Why? Why? Why? Why did I quit my stable and super work life balance job (especially in the Advertising Agency World? I have gotten this question all day long, and by everyone.
“Why did you quit your job?”
“You seems happy there.”
“You seem to be doing really well. So, why?”
Yes, I was happy. Yes, I was doing well. The company and bosses had been generous and supportive. Colleagues become family and the workplace becomes a second home. But I stopped learning, and I don’t see growth for myself.
My company is great at what they do. They grew from a 3 man show to a 100 employee, expanded to 3 different countries in just 7 years, and always have a steady profit yearly.
Through the 3 years I was with the company, I grew and started to manage my own portfolio, grew them to trust us to engage different portfolios, helped the company acquire new accounts, and eventually to be the Senior Manager.
However, recently, my self-paced growth stalled. With no one superior to guide me or give any indication of whether what I was doing was right or wrong, I reached a point where I felt futile for not knowing how to reach the next level. Hence, with some luck I got approached for a new managerial role to build and start their digital department and with a good opportunity, I resigned.
Many people said it was a stupid move, but I know it wasn’t. Working at my ex-company has been nothing short of a blessing, hence I wanted to give and fully complete my 2 months notice period without distractions and avoid being in a situation where I was ‘bought over’. From my point of view at least, it was a form of respect and appreciation towards them and wanted the best for them (grooming the next person to my position).
But, it was hard to leave because it was hard to justify my decision.
There was nothing majorly wrong; I was comfortable and well-paid, surrounded by good bosses and colleagues. Despite that, I wanted more. I wanted to grow, to improve and learn faster. Many did not understand why I chose what I chose, and it became an emotional and lonely ride, trying to defend and explain my decision. Including all the ‘what if’ questions thrown at me:
“What if your new boss is horrible?”
“What if they don’t want to teach you?”
“What if you don’t get along with the people there?”
Typical ‘relationship’ doubts. So many people cling onto a relationship, even when they know that he or she isn’t the person they want to be with anymore. The fear of being alone hindered them from stepping out their comfort zone. Likewise, even if they hate their job, many employees linger on until they are comfortable or want to avoid the uncertainties that might occur.
To all the 'what if' questions, my answer will always be: Well, then I’ll learn. Anyway, the main reason for leaving is to learn, grow and take on more responsibility. If you are just afraid cause of the “What If” question - you will be blogged down to comfort and not see the world (or at least what’s happening). The world is growing but you are in your own fantasies.
Thus, I decided to leave with no regrets and have faith in the growth and not be afraid to try new things, new adventures after all that life. We need to decide and make our own path and journey in life or let time pass. Leave and never look back.
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