; I just didn’t tell all the truth for my reasons. I stated I was actively looking for new work, but I’d help train until I found where the universe coaxed me to be. 

Most companies would be like, “Pth, go!” on the spot. So be aware of that. I had worked at that one over ten years and was exemplary in attendance and teamwork. I truly think they didn’t expect me to leave. Because they did nada to prepare for the eventuality. 

For a month and a half, I gave them tabs for when I had interviews, three or four of them, just to try to make them understand how serious I was and that they should figure out what to do with all my crazy job duties. None of those interviews panned out, which was honestly great. The one that did has proven to be an awesome job change. I apologized to my former work that I could only put in a week notice before I had to attend the training classes. I felt guilty for that. 

But then, I did tell them. I told them over six weeks ago. There was no reason to feel as guilty as I did for it then. 

And I’ll tell you now, little corvids. Do not feel guilty for walking away from a job that does not serve your mental health, financial, and creative needs. Never. 

This is the best time we’ve had in so long where companies truly have to compete for workers here in the states. Use that competition. Search for something that brings balance to you mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and creatively. 

You got one shot at this life. Don’t waste it on a  bad job.

Live, work, and write hard, corvids.