MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: when it’s ok to quit

For me today is a super big fresh start. Last Friday was my last day as a full-time employee for the company I’ve worked for as a Graphic Designer & Art Director the past 6 years. It was my choice so it’s a good thing. Some people are happy and even desire comfort, familiarity, routine, processes, a solid chain of commands and stability….but that doesn’t happen to be me. I was getting a little too comfortable and for a creative person that’s trouble and leads to an itch to move on to something new.

I began looking for a new opportunity but the truth is that the jobs available didn’t really appeal to me. I found myself mindlessly applying for positions that I wasn’t that passionate about. I realized that I was spending more time working on my blog than I was applying for jobs. I thought that was a pretty good sign of where my passion was so I decided to start taking this little personal blog of mine more seriously in March and the momentum has only grown since.

The Alt Design Summit in San Fran was the perfect kick-start to this new life change. It validated what I was already feeling and gave me the inspiration to follow my gut. Many people have referred to what I’m doing as brave and/or crazy. It’s funny because it definitely took me awhile to make the decision but once it was made, there was no fear, only excitement. All I could think about was the sick feeling of regret I would have if I didn’t do it. For me regret trumps fear any time.

I finally took the leap of faith and quit my job so I can put the energy & time I really desire into the blog and hope that creative opportunities will follow. So here I am! I’m definitely not a planner or goal-setter, but first on the list is “make a plan” followed by “set some goals”. I love this quote because not having a plan does make me a bit anxious, it also excites me.

I highly recommend picking up the book The Dip by Seth Godin (thanks for the reco Kate!) if you’re questioning your current job situation. It’s a crazy fast read (two lunch hours) and the way that I describe it to my friends is that the book is a big smack in the head. The main idea is to forget the advice that quitting is bad and change your mind to think that quitting could be great, even the smartest thing you’ll ever do.Whenever I have a moment of weakness I just keep this in mind.

(source)So is that a big enough dose of motivation for a Monday!? I want to thank everyone who has been a support in this decision so far and bare with me while I try and find my path because I’m sure there will be some mistakes, but that’s how we all get better & stronger. I hope this blog can bring you some inspiration or just a well-deserved break in your day & I encourage you to share anything you see that you love :)