A few weeks ago, a couple days after my 24th birthday, I resigned from my job. It’s been a long year. Working at a tech startup is not easy. I started off last August completely unaware of how much I would learn, how much I would see, and how much I would grow. I thought this would be a “normal” job and in some ways it was and in many ways it was not.
As I looked around the room on my last day, I realized that only two people in the room had been there longer than me. As one of the youngest in the room, that’s a weird feeling. My role seemingly grew every week. New and challenging responsibilities fell onto my plate and I was more often than not overwhelmed. But it forced me to grow at a speed that I absolutely would not have found in most other jobs.
In full transparency, I tried to quit earlier in the summer. I oddly get “poached” for jobs a few times a month, but it’s rare that I will even consider an offer. In June, I was feeling burnt out and frustrated and this really wonderful opportunity presented itself. Leaving was not easy then and I ultimately had a pretty serious mental breakdown. (Sleeping no more than five hours in five days will do that to you!) This summer was stressful and uncomfortable for me. College Prepster experienced a quick burst of growth late-June, which is strange as past summers typically had slower growth. It was unexpected, but it also meant that I went from burning the candle on both ends to… well, I don’t know, lighting the entire candle on fire.
Back in January, I had set the goal for myself that I wanted to take three months off to focus on a couple of projects. I wasn’t really sure if that would be possible or if that would even be something that I wanted to do come the third quarter of the year. But sure enough, all signs kept pointing to the fact that this was the right decision.
The idea of leaving my “day job” has clearly been on my mind for sometime. It’s scary though. There’s something reassuring about getting a clear-cut, X dollar paycheck every two weeks that provides comfort. But that comfort was being erased by the fact that I was spending seventy plus hours a week driving myself into the hole for it. I met with my mentor in August and she asked me a question: When you meet with people and you tell them your job and role at your day job, does it “help” you? (As in, does it add credibility or impress people or whatever.) And my answer shocked even myself… I don’t really talk about it. I talk mostly about whatever I’m working on for my blog. What exciting writing opportunity I just completed or what projects I have in the pipeline. Most people I meet don’t even know what I did during the day.
I toyed with the idea and one day I went to grab lunch at Wholefoods. Somewhere between picking out a Vitaminwater and paying for my salad, I realized that I needed to leave. After literally not knowing what to do for months, I had this super peaceful acknowledgement that I was ready. It seemingly came out of the blue… but I knew I it was time.
Over the past year, I have met more amazing people than I can count. I have learned more about my own capabilities than I ever could have imagined. I know more about what I want to do personally and professionally when it comes to “business” in general.
Last month I wrote about some of the things I’ve learned after working for a year… but if I had to sum everything up into one concept it would be the importance of integrity. Have integrity with absolutely everything you do. From showing up to meetings on time, sticking to deadlines, delivering your best possible work, looking out for coworkers, owning up to mistakes, etc. INTEGRITY is valuable and it’s sadly something that gets overlooked or forgotten about. Even though it seems like an oxymoron, it’s always remembered. Be someone of integrity in everything that you do.
Friday was my last day. It was bittersweet as I said goodbye to my first job and hello to new opportunities.
xoxo
Congrats on this next step. It's amazing, and I'm so happy for you. I know I don't comment much here past "Love those shoes" But you're one of my favorite bloggers and I look forward to hearing about your new projects as you can share them!
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
I'm so happy for you and your decision! You seem like you know what you want out of your life and really try to fulfill your goals, all people should aspire to work like that! Good luck with these next few experiences, we're all rooting for you!!
Meredith
Congrats and i wish you all the best in this next step! xx
I think this is the best decision you could make! I read your blog every day and I totally think that you should follow your passions. It's a tough thing to do but it will be so worth it! Congratulations and best of luck!
I think this is the best decision you could make! I read your blog every day and I totally think that you should follow your passions. It's a tough thing to do but it will be so worth it! Congratulations and best of luck!
Congrats! I'm sure it was for the best and more amazing things are in the way for you, you can't even imagine 🙂
Renate from http://thecuriousklutz.blogspot.com
Wow! That really is a big leap! Good luck in your future endeavors!
I'm sure you will rock whatever it is you plan to do next. Good for you for putting yourself (and your sanity!) ahead of work/a paycheck. :]
What a brave decision Carly. Funnily enough, I am quitting my first full time job at Christmas time. I'll have been in it for a year as well, but its not right. We always know when something isn't right, even when we don't really want to admit it. Congratulations on having the strength to make the decision and stick by it, I can't wait to see what's next for you. xox
I am sure the next step will be amazing and so exciting!
Lauren,
http://atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com/
You're so brave! You are right to do that and follow your feelings. I wish I could do the same! I like my job but I'm sure I don't want to do it for ever. I'm kinda lost about what I want. Good luck I can't wait to have news in your blog!
