I recently resigned from my full-time, professional job—the one I went to grad school for and invested two years in to become the best I could be. Quitting had been a lingering thought for a while, often surfacing during bad days when I’d daydream about leaving and casually check job boards. Despite my unhappiness, quitting wasn’t a realistic option: my husband was back in school, and we relied on my job’s benefits, including rent-free living. Then, circumstances at work changed dramatically. As a Residence Director at a university, I had to respond to incidents in residence halls at night, often requiring security escorts due to rising crime. When I was told I could no longer use these escorts, I felt unsafe. Despite fighting for accommodations, I was told to choose between my safety and my job. With no resolution in sight and a decision deadline looming, I walked out of the final meeting feeling liberated. I had finally decided to quit.
The Moment of Quitting
I already had a check-in meeting scheduled with my supervisor that afternoon. I updated her on projects, then handed her my resignation letter, calmly telling her I was done. We worked out the details professionally, and I left her office at peace, knowing the next few months would be challenging but feeling proud of standing up for myself.
The Emotional Roller Coaster
Quitting wasn’t the single moment of joy I had imagined. Instead, it was an emotional roller coaster with five distinct stages over five days:
Day 1: Sweet, Sweet Relief
The day I quit, I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. I no longer had to deal with office politics or a never-ending to-do list. My husband and I celebrated with friends, indulging in queso and beer. I was happy, buzzed, and relieved.
Day 2: Unexplained Sadness
The next morning, I felt a wave of sadness. Despite wanting to leave, I mourned the job. I’d miss the coworkers I liked, the projects I’d grown, and the routine I’d established. I spent the day reflecting on these feelings, realizing it was natural to grieve a chapter of my life ending.
Day 3: Mild to Moderate Panic
By Sunday, financial reality set in. I had only one more paycheck coming and started to panic about finding a new job and managing expenses. My husband and I debated whether I should stay in my field or pursue my dream of writing. The uncertainty was daunting, but I knew I had to face it head-on.
Day 4: Unbridled Joy
On Monday, I woke up ecstatic, knowing I was almost free from the job. I envisioned all the possibilities ahead—new career paths, hobbies, and freedom to explore my interests. I focused on completing my tasks at work, eager for the fresh start.
Day 5 & Beyond: Peaceful Contentment
By Tuesday, I felt content and at peace with my decision. I had shared my quitting story multiple times, each retelling affirming I’d made the right choice. Despite the challenges ahead, I knew I’d be okay. Quitting had been a responsible, well-thought-out decision, and I was proud of myself for taking the leap.
Embracing the Future
Quitting a job is rarely portrayed accurately in movies. It’s not a single moment of triumph but a complex journey of mixed emotions. For me, it was a necessary step toward a healthier, happier future. It’s hard to trust yourself when quitting seems irresponsible, but sometimes it’s the bravest thing you can do. I did it, and I’m going to be just fine.
