WHY I QUIT MY JOB WITHOUT HAVING ANOTHER

Feb 8, 2017


You guys, it's official. I quit my job. I am free of retail! Now, if you read the title of this post, you might think I am slightly crazy, but hear me out. Did I love my job? Sure, sometimes. Was I happy? Not all the time. Was my job to play with makeup all day? Pretty much. Was it satisfying? Not one bit. 

You see, I worked in retail as an Assistant Manager at a makeup store. One would think that it can't get any better than that. But, for a girl who worked so hard on a degree that means literally nothing to the retail world, it's kind of like a slap in the face to continue that as my career. Not only did I feel devalued, I was truly unhappy. I was looked at as the blonde bimbo who only knew how to pick out a shade of lipstick, and I was [am] ready for a change. 

I know that I am meant for so much more and quitting a job that was toxic for my life was the first step to finding out where this next adventure (dare I say, season!?) in life is taking me.


Here are a few red flags that I noticed as I was contemplating my decision to quit my job.

I was beyond stressed // 

I was unhappy, stressed beyond belief, and my anxiety was at an all-time high. If a job is affecting your health and well-being, I've learned, it's time to part ways and leave it behind--no matter if you have a job lined up or not. Retail, let alone a makeup job, should not be stressful. But within the environment that I was in, it was. If a job is causing you anxiety beyond normal function, it's kind of like God saying, "Hello? Are you going to listen to me? Get out of there!"

I had no time to pursue my dreams //

This job kept me from my real passions and from pursuing my dreams. I have turned down so many great opportunities personally and career wise, and for blogging, it's unreal. Working three out of four weekends and literally every single holiday kept me from singing at church on Sundays, investing in my relationship, seeing my family, and pursuing my career & blogging dreams.

I was too comfortable //

I was genuinely bored out of my mind because I got too comfortable. If a job isn't challenging you to learn new things, it's not where you're supposed to be. For me, I felt no purpose. Having no purpose at a place you spend most of your time is devastating. I was so comfortable with my forty hour a week retail job that I forgot that there were other things out there for me.

I wasn't growing or furthering my career //

Retail was supposed to be a filler job until I found something that I was passionate about. I started working in retail a few months after I graduated college, and here I am almost three years later, finally quitting. Sure, I was great at what I did, but I wasn't moving up, and even if I did move up in ranks and make more money, I never would have been happy. Simply because it's not what I wanted to do, nor what I am meant to do.


If you do end up taking the crazy as ever, not to mention, scary adventure like I did, you must know these things:

1// You're not a quitter, you just know your worth.

2// Not everyone will approve of your new adventure, and that's okay!

3// If you're not growing, it's time to replant yourself where you can thrive.

4// You've got to let go of what is holding you back in order to move forward.

Sometimes you've just gotta surrender all you have and all you are to God and let Him take control. The most beautiful adventures come from fully trusting in Him and His timing.


I may not have a full-time job lined up, but I know that new opportunities will come of this, and if you're in the same situation, opportunities will come for you, too!

What adventure are you holding off on? Take the step. You can do it. I believe in you.

To those that have reached out and have continually supported me in this adventure, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

Stay Classy. 

xx, 
Kristen

56 comments

  1. Good for you! Quitting a job that you're unhappy in is the first step to finding what you should be doing!

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  2. I totally feel you on this! I went through a similar situation back in September where I left my job (even though it was secure) because it was exhausting and caused me to have a panic attack like, every week. Quitting didn't make sense to most people but I started to get better and realized it was healthy for me to leave. Praying for you in this season Kristen! I know God has things in place for you and even if it takes a little while, or people not understanding your decision, hold on to His provision and promises!

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    1. Ah I'm sorry you went through the same thing. It's seriously the worst feeling ever. Same as you. Anxiety through the roof! I can already feel everything falling into place and I am SO excited to see what's next. Thanks for your prayers! <3

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  3. Girl I am so proud of you for taking that leap!! That took a lot of whole lot of courage and faith. I can't wait to see where God leads you next! xoxo

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    1. Thank you SO much Brittany! It's going to be an adventure for sure!

