Waiting to Exhale

Life Ramblings The Working World

I just took back time in my twenties. I quit my job (well, gave four weeks notice). I figured I’d rather be poor and happy than have regrets. Don’t worry, I have something small lined up. I’ll surely miss the lovely ladies in my office, and I feel a lot of sadness about that. For now, I’m gonna go drink a beer and keep telling myself that I’m a dreamer and a go-getter and not a quitter. I finally can breathe again.

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  • Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
    December 16, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Good luck in your new endeavors! I will be excited to read what is in store for you.

  • HRCK
    December 16, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Good for you for being brave! Excited to see what awaits you.

  • Molly
    December 16, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    Good for you! I wish I could be as brave!

  • Kath
    December 16, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    Shoot for the stars!

  • Stephanie C
    December 16, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Wow! Good luck on your new job.. curious about what it will be! I myself am FINALLY starting my practicum in January at a high school.. any tips? 😉

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:41 am

      Oh fun! I’d say just focus on building good rapport with students and other professionals in the building. You’ll do great!

  • MaryBe
    December 16, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    I’m happy for you! Just wave your Mom’s Magic Guilt Free (Holiday) Wand and enjoy your last few weeks at your job.

    • Mom
      December 17, 2011 at 9:15 am

      The wand! Thanks for your vote of confidence!

  • wendi
    December 16, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Hey hun! I am so happy and proud of you for being brave and going after what you want. I did the very same thing not a few months ago. It was indeed a bit scary at first but now I am going back to grad school to do something I love. Life is way too short to be stuck doing something that your heart is not fully in. Best of luck in the future hun! I know that whatever you do, you will be great! 🙂

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:41 am

      Thanks and good luck with school!

  • Jennifer L
    December 16, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Good for you. You don’t need to settle.

  • Amy
    December 16, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    good for you. it’s better to search for something you really want to do rather than sit feeling like you are wasting your life. ever thought about writing? any non-profits out there that focus on healthful eating and/or kids? just a few thoughts to spur your interest. best of luck!

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:40 am

      Thanks for the ideas!!

  • Sarah
    December 17, 2011 at 3:15 am

    I have been a reader for a few months now, and this is my first time commenting. I just wanted to say YOU are awesome for recognizing your happiness. Don’t ever settle for less than what you truly want. Congratulations on the next step in your journey and for Taking back a bit of your twenties 🙂

    From one twenty-ish year old trying to find her way

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:40 am

      Thanks for the comment – makes me feel more confident about the decision!

  • Mom
    December 17, 2011 at 9:14 am

    I wouldn’t say you next endeavor is small. If you will spare me a mother moment, I am very proud!

  • Elizabeth
    December 17, 2011 at 11:23 am

    I read this and I had an instant ping of jealousy. Hmmm… I like your choice. Now you have me thinking. Can’t wait to find out how you move forward and follow your passions! 🙂

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:39 am

      Do it!!

  • Kat
    December 17, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Oh my word. Congratulations on your liberation. Knowing what it’s like to work at something that’s NOT at all what you want to do (that also happens to monopolize all of your time), I’m so glad that you have a shot at creating a situation that you do want to be in!

  • Silvia @ skinny jeans food
    December 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    You sounded miserable in this job from the get-go. Bravo for moving on!

  • Julissa
    December 19, 2011 at 5:46 am

    Hi there! I’ve been reading for a while but this is my first time commenting. Just wanted to say congrats, and that I totally identify with your desire to do something that you love. I just quit a steady job with benefits in order to move across the country in order to pursue my dreams! Good luck in all of your future endeavors!

    • Laura
      December 19, 2011 at 9:38 am

      Thanks for the comment and best of luck with your dreams!!!

  • jojo
    December 19, 2011 at 11:35 am

    If it wasn’t the right job for you, then you are not a “quitter”. 🙂
    I’m sure you will find something wonderful that fits you better in the future!
    Good luck to you.

  • Erin
    December 23, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    You seemed so down to earth, but I will be unfollowing you now. I think it’s really short sighted of someone with less than a year at her job to quit. You are in your 20s! You are not entitled to your dream job.

    • Laura
      December 24, 2011 at 10:54 am

      You’re right – I’ll probably be searching for my dream job well into my 50’s. But for now, I think it’s reasonable to transition to a new job in order to advance my career and utilize my graduate degree. If you’re really unhappy in a job, and another opportunity presents itself, it seems pretty down-to-earth to me to take on the challenge of something new. I hope you’ll stick around!

  • Emily
    December 24, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    I wasn’t planning to comment, but the last commenter struck a chord with me. I’ve entered my late twenties, and I SO regret sticking with my full-time job because it is not what I see myself doing long term. I don’t buy that we have to pay our dues in our twenties to get our dream job later. Everyone deserves a job that makes them happy and gives them joy, a job that they don’t dread going to every day…no matter how long they’ve been part of the work force. I think you’re very brave to say that your job wasn’t the right one for you. I don’t find that short-sighted at all. In fact, I think it’s very forward thinking to quit doing something you don’t love so you can find what you do love. Best of luck to you and thank you for the little nudge to think about what comes next for me, too!

    • Elisabeth
      December 27, 2011 at 3:22 pm

      I whole-heartedly agree! I’m 29 and have had the same full-time job since college. I’ve been bored nearly since the beginning, but have stayed out of nervousness about change & leaving a steady job. Your decision (and comments from some of the other readers) gives me hope that I will get it together & make the leap I’ve been wanting to make for years (which involves going back to school). 🙂

      • Laura
        December 27, 2011 at 3:26 pm

        It’s very scary, but worth it in the end. Plus, taking risks can be really fun:) Good luck!

    • Laura
      December 27, 2011 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you for the kind comment:) Best of luck to you as well with whatever comes next!!!