1st July 2022 - If you have the privilege, use it
I have decided to quit my job. WITHOUT another job offer in hand. This can be seen as risky, and is highly uncharacteristic for me. I'm known to be a super-careful person.
In fact, 4-5 people have told me that not a lot of places are hiring because of the impending recession, startup funding winter and what not. "I've missed the bus". I took too long to get ready to apply at places.
To be honest, that has been scaring me and it kicked off an anxiety loop. I totally freaked out, decided that I was not going to be hired, I was not going to be paid, and that my whole world would come crashing down.
It took some time, but I have realised a couple of things that I want to remember:
- Me quitting my job without another offer in hand is not the same as some 20 year quitting her job without any plan or direction
- I have the privilege of having enough money in the bank to last me 1 year, no responsibilities and a mother who can also afford to take care of me
- The worst case scenario that I will not find unemployment is untrue. I will probably have to compromise on role, product, salary, etc. but I WILL DEFINITELY have a job in hand (I also have a confirmed backup job in place)
- If I do not like what I am doing, even McKinsey will take me back after a year.
So all that I really stand to lose by taking the jump is 1-2 years. But the opportunity cost of not trying is too high.