STAYING in a job you hate can be bad for your mental health, so just quit. That’s what I did and here’s how you can too:
Look for the signs
Are you feeling unfulfilled? Do you get up in the morning wishing you didn’t have to go to work? Are there things you’d rather do, like play with the kids, lie in the sun or simply hang out? All these are red flags that your job isn’t right for you. Walk out if you experience them more than once.
Ignore the chatter
There are people who’ll try and guilt you into staying at your toxic workplace, saying things like ‘we need you’, ‘you’ve got no transferable skills’ or ‘being sixth in line to the throne isn’t something you can actually quit mate’. Ignore them. Put yourself and your family first by unilaterally terminating your employment without consequence.
Take time out
Don’t feel pressured to rush into another role. Instead take the time to find your right headspace by moving to Canada or California and just relaxing for six to 12 months. Don’t be afraid to ask friends if you can borrow a house for a bit.
Reach for the stars
Who’s your dream employer? Reach out to them. People say it’s all about connections, but that’s not true – I’d never met anyone at either Netflix or Spotify, but I walked away from negotiations with millions of dollars. Purely because both they and I realised it would bring us joy.
Don’t be afraid to work part-time
Your employer doesn’t own you. If you’ve stepped back from the rat-race and found your mental health improving, dip your toes in the water with a part-time position like chief impact officer at a professional coaching start-up. In my experience employers will jump to accommodate your needs.
Don’t worry
So many people told me I wouldn’t be able to handle it, just as they’d tell ordinary people whether a supermarket cashier, a nurse or an equerry. They were wrong about me and they’re wrong about you. Because, when it comes down to it, there’s nothing I’ve got that you haven’t got.
