11:47am: “I think it is time for me to pursue other opportunities outside of the company.”
11:47 and 1 second: silence
11:47 and 2 seconds: My internal voice screaming, “Did I really just say that? I did, and it felt pretty good! Wait, what does that expression on her (my boss’s) face mean? What will she say? Should I say anything else, explain why? No, I should wait for her reaction?”
So that is how I did it, how I irreversibly set in motion what I hope will be the best adventure of my life. An adventure that will allow me to discover a career that will ultimately be a better fit for my skills, talents and passions. After I got back to my desk my head was swimming with ideas, but mostly this one was rising to the top “I just quit my job during the height of the worst recession of my life.” So I called my wife, and told her how it went. She was excited and happy that I had taken this proactive step to begin to move my career and our lives in the direction we want them to head, vs. sitting back passively and watching life pass by us. That was probably because she had a similar conversation with her boss the week prior. You will be able to read about her experience soon.
But back to me quitting my job, it was not a Jerry Maguire moment, no goldfish were taken and no one was lectured on manners, in fact my boss offered to write a glowing letter of recommendation for me. The fact is I work with great people and had the good fortune to work on meaningful projects during my tenure. But this position was no longer a great fit with my skill set and passions. I got into brand management to run my own business and I was able to essentially do that for 8 years. I was able to achieve significant results, gain a great skill set and build brands while having quite a bit of fun along the way. However it was time to move to a new path and this trip is the catalyst that will enable that.
In fact one quote from Zachary Scott has been front of mind for this entire decision making process:
“As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do.”
Amy and I are young, healthy, and financially responsible. As we took stock of our lives and where they were most likely headed (kids – based upon the experience of our peers), it seems that this window of true freedom will only last for a very precious short amount of time. So we are seizing the day, for tomorrow will be here before we know it. And neither of us wants to head into the next big chapter of children without taking this amazing opportunity to really see what the world has to offer. With that I hope my story inspires you to seize the day, chase your dreams and do not have regrets of what you did not have the courage to go and do but instead took the traditional, safe path.
And for those that have not seen Jerry Maguire in a while, see the quitting clip below. It may just give you the necessary inspiration, it all worked out pretty well for Jerry in the end.
After watching, ask yourself if you would be Wendy or Dorothy when opportunity knocks?
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Keith and Amy – I truly abmire your drive and determination to fulfill this adventurous chapter of your lives. When I was young the opportunities weren’t as plentiful but they were there and of course I have my regrets. The days are passing quickly, everyone is aging and we’ll never have yesterday or the last second back again. Seize the moment – I will try be content living the moment thru the two of you – although who would ever think that my nephew and his wife have made me realize that it’s never to late to re-evaluate your life and you’re never to old to pursue your dreams. Have a great time and be careful!!!! We’ll keep up with you along the way. See you at the end of Sept. Love – Aunt P.
Keith,
I am so happy for you and your wife. I hope I would be Dorthory if that opportunity comes knocking. We all get stagnant in our jobs and sometime don’t know where else to turn. Not s,re what I would like to do, but would love the opportunity of doing something different. You know, it is never to late to take on a new adventure.
All the best to you,
Jean
Great idea Keith and Amy! I am jealous. We talk about doing this after the kids are older but who knows if it will ever happen. Totally enjoy the moment and the experiences and send photos on facebook!
Carol
Keith and Amy – I am so excited for you!!! I will follow you on your website – no kidding!!!!!!!!
CARPE DIEM!!!!!!
Your very envious, excited – Grandma B.
Great story – and fun to watch the clip again! I actually quit my job in the middle of my annual review. Actually – I sat down in my boss’s office for the review and he started to get it out and go through it, but I told him that I had something I needed to tell him first. Talk about pulling the rug out from beneath him. I didn’t intend to have that poor of timing – but there were many circumstances for why it had to be then. The interesting thing is that I never did even look at my review. Never looked at my raise and new stock options would’ve been…there was no reason to torture myself…I knew I had made the right decision. I’ve been traveling and living my life the way I want ever since (3 1/2 yrs now)!
Sherry thanks for sharing your story. At the time it seemed like a crazy thing to do. Similar to your story I did not think about the year end bonus I was leaving behind, the nice paycheck or the benefits. Looking back almost 5 months from that conversation I know that I made the right decision. I have launched a website, traveled halfway around the world and saw tea being made in the Cameron Highlands today, amazing barely touches on it. Hope to hear more from you in the future.