Today I gave three-weeks notice at my job. Three weeks, not two, because while I’m excited to open a new chapter in my life, I’m also emotionally invested in the company I’m leaving, and I want to make sure the transition is smooth for them.
In other words, I like my job, I like the people I work for (and with), but I need to follow a different path.
This was a difficult decision for me to make – and an even more difficult decision to put into action. I’m not sure how I feel now that it’s “official.” I’m conflicted; there was no immediate rush of relief afterward.
On one hand, I’m thoroughly excited to take on a new lifestyle and commit fully to my personal goals. On the other, I’m sad to leave a fun, successful company that I’ve helped shape and grow. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last 2+ years, but it’s time for me to move on.
Why am I leaving a job that I like?
The short answer is that it feels like the right step for me to take right now.
The slightly longer answer is that, while I firmly believe that it’s possible to do remarkable things in and around a 9-5 job (people do it all the time), the path most consistent with my values requires a less conventional lifestyle. I need the time and space to pursue my writing, blogging, traveling, and world-changing. Most of all, I have to practice what I preach and do what makes me happy.
June 30th will be my last day on the job. Between now and then, I have a lot of less-inspiring things to take care of: signing paperwork, visiting the doctor (while I still have benefits), looking into health insurance, etc.
But come July, I’ll have a mostly blank slate, few boundaries, and a lot of ideas to put into practice. I’m excited to devote more time and effort to writing here at The Art of Great Things, as well as to a few cool projects that have been stewing in my head for the last few months.
Out of these raw materials, I’ll need to find a way to create a livelihood doing work that matters to me. I don’t know exactly how things will turn out, but I relish the challenge and hope you’ll come along for the ride. Thanks so much for your support.
More details on the job-to-none transition in the coming weeks. Right now I need to spend some time sorting out my thoughts and getting my work affairs in order.
How are things going for you?
64 Comments on “Leaving My Job, Looking Forward”
says:
Jeffrey,
Congratulations. I imagine this feels wonderful and scary both. I think it’s a great decision and will continue to follow your course and cheer you from the sidelines. I am happy for you, and I get my own little thrill in that I recognized your talent right away.
Lisa
says:
Thanks so much! You’re right – part wonderful, part scary. At least I’m done with the actual deciding; it’s all implementation from here on out.
says:
So happy for you and very inspired! I’ll be watching to see what happens next. Congrats on taking the leap.
says:
Way to go, Jeffery! The very best time to switch careers is when you don’t need to, and it sounds like that’s the plan.
I’d love to help with the transition however I can. Let me know what support you need.
says:
That’s an interesting way to look at it, Tyler. On one hand, it’s also harder to switch because you have to be the one doing the leaving. Thanks for all your offers of help!
says:
I am confident you will succeed at achieving all of your goals and dreams, and way more. Congratulations on making such an important decision, I look forward to seeing what comes next. Do your best!
says:
Wow. Congrats, Jeffrey! This is an impressive and gutsy move and I wish all the best to you in your future endeavours.
says:
That does sound a little scary. Your the first one I have heard of who changed his/her life while still working on a livelihood that feels good. Hope it goes well.
says:
It was a difficult decision to make, that’s for sure. But I have to be honest with myself and at least give my dreams a fighting chance. I hope it goes well too!
says:
Hey Jeffrey!
Congrats on taking this step. Looking forward to what ass kicking you have in store for us. :)
Karol
says:
Thanks, Karol! I’ll be spending a lot of time reading and re-reading that guide of yours! Don’t worry, I still plan to help you promote it – just need to find the right timing, if that makes sense.
says:
Hi Jeffrey!
Congratulations! Do share with us the details of your transition from a 9-5 life to an unconventional one please. I’d love to hear about your emotions, thoughts and especially perceptions of your daily life after you stop going to the office every day.
An exciting chapter is beginning! I’m sure all will go well. Enjoy the adventure.
says:
I most certainly will share – until everyone’s heartily sick of it :) I’m pretty curious to watch myself respond to the new situation – kind of a strange narrating-my-own-life-type thing.
says:
“writing, blogging, traveling, and world-changing.”
