Story Time: Quitting My Job After 6 Months….
Hey 🍋8 Homies!
Life has been up and down.
I’m constantly reevaluating the people and things in my life to make sure they align with what I see in my and my husband's future.
With health issues, family problems, friend breakups, and now quitting my full-time job I feel like I can’t catch a break.
For months I’ve been more depressed and I’m stressing out about being 30 and not having a stable job.
What makes it harder is not having a lot of job opportunities in the town I live in.
Granted, I do count my blessings. I have an amazing husband who loves me, and he has a great job, a roof over my head, and food in my fridge!
After years of instability from my past, I still crave stability in this dysfunctional world.
Maybe that’s unrealistic?
I don’t know at this point.
And I feel like at my age, I should have figured out what I want to do, and have a stable job.
Right?
I had finally found a job since my move to Virginia 2 years ago that I felt worked for me.
However, my supervisor wasn’t the nicest all the time, and I figured her constant mood swings and passive tone would be something I got used to.
Typically I am a person who always has strong boundaries with those around me, so I don’t have an issue standing up for myself.
But this time around I think I became more self-conscious than ever that I’m a black woman, from the city, in a small country town, and there’s already plenty of microaggressions going around.
Ya’ll I could move past it!
I’ve had racist comments about my hair, weird looks from people in the company, and again the passive tone I get from my supervisor is just too much to handle. On top of my commute.
It was always hard to pinpoint the issue with her.
At first, I thought it was racial, but she talks to everyone this way.
After a while, I learned she makes others uncomfortable, and they prefer to work with her from a distance.
She prides herself on being combative and a bully on the low.
She enjoys putting people on the spot and tearing them down just to make herself feel better about who she is.
And she's extremely miserable at home.
Since I gave my notice and filed a complaint to her, our manager, and HR.
Yes, she has apologized saying she wishes she had known earlier so she could “adjust her attitude”….
But here’s the thing… I'm not trying to teach grown people how to act, especially when having a leadership role.
It's not my job to teach her self-awareness.
And would it have changed anything? This seems more like a personality issue if anything.
Now, she's done a 360 with her attitude. She speaks kindly and isn't passive-aggressive.
Her “kindness” was leaving me confused, making me feel like I was overreacting and questioning myself.
I started to feel bad for some reason.
Until she started up again the other day.
There's so much more I could say in this story, and for anyone reading this story, it's not just about being a person of color in a workplace that has very( and I mean VERY) few minorities.
For me, I've learned a lot from these 6 months about putting your wellbeing first.
It’s also another example of how I don't trust myself sometimes, even when I know I've done the right thing..
Don't get me wrong I know we need to work, so this is not a quit your job post.
In my case, the environment was very triggering for me….
Even though this decision is what's best for me, why do I feel so terrible about it?
This was a really hard decision because I was good at what I did, and was advancing so quickly.
What's next…
Honestly, I don't even know.
I wish I could get paid for writing but I always get stuck with looking up information. And most starter jobs don't pay much.
My passion is writing but I love looking at topics related to anatomy and almost anything medical-related.
Anyone going through something similar? Or just having a difficult time trusting their intuition?
Hey everyone, I completely get it. That feeling of job instability, the anxiety it brings, and the constant questioning of your choices can be absolutely overwhelming. It’s not just about the paycheck; it’s about your sense of self-worth, your future, and whether you're "on track" in life. When you’re facing unexpected job changes, a difficult work environment, or even unemployment, that feeling of being unmoored can be incredibly isolating. What I've learned, and what I hope to share with you, is that experiencing job instability doesn't make you a failure. It’s a challenge that many of us face, and it often leads to profound growth. Like many, I’ve grappled with the societal pressure to have everything figured out by a certain age, especially when it comes to a stable career. But life rarely follows a linear path, and sometimes, the best decision for your well-being means stepping away from something that's actively harming you, even if it feels terrifying. One of the hardest lessons is recognizing when a work environment is truly toxic, making a bad job unbearable. I once heard someone say, "A BAD JOB WITH A GOOD BOSS IS BETTER THAN A GOOD JOB WITH A BAD BOSS." This really resonated with me because it highlights just how much leadership can impact your daily life. A difficult supervisor, constant microaggressions, or a culture that dismisses your concerns can drain you faster than any workload. It's not just about what you do, but how you're treated while doing it. When you're constantly walking on eggshells, battling passive-aggressive comments, or feeling like you're being torn down, that mental and emotional toll is immense. It can make you doubt your abilities, your intuition, and even your worth. Trusting your gut in these situations, even when others try to gaslight you into thinking you're overreacting, is crucial. If you find yourself in a similar situation, grappling with job instability or a toxic workplace, remember that prioritizing your mental and emotional health isn't selfish; it's a necessity. It’s about setting boundaries and understanding that you don't have to tolerate disrespect or an environment that triggers distress. Taking that leap, whether it's quitting without a new job lined up or actively searching while enduring a difficult situation, requires immense courage. So, what's next when you're navigating this uncertain terrain? First, allow yourself to feel the emotions – the fear, the anger, the relief. Then, take a deep breath and start planning, even small steps. Financial Check-in: Assess your immediate financial situation. Can you create a lean budget? Explore temporary gigs? Skill Audit & Upskilling: Think about what you enjoy and what you're good at. Do you have a passion for writing, or perhaps an interest in specific fields like anatomy or medical topics, as some do? Now might be the time to explore online courses, certifications, or even volunteer work that aligns with these interests. Many entry-level positions might not pay much, but they can be stepping stones. Networking: Reach out to your connections. You never know where your next opportunity might come from. Informational interviews can open doors and provide clarity on new paths. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: This period can be incredibly stressful. Make time for activities that replenish you, whether it's exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Your resilience will be your greatest asset. Remember, job instability is a chapter, not your whole story. It can be a catalyst for finding a path that truly aligns with who you are and what you value. Trust that inner voice, learn from every experience, and know that you're not alone in this journey.