It was cold as I walked the last few blocks to work from the subway. As I ascended the 23 floors to the office, I could feel something was different that day.
A sense of unease lingered in the air. Upon arrival, whispers and hushed conversations revealed a shocking reality: 20% of our editorial staff had been let go, including some of the most respected names in our industry.
In the blink of an eye, women with whom I had built friendships and who were recognizable names in our field were out of a job.
Luckily, my job was safe—for now.
Thinking It Through
The year was 2008, and the financial crisis was wreaking havoc across industries. Magazines were folding, and many colleagues were fleeing the city. I realized I never wanted to make life-altering decisions out of desperation.
I continued working for several more months while I pondered what to do with my life. Witnessing those layoffs, especially around the holidays, left me feeling deflated.
This was a huge realization for me. I was working in what I had thought was my dream job—or very close to it! Yet, I found myself not enjoying it. I noticed myself arriving later and later to the office (sometimes as late as 10 a.m.).
If you have your dream job, shouldn’t you be excited about it? Don’t you want to give your best to the role? That wasn’t happening for me. I was detaching more and more each week.
Finally, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: I decided to leave the magazine and head back home to Ohio.
There were many factors involved—one being that NYC can be extremely lonely. But the biggest factor was that I wasn’t enjoying my “dream job” anymore. If I was laid off, I didn’t want to be stuck with a lease in a city where journalists were not in demand.
Heading for Home
When I was ready, I wrote a note to my boss. I thanked her for the opportunity but explained that I was leaving the city—and therefore, my job. I was so nervous that my hands were shaking and I thought I might cry right then and there. But I knew it was the right move for me. I wanted to spend more time with my family and give myself a chance at writing rather than editing.
So, when my lease ended in July, I packed my things. It was extremely bittersweet; I was excited about the new opportunities ahead and proud of what I had achieved at such a young age. But I was also deeply saddened to leave the world I had dreamed of joining for so long.
In the end, it was the best decision I ever made, but that’s a story for another time.
3 Considerations for Leaving Your Job
If you’re uncertain about continuing in your current job, here are some considerations to help you make the right decision:
- Assess Your Daily Feelings: How do you feel heading to work each morning? Are you prolonging your commute or eager to start the day? Track your feelings over a few weeks to identify trends rather than basing your decision on a single good or bad day. This will help you gauge your passion for your role and company.
- Evaluate Job Security: Look at the stability of your position. Are layoffs common? Do you have a clear career path discussed with your boss and other leaders? Ensure you’re on the same page with executives who can impact your future.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider your backup plans. For me, I decided to try freelance writing. I had family support during this transition: I lived with my sister at a discounted rent and nannied for a family, which allowed me to write during the child's naps. I understand this is a privilege.
If you have support, get your affairs in order and keep moving forward. Respect the opportunities in your life and make the most of them.
If you will be supporting yourself entirely, this decision can be more challenging. Calculate your income needs and ensure you have a plan for the next phase of your career.
My Last Bit of Advice
Treat your current boss, company, and colleagues with utmost respect. You never want to “burn bridges.” One of those people could be the gatekeeper to a role you might want in the future.
Give fair notice, do it kindly, and continue working hard until your last day. Set up your replacement for success and wish everyone well. Try not to leave them in a difficult position. Make them want to hire you again (or perhaps work for you in the future).
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