Forum Moderators: open
Prior to going, I had told my employer that in recent times disillusionment had set in and that over the break I'd consider my options.
This morning, after 15 and a half years with the company, and in a short and rather terse meeting, I gave the chairman my letter of resignation.
I was quite taken aback by his anger and attempts to justify his position relative to my disillusionment. Sadly he just couldn't see where I was coming from. In a fit of churlish pique, and as if scolding a naughty child, he did the equivalent of sending me to my room by telling me not to come back into the office this week (thanks!).
I now have three months "notice" to work through.
I've spent a decade and a half in the same small company, am now age 42, and am aware that I have a very institutionalised perspective of the outside world of work.
The outside world now seems exceptionally big and very daunting. I haven't applied for another job in those 15 and a half years and at this moment in time have no idea what the future might hold. Still, rather I face the unknown than return to the suffocating mire of mediocrity I've escaped from.
So, now what? How to face the strange new world in front of me and the future that awaits?
Syzygy
with childlike wonder, open arms and a smile for the myriad opportunities
I had a business trip there just before Christmas. Came back to find the office closed and the company bust. I lost 2 months wages and the 650 pounds expenses I'd spent in Barcelona (flights, hotel etc).
It does feel daunting but you'll be suprised how quickly you settle into the interview role. I landed another job within two weeks and love the people and the company.
Chin up, things do work out in the end!
"FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK GOD I'M FREE AT LAST!"
I took the tube back from work, walked out of the station into bright sunshine. And I promised myself: I will never work for anyone ever again.
I have honestly never looked back. I work on my own terms, when I want, where I want. I go on holiday when I want. I never feel guilty for taking a sickie. If I want to have a lie-in and work in the evening instead, I do. If I want to take Wednesday off and work on Sunday instead, I do.
Now I am doing a full-time MA, as well as my job, because my boss said I could. I do a lot less work than I did last year, because most of the time I have college assignments to write. My boss never gives me a hard time about it. Ever.
I wouldn't swap it for any "real job" in the world.
Congratulations, Syzygy! >;->
Back in the late 90's I took a step that I had pondered for some time. Basically, I had become tired of 'working for the man', but I did so because I had a daughter to raise. Eventually things changed, and one day I decided the time had come. I went into the office, typed my resignation, and left. The only plan I had was to live the rest of my life in a manner that suited me. I stepped out with a few possessions and no particular direction. It was an intimidating experience.
In the ensuing years I have not once regretted my decision. I've learned quite a bit about myself, and about survival. I've met some of the most incredible people, and that would never have happened had I stayed put. I've traveled more than ever before, obviously not first class :) And I've found what I believe to be what I should have been doing all along.. helping others when and where I can. I've discovered things that I took for granted in my life, among them the most important was faith. Saying it and living it are two different things.
So while there are differences, there are similarities. Don't be fearful to step out and discover something new. It's my opinion that far too many people get comfortable in their space and fail to see the many wonderful and exciting opportunities that exist.
What do you do now? Put one foot in front of the other.
Best of luck to you.
In the long run youve made the right decision.
Never look back.
I am sure what ever you do it will be amazing, It really will - I feel now that by leaving a job the world opens up and you learn new things and meet new people.
It's really nice.
Go for it.
I did the same after 13 and a half years with the same company.
>I was quite taken aback by his anger and attempts to
justify his position relative to my disillusionment.
Yeah.....me too, how odd!
>I now have three months "notice" to work through.
My contractual position was six months.....never worked a day of them! I doubt your "previous" company will want you hanging around now either! When a senior person resigns they usually show them the door pretty quickly :)
>Still, rather I face the unknown than return to the suffocating mire of mediocrity I've escaped from.
101% correct!
>So, now what? How to face the strange new world in front of me and the future that awaits?
I resigned my position as SVP at the age of 35, a little younger than you. At that time I started my own company, worked harder than ever for the next 3 years and by the age of 40 (5 years later) retired!
I still do a few things (work once in a while), but more for fun, not for monetary reasons :)
In five years time I look forward to your post that tells us all what a great decision you made in early 2007 :)
you just need to change your mindset that's all.
not everyone gets to become a millionaire but you certainly get rich in other ways.
i'd never change it myself, i could never be an employee and it hasn't always been easy or good, but it has always been satisfying.
The first thing to remember is you are facing a challenge and an opportunity not disaster,
I can't advise you on how to proceed as only you and your girlfriend know your lifestyle and financial commitments .
My advice is to go away for a weekend and just talk about options that are now open to you
Is this the right time to have a go on your own and with what and how
Is there a part of your old job you really enjoyed and would you like to get a job concentrating in that
Is this an opportunity to make major lifestyle changes
Whatever option you choose The most important thing is to embrace it and look forward to the excitement and challenge
You are still a young man at 42 and have skills you can give another company or use to do something yourself
So the very best of luck to you in this new chapter in your life
steve