That sounds like a killer combination. Good luck with the transition.
says:
I wish I had the courage and the creativity to leave my job and do exactly the same as you, i.e. find a way to create a livelihood and do work that matters to me. For now, I’m sticking around but have reduced to 3 days a week instead of 5, in order to have the time to figure out how I’m going to get out of the 9-to-5 trap of employment. I’ve started blogging 2 months ago (in French) but haven’t figured out yet how I can monetize this while sticking to my values. Thankfully, I can afford a part-time job financially because I don’t need much money to satisfy my basic needs, but there’s always the risk of becoming redundant and I need to find another ( more interesting) secure source of income as quick as possible. How are you managing all this financially?
says:
Jeffery! This is huge!
I wish you good luck in the journey ahead. I’m sure it’ll be jam packed full of challenge and excitement. Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) things unfold for you.
Congratulations.
says:
I am looking forward to your posts about this transition. I have five days left before the mundane yet secure becomes a thing of my past. The feelings of insecurity are strong. The not knowing for sure where money will come from is stressful. Yet I know the change was necessary and right for me.
I’ll be looking to your writings as you appear to feel much more confident and secure about your endeavors. Best wishes.
says:
Congrats to you too, Angie!
It’s strange – I have a hard time getting myself to worry (at least right now) about financial issues. The hardest thing for me was actually having the conversation where I announced my desire to leave the company. It’s hard to say “I’m moving on” to people and co-workers you care about.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with feeling insecure in the face of such a major life change. However, since you’ve already made the decision, I think you can find peace in that. It’s no longer a question of “Should I change?” but a question of “What will I do now?” – to me, that’s very empowering.
says:
Congratulations Jeffrey.
I have no doubts that you will exceed abundantly wherever your heart leads.
says:
Good luck Jeffrey. I can’t wait to see what you have in store on this site.
says:
Good luck my friend.
says:
Wow – way to go! You are doing exactly what I plan on doing, and hopefully sooner as opposed to later. Hats off to you. This takes courage and faith, I very much look forward to more blog posts and wish you all the best. Thank you for being an inspiration. Hopefully you will be reading a similar blog post from me in a year or so. I’ll be supporting you from out here in cyberspace.
says:
Congrats Jefferey,
I’m looking forward to seeing the next part of your journey and I have no doubts that you’ll do well at it.
says:
“travel, write, blog” and SING! Does anyone know what a gorgeous singing voice this guy has?! He does…I know because I’m his voice teacher. I’m really excited for you, Jeffrey. You are a smart, heartfelt, energetic, talented, handsome, organized human being. If that weren’t enough to equal success in your ‘new’ life, you also have a partner who clearly is as dedicated. We want to hear all about it! Love, Ms. S
says:
I love it when others pursue, what they think, the most optimal experiences life will conjure up for them.Things may get tough at times but remember the struggle is only half the battle.
All the best!
says:
Congratulations Jeffrey. Practicing what you preach is the only way to live, and blog. I’m really happy for you and continue to be inspired by the march towards freedom that so many bloggers hope for and are taking these days. Well done. I hope to join that march soon.
says:
Thanks so much Katie. I love your writing and your way of thinking. I’m so glad to have met you through the A-list Bootcamp!
“Practicing what you preach is the only way to live, and blog.” Very true. I think a lot of new bloggers (who start with the intention of monetizing their blogs) forget that a blog ought to be an extension of your life – you have to go out and do things, learn things, experience things before you sit down and blog about them!
says:
Well, I have very different thoughts as I am the guy who is losing Jeffrey (jk). Jeffrey has been an amazing part of our company and we will miss him dearly. That being said, we are very excited about Jeffrey’s future and have 100% confidence that success will travel with him. My heartfelt thanks for your devotion, hard work and friendship. I will never be able to thank you enough!
Your friend,
Joe Devine
says:
Joe, I can’t tell you how much your support means to me. The hardest part of this decision was having to look you in the eyes and tell you that I’ve decided to move on. The way you’ve responded has taught me a lot about how to treat other people and support them in following their dreams, even if they don’t align with mine.
says:
Congrats Jeffrey…I did the same thing last year…I ended up back in a “9-5″ but one that much more matches my lifestyle and values.
