I Quit A Six-Figure Job: 3 Important Lessons I Learned

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Two years ago in January 2018, I quit a six-figure job.

Fu^k this, were the last words I muttered under my breath. I knew I was done and wanted out at this very moment.

The burnout was real, and I hated waking up to a job that made me so depressed and unfulfilled.

Should I walk out, or submit a two weeks’ notice?

Two weeks seemed too long, but in corporate America, you’re encouraged to submit a notice and leave on good terms. 🙄

Reluctantly, I submitted a two weeks notice. Although this wasn’t my first decision, in the end, it was the right decision.

So, let the countdown begin!

Money Makes The World Go Round

As a young professional, I’m always looking for ways to grow my career and earn more coins.

In December 2017, I was approached by a technology company to join their team. Initially, I was excited because the position aligned with my skills and involved new challenges while making six-figures – so I decided to pursue it.

I opened my e-mail, and there it was! I had received the official offer letter. Oh shit, it’s official-official, I thought. Anxiety kicked in, and I became terrified instantly.

Many thoughts were going through my mind. Was I making the right decision? Will I like my new team? What if I don’t like it?

Finally, I said to myself, “girl, get this money“! (big mistake 😭)

The letter was signed, sealed, and delivered. There was no turning back now.

The time had come for me to have a conversation with leadership at my current employer.

What I loved most about my leadership team was that they built a work culture of mutual trust, flexibility, and were all around great leaders (can you say lucky blessed?).

I nervously walked into their office to reveal the big news. Their reaction and advice caught me by surprise. They weren’t happy to see me leave but encouraged me to pursue the opportunity. (bag secured ✔️).

Make The Money, Don’t Let It Make You

A little over two weeks passed, and it was now January 2018. I started the new job, and as usual, the first few days involved paperwork and on-the-job training.

On my first official day on-site, I met my new team and manager. The vibes were completely off, but I decided to give it time. No biggie.

During my second week on the job, I began to notice my manager was a micro-manager. If there is one thing I hate, it’s being micro-managed. In my mind I’m thinking, can you give me my tasks, let me work, and leave me alone?!? 😑

I realized I could succumb to the problem and be frustrated, or over-communicate to get her off my back. I chose the latter.

Making Six-Figures And Miserable

I should have been ecstatic, but I wasn’t.

My manager was inexperienced (all shade intended). The majority of assigned tasks were internal management related and shouldn’t have been assigned to us.

The work wasn’t challenging, and I wasn’t inspired in any way. The entire team was frustrated and slowly started falling apart.

Every day that passed, I became more and more miserable with bullshit, tedious tasks, last-minute notifications, and deadlines. The truth is, I started to hate this job.

“Why did I accept this?“, I often asked myself. I sacrificed my happiness to sit in an office with a clueless manager that couldn’t create a PowerPoint slide.

Around two months had passed, and I was still in contact with leadership from my previous employer. They assured me my position would remain open for some time in case I needed to return.

Whew, hearing that was a relief because I was on the edge of losing my mind!

Suddenly things between my manager and I went left. During a meeting, we disagreed and exchanged words. I felt that I had had enough. After months of my mental health and happiness being compromised, it was time to walk away.

After four months, I QUIT! ✌️ 

3 Important Lessons I Learned

Do you know that little saying, the grass isn’t greener on the other side? That perfectly sums up my experience. And though this wasn’t the experience I had hoped for, it’s what I needed, and I’m glad it happened.

Don’t get me wrong – having money is helpful, but it isn’t everything. I know it sounds very cliché, but it’s the truth.

During this time, I realized my happiness meant so much more than money. Yes, money can buy us things, pay bills and so on but listen, there is nothing like peace of mind.

Who wants to be miserable chasing money? I realized that having money doesn’t give your life a meaning or purpose and that happiness is internal.

1. Don’t Sacrifice Your Happiness For Money

If you choose to chase money, by any means, that’s your prerogative. We all know the saying, mo’ money, mo’ problems (big facts). What you have to realize is once you put in the work, the money will come, and that’s the bottom line.

Having this experience taught me the power of perspective and also showed me that having money doesn’t mean being happy. And though life is not all about money, it’s more about providing value and helping others.

2. Money Does Not Define Success

Don’t allow social media to influence your definition of success. We often see people living extravagant lifestyles with material items and think that is success. Success should not be measured by how much money or material items a person has. Define what success means to YOU.

To me, success is pursing your full potential day after day. Your purpose in life will not be the same as another person. We all have different goals and different paths. Figuring out your purpose is key to your happiness and success.

3. Don’t Burn Bridges

Listen, it’s not a good idea. I do understand that every situation is different, but it’s best to be professional and leave with class.

Though I was miserable, I knew I could make it through two more weeks (after lots of prayers and woosahs).

The best advice I received was to avoid burning bridges you may have to cross later. That could include needing a reference, or in my case, returning to my previous employer.

Another good rule of thumb would be to refrain from speaking negatively about the company, supervisor, and your team members – because what good does it do?

The bottom line is, if things aren’t working out, it’s best to cut your losses early and leave on good terms before things get ugly.

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