What Happened After I Quit My Job?
Photo by Kathy Hampton, Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport Coffee and Cookie
For many people who quit their primary source of income, also known as a job during this season of the Great Resignation, it's been a cry and a call for something more valuable than the paycheck they had been receiving; including those sumptuous benefits and bonuses that takes one into another tax bracket.
Quitting, resigning, leaving that “good paying” job has meant time, freedom and peace of mind. In my world of coaching and advocating for holistic wellness, mental health and salvation, it is a necessity.
My Story
After resigning from corporate employment and a lifestyle that actually hasn’t been suited for me, several things happened in the days and months soon after:
A lucrative contract for my expertise was signed for the time period I chose
Self Investment in my creativity for multiple streams of income
Focus and awareness of a new lifestyle of independence
Holistic growth of mind, body and spirit
Rest and relief
Continued planning, implementation and “doing the dang thing” - a three month or more sabbatical!!!
Travel - a long time desire, realized
This movement to leave my career, profession and a life’s work is really part of a movement toward wellness, both physical and mental. It is literally a move away from what is no longer serving people well, especially Black women in large measure.
As a late baby boomer, from a legacy of hard working laborers, educators, government workers, military and business oriented family members, to quit a job and take time off for health just isn’t done. An override of my legacy’s patterns, fears and judgments had to occur for this thing to happen. One thing that I advocate for others as well as for myself is self care, seeking information and doing the work. I also say follow your mind because if you don't, no one else will.
It takes courage, confidence and awareness of what is causing pain in your life and how to resolve the pain to make a change. I’m blessed to have all that goodness within now, harnessed over years, to make the change. I’m grateful for all that yummy seasoning it took to get me to this point.
And at this age, the movement was not done quickly. However, the thoughts of not doing it swirled around in my mind daily. I’ll confess there were plenty of days when I felt like running away and leaping into this new life. Planning with guidance and resources from several Black women coaches kept me on target with a chosen timeline (resources provided below). Relationships with these women continue to provide guidance to sustain this new lifestyle.
SUGGESTION: Opening up to guidance, confirmation, information and accountability is key to making change. Most importantly it takes DOING the self work to make change if you want to quit your job or anything else that may not be serving you well. Consider booking a coaching session with me and let’s get started with moving you toward your desires.
RESOURCES
Adalia Aborisade, Financial Educator | Expat/Solo Travel Expert | Host of the Picky Girl Travels Podcast | Founder of Solo Sistas
http://www.pickygirltravelstheworld.com/
BlackWomen Coach ™ Directory www.BlackWomenCoach.com
NEWS ON THE SUBJECT
Amaryah, Amara. “Expat Roshida Dowe Shares Tips for Becoming A Digital Nomad in 2022”., Travel Noire, January 9, 2022.
https://travelnoire.com/expat-roshida-dowe-shares-tips-for-becoming-a-digital-nomad-in-2022
Black Enterprise Editors. “Meet The Entrepreneur Inspiring Black Women to Take A Career Break, Travel the World - And House-Sit”. Black Enterprise, November 25, 2021.
Hamilton, Mae. “ “Black Women Travel Podcast” Creates Community for Black Entrepreneurs on the Go”. AFAR, January 7, 2022.
https://www.afar.com/magazine/black-women-travel-podcast-brings-digital-nomads-together
Harr, Ryan. “ Women Are Leaving the Workforce In Droves. Here’s What You Should Do Before, During, and After a Career Break”. The Next Advisor: In Partnership With Time, August 30, 2021.
https://time.com/nextadvisor/in-the-news/women-in-the-workplace-career-break/
Miller Littlejohn, Amanda. “Black professional women are exhausted. They’re finally claiming the time to rest”. The Washington Post, August 20, 2021.