I’m sure your adventure will make for compelling reading!
says:
You know, I think there’s a lot of unnecessary 9-5 job-bashing. There’s nothing inherently wrong or evil about working a steady job. There may be areas of the 40-hour workweek that could do with some rethinking, but I don’t think we should forget how many great things can be and are done in “normal” jobs. Bottom line – we each have to find the lifestyle that works for us; the only way to do that is to try new things!
That’s a long way of saying – I’m happy that you’ve found a 9-5 that fits your lifestyle and values. Bravo!
says:
No regrets! The good news is that you’ll be successful in whatever you decide to pursue. Although we’ll miss you, I’m so happy you’re following your dreams.
says:
Congratulations :D Best of luck for the future.
says:
Congratulations! No fear based thinking in this decision!!! This is very exciting and I await your future blogs and hearing about your life adventure. Let the inspiration carry you far and wide!
says:
Thanks, Aileen! I think my fears lie in a different area than they do for most people. My greatest fear isn’t having to find a way to make money; it’s waking up 20 years down the road and realizing that I never gave my dreams a chance. I guess that’s an example of what Seth Godin calls “training the lizard brain” and turning into an ally, rather than an obstacle.
Thanks for your encouragement!
says:
Jeffrey, you’ve got stones man and you’re willing yourself to success. To you greatness!
says:
Congratulations Jeffrey! Now is definitely the time to do it – while you’re young and getting everything rolling. I am looking forward to reading about your journey!
Things are going at once great and terrible for me. Great because I am figuring out what I want to do to achieve a life of freedom and am working towards it now. It has never felt more achievable. But terrible because my day job is truly soul-sucking. My plan involves me being here for another year or so and I just hope that I can make it that long. But I’m still excited about my own journey and hopefully within the next few months I will be launching my first online venture (well, hopefully money-generating venture anyway)!
says:
Oooh congratulations! Big changes, I hope the transition is smooth (or as smooth as possible) for you…x
says:
Jeffrey,
Congratulations! This is a milestone.
I can’t wait to see how you life takes off now.
Most Sincerely,
Angela Artemis
says:
That makes two of us – I can’t wait either!
says:
Congratulations!!! I completely relate to your story, as I left a job I really liked to do my own thing. It was a hard decision… but now that I’m here, on the other side, I’m so glad I did it! No regrets… and the team I left behind at the job are also some of my main supporters!
Have fun!
says:
wonderful Jeffrey
I’ve also left my job so that I can find the space to follow my dreams. It took me about 3 months post work to finally finetune what I really wanted to do. Some of it was a surprise to me.
Even if you are enjoying your work, it doesn’t give you the space to dream about what could be – and that it is why I believe it is so important for us to take away the usual routine and the usual backstops (like a weekly wage) to open us up to a new way.
Wish you all the best
go well
deb
says:
“It took me about 3 months post work to finally finetune what I really wanted to do. Some of it was a surprise to me.” There’s an incredible amount of insight in those two sentences. Many people get discouraged because they haven’t yet stumbled upon the exact vision of their dream future. What I’ve come to understand over the last few months is that finding your dream is a process, not an event. You have to work at it, try things out, jump into the thick of the action – only then, after floundering about for a while, do you find your real path.
I’ve gone through the same thing with blogging (still am, as a matter of fact) – over the last year, my focus and voice have evolved and changed and adapted as I searched for the message I wanted to share and the ways in which I wanted to share it. Leaving my job is kind of a milestone for me, a way to say, “I think I know what I want to contribute to this world, and I’m ready to give it a shot.”
Thank you for being so encouraging, Deb.
says:
Jeffrey:
I know this was a big decision for you, and I am so excited for you because it is definitely an amazing thing to be able to do. I really do think that life is about finding a way to your freedom so that you can do what you were really meant to do. It is motivating to hear that you are on that path. I know that this will be an amazing part of your journey and I am so looking forward to hearing the stories and seeing all the amazing things you accomplish. Congrats.
says:
Congratulatioins Jeffrey. Good luck and have fun exploring all the possibilities. They say the first step is always the hardest and I did find that to be true. I jumped ship 8 years ago on a great career with wonderful people. Still evolving (and raising my kids in the meantime). It’s a GRAND adventure that will no doubt lead to GRAND fulfillment. Best wishes to you on your journey. Glad to be along for the ride via your blog.