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I find your leap of faith very admirable! Even though I'm only a sophomore in college, I definitely have my "mental breakdown moments" concerning the future & it's nice to hear from someone older & wiser that you can still be successful despite that. I wish you all the best luck & know that you will be wonderful wherever you decide to go next!
Proud of you. 🙂 xo
HI Carly, I just wanted to say congratulations and you are not alone! I left my "real" job three years ago to pursue my PhD (in history no less). Out of guilt, I tried to do both for the first year. But grad school and a full-time job proved to be too much (I cried a lot). So I took the plunge! Many doubted my decision and questioned whether I could make it work. I can safely say I have not regretted it, not once! Your blog is fantastic (I read it daily) and you should pursue it! Good luck!
Ashley
http://www.historyinhighheels.blogspot.com
Congrats! I know that feeling! I left my job at a school at the end of June, when the school year ended. It was bittersweet as well, but more sweet 🙂 I hope you left with fonder memories of your workplace than I did. I also had guilt, somehow you feel like you're doing the wrong thing by leaving, but I learned that sometimes, leaving a job is the best thing you can do. Every time I left a job, only better opportunities came along, and that's just what happens, it opens doors for things you otherwise wouldn't have gone through. You'll do amazing things, I can't wait to read about them 🙂
I'm so in awe of how brave you are! Congratulations Carly, I can't wait to read about what's coming next for you!!!
xo Amy | British Prep
I can't wait to see what new opportunities and plans you have coming up next! Thank you for always sharing your journey, I learn so much by reading your blog and you inspire me daily with your hard work, integrity, and passion for following your dreams!
xo Tia
http://www.bigcitytyro.com
you go, girl, that takes guts!! congrats and i can't wait to read about the opportunities that come your way. xoxo
Congratulations for believing in yourself and taking that leap.!!! I know it is hard. This year, I took a huge leap and rented my own office for the first time ever. I am so glad I did. DO what you love. It will show and you will succeed.
best,
Kim
Congrats Carly! I love posts like these, longer and with more content. I know quitting your job must be so scary but you certainly seem happier without it
best wishes! I agree with Mon Amour above, posts like this are interesting and almost helpful, as opposed to endless posts about kate spade offerings. So what's actually next for you? You allude to other opportunities or possibly it's writing full time..fill us in!
best of luck!
Good luck to you! It must have been really nerve wracking to quit, but in the long run I definitely think it was the right thing to do. I mean why do something that is too stressful and just not fun for you! Props to you girl 🙂
Hunter
http://www.preponabudget.com
Congrats to you on taking a leap of faith. Best wishes for your future endeavors!
Congratulations! Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you and updating us. I'd love to hear about what you're taking on next. I also have some internal struggles about what projects make me happy versus keep me afloat. It's tough, but it's good to see people like you who choose what your heart wants and ultimately being happy with the decision. Your wisdom (although we're almost the same age) inspires me.
Your Friend, Jess
Such an awesome article! You are such an inspiration…good for you for recognizing what is best for YOU. Only more good things and opportunities to go your way. Thank you for showing us all that there are ups and downs to life and not everything will always be a 'happily ever after'. Keep on shining, Carly. You're such a talented writer.
Congrats on following your heart! I've followed your blog forever now and it's been great to see you grow so much. I can't wait to see where TCP goes! 🙂
AJ | TheAJMinute
@TheAJMinute
What a brave decision. I really admire your integrity!
I loved this. I recently left a job that made miserable (literally to the point where I was crying every morning when I woke up) and I completely agree with the importance of having integrity. My last day was incrediblely relieving, but having everyone there say thank you for caring was probably even more amazing. Congrats! On to bigger and better things!!
Good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great things!
Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this on your blog! I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision or an easy post to write. I'm so excited to hear about the adventures to come! Best wishes Carly.
Remember you will never go wrong when you follow your heart.
Best wishes always.
Congrats! How exciting for you! There is nothing like following your heart and dreams ;] Best of luck to you as I am sure you will do great…
XO Barbie
The Parlor Girl
Congratulations on the leap. This post has been especially reassuring for me. After 5 years of blood sweat and tears, lots of tears; this Friday will mark my last day at a job I gave so much to. The lesson I learned, is one I hope it takes others much less time to learn — work to live, don't live to work. I have sacrificed a lot (social life, family events and a few birthdays) to work and in the end, it just wasn't worth it. For a long time I had the mentality that I had to be the first one in and last one out and be available to weekends to prove myself. I learned, not quickly enough, that in many scenarios all it does is make you a very loyal doormat. Our lives should be about a lot more than just work. I wish you the very best on your future endeavors. I will be following.
