Why you should NOT quit your job
Quitting is not always the answer.
Recently, I’ve seen people around me leaving their jobs even before securing another.
I’m guilty as charged (for thinking about not, but not quitting). The thought of leaving without a job did strike me, but I brushed it off for the better.
While I understand their decision to quit, I’d advocate re-considering if you’re in the same position.
Here’s why you should hold on to your job (at least for now):
The Rise of the Internet
The internet has made it possible for many people to start online businesses and earn far more than they would’ve in their day jobs.
While this is definitely doable, it takes a hell lot of time and hard work. For every one successful online business, there are many failed ventures which we don’t hear of.
Before you jump at the idea of quitting your job, make sure you are able to find enough people to pay you for your products and services.
Your Mental Health
People use mental health as a reason for quitting their jobs. While this may be true for some, it might not be for others.
The opposite might also be true.
Quitting a job without any backup plan may take a greater toll on your mental health. Your mind would be constantly focused on how to earn money to pay for your living expenses.
Running an online business requires creativity. If you don’t have a baseline level of income to survive on, it’s hard to ignite the creativity needed to make things work.
Get your survival baseline in place before doing anything rash.
Loyalty
Your company is not loyal to you. If you were to die of an illness today, the company would immediately have you replaced the next.
Yes, I agree with this. But why not take a different view on this?
Staying in a company does not necessarily mean you’re loyal.
People stay in job due to a myriad of reasons. They have families to feed, kids to support.
The only person you should be loyal to is yourself.
If quitting your job means dedicating your mental capacity towards sustaining yourself, is that being loyal to yourself?
Purpose
“Do you envision yourself sitting in a cubicle for 40 years, building someone’s dream?”
Maybe you’ve heard of this statement before.
Yes, it’s good to think about your purpose in life. But before you think about purpose, you need to build up your financial buffer.
Purpose is reserved for the financially sound folks.
A person who’s living from paycheque to paycheque has no right to think about purpose.
Regret
Regret is a BIG word. It’s something that can make people go crazy and do stupid things that they’ll regret (ironically) later in life.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to quit your job to live without regrets.
Build your online business (or whatever that version of it) on the side, while keeping your time.
When it’s time to quit your job, chances are, you’ll know.
Conclusion
I know it may be tempting.
Quitting your job to travel.
Spending money you have (or may not have).
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard many people talking about this topic now.
It’s important, however, to take this into context. Advice is never one-size-fits-all.
Remain grounded. Don’t go broke chasing your dreams.
Once you have generated enough income to pay for your daily expenses, then you can consider quitting.