says:
I’m glad to have you along too, Maggie. It’s amazing and humbling to have the support and encouragement of so many people like you. Thank you.
says:
Just found your blog and it looks like i found you at a very interesting and exciting time in your life. I look forward to following your transition and hearing your perspective on life on the other side. Good for you on your new adventure and keep your head up you are going to be great!
says:
Welcome! I’m glad to have you here. Yep, a pretty big transition going on right now – but I’m very excited to see what’s “on the other side.”
says:
Congrats on this move Jeffrey! Moving forward in such a way that you align your life with your values is never a bad decision. Although I can imagine that it’s a scary move as well, the money’s gotta come from somewhere right?
I haven’t moved to the “none” stage yet, I will one day. I did move from a one “9-5″ to another “9-5″ that’s much more aligned with my values. And the fact that I need to feed two small children – a responsibility I enjoy! – does give the need to have a baseline income and some security.
I’m looking forward to your posts about your transition!
says:
Hey, you’ve got to figure out what works for you, Lodewijk :) I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a 9-5, so long as you’re happy (or your kids are). Thanks for your support!
says:
Jeffrey, This is very exciting transition, and I’ll be interested in the direction you will take. I’ve always admired your thoughtfulnesss, energy, and creativity, and now I find out that you can sing too! Wow!
says:
Jeffrey,
This is really a big leap. Congrats on your brave move & would love to hear from you on the thoughts of this major change!
I’m sure you’re excited.
Have fun!
says:
Congratulations, Jeffrey. All the best to your future success!
says:
Hi Jeff,
Congrats and all the very best! I am sure it will be the start of an exciting, exhilarating journey to new and better places…
From the pace at which you got started with blogging and personal development, I won’t say I am totally surprised :-).
BTB, subscribed to your email newsletter, cant wait to receive your updates.
best,
Krishna
says:
Jeff,
congrats. I will be following your future posts as well! You are now living the art of great things.
Good luck!
Steven
says:
Congratz Jeff. Walking away from any job is a risk, especially in this tough economy.
says:
Congrats Jeffrey! It’s always so exciting for me to hear about someone who’s venturing off with the goal of spending their time in a way that’s more fitting for their purpose. No better reason to make a decision in my book! So true about getting out there and experiencing before you write about it! Now it’s time for those experiences and I can’t wait to hear about them. If you need some company, let us know. I know you’ll have some takers (including me…).
Here’s to adventure on the road less traveled,
Scott
says:
I’ve just arrived on your site – via Zen Habits – and it looks like change is the word!
After 11 years in Istanbul, I’m returning to the UK in 18 days’ time – help!
I spent a long time thinking about this move, and once it was decided, I didn’t feel any sense of relief; there some sadness, but no regret and there’s excitement about the next chapter in my life.
A great leap of faith on my part – finding a job (well, an income anyway), and somewhere to live in the UK will be a challenge, but that’s what keeps us alive!
I shall keep up with your progress, and I know we will all achieve Great Things!
Good luck!
says:
Wow, just read your blog, funny it’s my last week at a company I have been with for 14 years. I gave 6 weeks because I was making baby steps, now everything is falling into place. Following my inner self and what I feel is important to My soul! I posted the website I have designed to explain to those I am leaving what I am going towards. It has helped to keep me focused as I am sure this blog has done for you. I am 56 and the future looks a bit different at my age. When people say to me wow you are brave to start over I think it would be absolutely fatal to not listen to my soul. I will check in periodically and see how you are doing.
The best to you
Nameste
says:
Welcome to the other side! It’s now the end of July; I imagine things are starting to shake out, feel clearer, and take shape. I left my regular job in May and wow! it’s been quite a ride. Very revealing, tremendous time for growth and learning, but also incredible for rebuilding my immune system, lifting my spirits, and opening doors. So glad you’re doing what you love!
says:
Hi All,
I have just recently left a very well paying job. At the moment i feel incredibly free.I was almost crying with joy as i walked out the door. I hope the feeling lasts:). I’m absolutely convinced though that it’s the right thing to do .The job completely consumed me phyically and mentally.
Reading your posts did give me courage and strenght.
Thanks anyway just wanted to share this moment