When and How to Respectfully Resign

 Recently I resigned from what I thought was my “dream job”. It was the total package; I had the best coworkers, a great manager, a seven-minute commute walking and a work schedule that fit me well. I am not exaggerating when I say that every day was a breeze and I thought I was satisfied with my position. 

Ok, I know you’re probably asking, “What the hell was the problem then?” or “Are they hiring?”. I promise there is a method to my madness! Before I got this job, I was ambitious and curious to pursue any passions or urges I had. I dreamed of being a writer and traveling to a couple of dream destinations, but I grew complacent and comfortable. I didn’t freelance as much, and I missed out on opportunities while trying to prove I was worthy. See, this job wasn’t actually my dream, but I adapted my goals to fit into it. 

When you start working a corporate job as a creative person, you have to make some compromises. I was colorful and flamboyant; I wore cute earrings that customers became accustomed to, I loved mix and matching patterns. One day my manager pulled me into her office and told me verbatim “You’re too fashionable, you need to look more professional”. I was eager to move up, so I went out and bought clothing that was more suitable for bank work.

I built a great rapport with many customers that came in because I love to converse, and I was often sought out for my services at the branch. After being reprimanded for my supreme “yapping” skills, I slowly began to dim my own light in pursuit of a goal that wasn't even mine.

Everyday I felt anxious about not meeting certain quotas and I spent many sleepless nights chasing this idea of success. We have all been here right? We get a job that makes us feel like it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Especially in this day and age when it is very hard to get a good job that’s not a total dead end. I was working an entry- level position at a bank and if you know anything about banking then you know that there is ample opportunity to grow. You don’t need a degree to move up, and this type of corporation definitely hires from within. 

Let’s discuss some signs that you may need to respectfully resign from your job: 

1. You’re unhappy: This is the ultimate sign that you need to start looking elsewhere for another job. Many of us get into the habit of our job and begin to enjoy the comforts that it brings, even if it's only a little bit. We get used to that bi-weekly paycheck and those working hours. We ask ourselves “What else is there?” start reframing your thoughts and asking “What else can I do?”. Matter of fact, what do you want to do? 

2. You’re happy but you could be happier: This was my situation, I was very satisfied with my job but it wasn't exactly what I wanted to be doing. Believe it or not you can really make money doing anything but keep in mind that it will take consistency and you will have to work on it just as you worked at your job. 

After you access these two scenarios, go ahead and bet on yourself. It’s that easy but you will have to start using some of your free time to work on yourself. Realistically I know that not everyone can just quit their job and start a bakery or content creating. You can start chipping away at your goals though. 

Before I resigned I made sure to secure my bills and account for my budget. I set this plan into place about 6 months ahead of time and I started by getting my most important bill out the way. I have credit card debt and a phone bill that is the least of my worries compared to rent. So I managed to knock my rent out for 6 months. Let me be real about my finances for a minute: 

Here is a breakdown. I was making about 20.50 and working 30 hours a week.

After about 6 months I had paid about $9,600 and could comfortably resign without worrying. This is just my own strategy and I just suggest that you pay your biggest bill. I was already working part-time but if you are a full-time worker maybe you can fit your budget into a part time schedule. Bills are constant and you will always have to pay them, so I just suggest you pay for a roof over your head and try to keep your other bills low. 

Let’s move on to the next tip I have which is to use your breaks for you. I would plan content and write rough drafts during my lunch. I would apply for new jobs that were in my alignment as well during these breaks. I knew that I just wouldn’t have the energy when I was off work, so I worked on my goals at work. I also dedicated about 2 hours of my off days towards my personal goals. 

Resigning from a job can really set you free and I suggest everybody do it at least once in their life. You are more than capable of accomplishing your dreams no matter how large. In this economy, we have no choice but to work and I am here to encourage you to create your reality. 

Feel free to email me at : Mccullersdes@gmail.com and I can send you a free ‘Respectfully Resign’ letter.