Congrats on the new step in your life, you have to do what makes you happy! It's not a good way to live being stressed all the time. Now you have so much to look forward to, on to new and better experiences!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Hey Carly,
I am so glad you are doing what's best for you. From your posts it seemed like your job was a serious drain on you and I'm glad you're refocusing your energies into better things.
I had to stop writing for Levo last Spring because it was just something on my plate that was good for my resume and another chance to write but ultimately not where my passion lies. I'm now managing 2 jobs, an internship and oh yeah my senior year of college haha so I make sure I do the best I can. Thankfully none of my jobs are stressful, I love school, and I love where I'm interning but I definitely make time to relax and do nothing sometimes!
Best of luck and let me know when you're next in our fair DC!
living your dreams & practicing what you preach 🙂 so awesome & the best is yet to come! xoxo
That was so brave of you and DEFINITELY the right decision!!
aclassystateofgrace.blogspot.com
It's tough leaving the safety of secure job. It's really tough to finally put everything aside and say, "enough." I'm glad you had the courage! I'm excited for future projects. Especially anything with Mackenzie. You two are wonderful.
So excited for your next chapter Carly – I have total confidence in you and can't wait to see what you accomplish! xo
katiesbliss.com
This is so awesome! This is so brave of you, and it's so inspiring!
This quote feels appropriate right now (not sure if you've read it before): "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny." – Aristotle
Love this quote! I had kind of forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder!
xo,
Rachel
Suppose Anything Goes
Huge congratulations, Carly! I'm so excited to see what your future holds. I think I've read your blog from your very beginning and I've so loved watching you grow and change and make such a success for yourself.
Smiles,
KK
Congratulations. You are very brave. I have been feeling like you for the longest time and the stability that my paycheck provides keeps holding me there.
Best wishes on all of your endeavors.
Wow, such a big decision! I know you will be amazing at whatever you decide to do!!
Keep on rockin'!!
-AH
http://www.thenauticalprepster.blogspot.com
Carly,
I will agree with you integrity gets overlooked. my dad always remind me to have integrity.
Good luck with your future. Since I don't read that many blogs anymore due to constantly being busy your blog is currently the one I read on a daily basis and I always find inspiration from your entries. I'm sure you will do great in the next coming months.
and thank you for putting the bold in no, because I know tons of people that currently work in tech start-ups or any start-ups and tell me it's not easy.
good for you girlfriend!! i'm in a similar situation and recently realized i need to quit my corporate job to pursue what i'm passionate about. scary – but so exciting!
Good luck with the next chapter of your career. I cannot wait to hear more about your successes and challenges. I am excited to hear about these various projects you are working on. Best of luck 🙂
When I first read this last night, I got one sentence in and took a little gasp of air. Not because I was upset with your decision, but because your choice to leave your steady office job and venture out into the unknown world of following your passion was exactly what I hoped you would do. I get anxiety, just like you. I micromanage and I overanalyze. I stress about things being perfect, I worry too much and I have irrational fears. And I've had breakdowns. Reading your posts on the blog, twitter and instagram this past spring/summer has made me worried! I saw so much of myself, or me under a magnifying glass as I have worked hard to lessen my worries and anxieties, and I wanted to help you! But the best help you can get is by you, the person involved, realizing help is an option and actively seeking it. I am so happy to see you recognizing this and taking a step forward.
You can do whatever you set your heart to. You are so determined, I just know whatever posts come in the next year will be great. Good luck and know this reader is here to stay!
So, so excited for you! (And living vicariously through you.) Can't wait to see what great things are ahead =)
So proud of you for making such a difficult decision and feeling so at peace with it! Good luck in your future endeavors!!
I just found this blog and saw this post so I can't really say I'm a long time reader (lol) but I really wanted to wish you good luck 🙂 it's always nice to see people managing todo what they love in their life ^^
so excited for you! i can't wait to see what is next for you! i know i am going to love it!
Carly,
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! That's super exciting and totally nerve-wracking. I know, because I did the same thing about two months ago. Cue heart attack for a completely plan-oriented, type A, semi-control freak such as myself. It has been completely worth it though, and I'm sure you're going to feel the same way. Can't wait to see what you produce during this time!
Best,
Rachel
Suppose Anything Goes
maaaan I remember when you tweeted about a place to live in Charleston this june, I was so convinced you were gonna move here and we would become bff…. super stalker, I know.
congrats. you are brave and that leap of faith will take you far. hope I can one day make a similar leap!
Wow, congrats to you!!! I'm excited to read more about your next step. You're such an inspiration! 🙂
Big and brave decision. Congratulations on following your path. I cannot wait to see what you take on next.
i would love to know where you got that mac decal for the trackpad- i love it !?
Life begins outside of your comfort zone 🙂 Amen to Integrity sweet girl. Amen.