All too many of us have been there. Bad bosses, ridiculous expectations, inadequate compensation, harassment, toxicity, behaviors that verge on abuse. Any sensible person would quit! Some of us flee like escaped convicts. Others fly free making a deliberate, thoughtful decision. They leave with grace and calm.
Intentional quitters are choosers.
They have freed themselves. In contrast, escaped convicts have a record that can haunt them even after they have moved on. Emotional baggage, unhappy bosses, unfinished business.
Intentional quitters are a lot less likely to look back. They’re more likely to find jobs faster than those who flee.
Intentional quitters make an exit plan. Before they quit, they warm up their job search muscles. They activate their networks. They may write resumes and cover letters, have job interviews and informational interviews.
They often do get good recommendations from the very bosses they left behind.
They garner respect and admiration. Especially from people who know what it’s like to be stuck in a bad situation, the people that talk about quitting but never take action. Others see the quitter moving toward a vision, a goal, a dream, a passion. Moving toward more fulfillment and greater alignment with values, skills, strengths.
They stand in the power of choice. A proclamation that they are ready to move on. A belief that there are better, more fulfilling, more inspiring options ahead.
They believe in themselves. Yes, they do!
Interviewers may well applaud candidates who know what they are looking for and take initiative.
The truth is, we admire people who make choices that are self-affirming.
They inspire us to choose.
They remind us that quitting does not have to be a life sentence. Quite the opposite. It can be a new lease on life.