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  4. Wow, power to you for doing this! I left one job before for similar reasons and it was hard - especially because my reason for leaving had very little to do with the kids I worked with yet it affected them. I wanted to stay for them, but my health was suffering and I just couldn't do it anymore. I am praying for you and for direction at this time. May God guide your steps and provide for you at this time!

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    1. Aw I'm sorry you went through that! It's never easy leaving a job. It's scary, but sometimes you just have to do what is best for you and your life. Thanks for your prayers! <3

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  5. Wow good on you. About 10 years ago I walked out of a job and it was a brilliant decision. People need to take that leap of faith every so often. xx

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    1. AH yes! Sometimes it's the best decision we can make!

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  6. This is such an inspiration! I wish I had the power to walk out of my job without something else lined up!

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    1. It's definitely scary, but in the end, it's going to be so rewarding! I just know it!

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  7. Sooo much yes to this Kristen! And congrats! I have always been to scared to quit anything (I used to even turn into a psycho gf to get boyfriends to break up with me) and always forced my employer to fire me so I wouldn't have to quit haha but I wish I had the courage back then to just quit something that I knew wasn't right for me, whether it was my job or a boyfriend. It would've been so much better <3


    Rachel | The Confused Millennial

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    1. Sometimes it's that crazy leap of faith where you're not quite sure what the world is going to happen next, you just go for it! haha

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  8. Yes, Kristen! This is so awesome - loved reading along and being there through the entire process with you! I'm proud of you and can't wait to see what God has in store next!

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    1. I'm so glad you were there for the crazy ride! Now it's nothing but up from here : )

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  9. I complete understand the struggle of retail management! I am also at my breaking point with the anxiety happening a bit more frequently. Did you set aside money for expenses until you move into your next career?

    Congratulations on being free!!

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    1. Anxiety is always my sign that I am not where I need or should be. As soon as I quit, the anxiety was gone and I hardly have any signs that I even suffer from anxiety/depression. As for money, that was another thing I just kind of threw up to God. I knew that as long as I got out of there, I knew that He would provide. I also had a months worth of pay that would be paid out and cashed out once leaving the company. Within a few days of quitting, I ended up getting a nanny gig for a few days a week so that I would have a little money coming in. It was kind of a blessing in disguise to quit because now I am planning my wedding and I'm getting married in three weeks!! Now it's just time to save, save, save and focus on growing my blog so that I don't HAVE to find another "job"! :)

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  10. I stayed in a job I disliked for far too long, and it definitely took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. Good for you for walking in faith and walking away!
    messy-mommy.com

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    1. It's crazy how much toll a bad job can take on you. Thank you for your encouragement! <3

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  11. Congrats! I would love to be able to do this but until I'm debt free I need the financial security of my job. I'm definitely working towards it though

    Dani x

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    1. Thank you so much, Dani! It was definitely a crazy step and I am so lucky that I was able to quit. Hopefully soon you will be in a place that you can, too!

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  12. Kristen, you're brave for taking that step. You're on a glorious journey and it's going to be so good. Preach positivity daily. All the best girl

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement, Melissa. <3

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  13. It's so crazy that we're expected to know exactly what we want to do with the rest of our adult lives at age 18, magically get that right, and then magically get into a career related to that that we will stay in for the rest of our lives. Good for you for getting out and I wish you all the best in this new season.

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    1. Thank you so much, Kristen! I totally agree with you...it's so crazy. I'm still figuring out exactly what I want to do with my life, but at least I'm having fun doing that!

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  14. Well, I say congratulations! It is scary but that's also so exciting! I have no doubt you will succeed and be so much more satisfied.

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  15. Girl I have been there! The exact same situation! oh my gah! I was so miserable it was overflowing into my life. You go girl! It will be the best decision you've ever made for yourself!

    xx,

    Lacey

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    1. It was seriously the best decision I have ever made in my life! I'm glad you made the choice to get out of the situation too. <3

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  16. Are you speaking straight to me? Because this was my life almost 3 months ago! I've been focusing on myself, my blog, continuing my education by getting a law degree and doing things that I truly enjoy for once instead of trying to make everyone else happy. I truly love this post!

