How to Quit a Job You Don’t Really Like

I have been working as an ESL teacher for more than 18 months now.

And I love it!

Disclaimer: this is not me trying to advertise ESL jobs. This is just a story about how you can make a transition into a more fulfilling job, even if it is not what you expected.

Background

Here is my background: I used to teach philosophy and logic in high school, now it seems ages ago. But it did not feel like it was the right place for me. After that, I ended up in the customer support area for six years.

Two years ago, I quit my previous job. From the bottom of my heart, I knew it was the right decision. But after a few months of unsuccessful search for a good match, I felt a bit discouraged.

During that period, the COVID-19 happened! Talk about a good time to look for a job, right?

But then I saw this one ad for an ESL teacher. In the past, I was not interested in these types of jobs, because the conditions were not good. But this time it was different. Everything sounded good: salary, colleagues, work from home, etc. So, unexpectedly, this opportunity arose and I grabbed it.

Today, I can say that the job has even surpassed my expectations. The colleagues are awesome, kids are great and I feel really motivated and satisfied.

All the stuff that bothered me in my previous job(s) is gone and with every new day I am enjoying it even more!

The crazy thing is I don’t even consider this a long term job for me. Writing is still my passion and my goal. Since this ESL job is only part-time, I have enough time to write.

No simple formula

I wish I can give you a step-by-step formula on how to do the transition smoothly from there to here. Sorry to burst your bubble, but this is not that kind of article.

Why? Well because It wasn’t smooth for me either. It took me a couple of months to realize that the thing I was searching for was not there. The fact is that I did take a big risk by quitting a job without finding another one first (I had saved some money so I was not too worried). I was confident that I will find a new job very soon, considering my experience and resume. That was a fair assumption. But it did not turn out the way I hoped.

So, at one point you accept the fact that you are forcing it and you have hit the wall. Basically the universe is telling you that you are barking at the wrong tree. In these cases, you should stand back, take a deep breath, and try something else.

And then when I did that, I found a job! It happened really fast, everything went smoothly, almost with no effort. It felt…just right. At that moment, I knew I was on the right path for me.

Bottom line

As already mentioned, there is no simple formula for how to do this transition. At least, I haven’t figured it out till now. If you are doing a job that does not inspire you, you will know it. At one point, it becomes crystal clear to you. The question is: can you tolerate it? If the answer is no, you have made your decision. Now you need to find a way to make it happen.

In my case, I have made a definite decision that I have to find another job. My colleagues were awesome, but I felt it was time to go. The plan was to find a similar job, as a temporary solution, until my writing starts paying off.

It appears I was looking in the wrong places. Something much better was waiting for me in another area. That is my current situation and I am very pleased with it.

So do not be discouraged if no opportunities are opening up. Maybe you need to be looking in a different direction.

So, should you do the same thing I did? I cannot tell you that. Things happen in a way and at times as they should. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When you are ready for better things in life, they will start happening. So be brave, be persistent, and never give up. This sounds like common advice for success, but it’s true. Persistence and self-confidence always pay off. Period.

By the way, I still have not reached my big goal of being a successful writer, but I know that I am on the right path. And finally, I have learned to enjoy the process. As a wise man once said (I am paraphrasing): “It is not just about a goal; it is about the journey as well!”