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    1. Just saw your comment, Felicia! That is so awesome you are working towards your degree! I had no idea about that! And thanks so much <3

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  17. Way to go!!!! I got stuck in a job for 5 years because I was too afraid to take the leap, since quitting I've started my dream job, focused more on the blog, and have a more positive relationship with my family, boyfriend and friends because I'm not moping all the time about work!

    A friend actually said to me earlier this year "something is different about you, you look so great and so happy" the only difference was my job, it had physical ramifications on my body.

    Get out there and find something great!

    Xxox
    Laura @ www.cookwineandthinker.com

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    1. Oh I am so happy to hear that everything is working out now!! It's so crazy how our job can make up feel sick and affect so many things in our lives! I'm a full-time blogger now that I quit-- I found my dream job, too! :)

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  18. Kudos for stepping up for yourself! I've been at my 9-5 for 14 years (wait, what?!) -- and while I'm not miserable there, it's not my passion. I've started some side projects now that I'd really love to pursue full-time, so while I'm not ready to quit just yet....I'm finally admitting to myself that it could be my reality at some point. We will see. Thanks for sharing your story!

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    1. Sometimes a side passion is where it all begins! Hope you have a beautiful adventure when the time is right! Thanks for reading! :)

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  19. GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Life is too damn short to be unhappy, that's for sure! Having a job you hate is the worst. I know the best is yet to come for you, lady!!!

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    1. YAS! Thank you so much! I am SO much happier now and I know that SO many great things are headed my way. It's crazy. It's been only 6 months since I quit and my life is already completely different--for the better!

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  20. Kudos to you. I wish I was this brave but having to provide for my daughter financially and to make sure we both have health insurance trumps me being able to just quit. I'll have to have something lined up.... But I wish I could do this! Best of luck to you!

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    1. Ah so totally understand this. I had to wait a little while before I was able to quit--saved up some money to for emergencies. Hopefully something you are passionate about doing will come knocking at your door soon! :)

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  21. Congrats to you! You've done what I have been dreaming of lately. It's a hard jump to make. I hope you transition into your new adventure well. Good luck 😃

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    1. It's definitely a hard jump to make, but it's SO worth it. Thank you! : )

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  22. Good for you! That must have taken such courage and been a great relief. Best of luck in your next adventure.

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    1. It was definitely scary at first, but it was worth it in the end! SO much goodness has happened since I quit and it's only been 6 months!

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  23. Whew! I loved this post so much. It's so necessary to listen to those little ear pokes from God and sometimes that means taking a big leap, but it can end up being so fulfilling! Glad you're pursuing your dreams and aspirations!

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    1. Aw thank you so much! It was the scariest leap of faith ever, but it was so totally worth it. Life is already so much better and it's only been 6 months!

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  24. This post is so encouraging. I love seeing other people stepping out in faith even when it's scary. I firmly believe that if you aren't doing what you love then you need make it happen. Life is magical when we are pursuing our passions.

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    1. I love that..."Life is magical when we are pursuing our passions." It's so, so true. Sometimes we have to take a huge step of faith and hope to God everything works out! haha--- PTL it did! :)

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  25. I hope you find something new soon! It was so brave of you to take a leap and get out of a working situation you weren't happy with. Life is too short!

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    1. Life is definitely too short! In under 6 months, I am already a full-time blogger. It goes to show, a leap of faith just so happened to be the answer to happiness for me!

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  26. Wow, kudos on the courage to take such a leap! It seems you have found your niche here; great work!

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  27. This is pretty much the stage I am at right now. I'm so unhappy. Good luck to you!

    ChronicallyStrong.com

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  28. I remembered that you wrote this post, and I came back to find it :) I gave my notice today at my beyond stressful retail job and I dont have anything lined up for sure yet! Scary, but I know it's the right move! :)

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    1. Aw! <3 I KNOW you're going to find something great. Retail is a tough gig. It's fun for a season, but after a while, it's time to move on and find something new. :) Can't wait to see where you head off to next!

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