Opening a Door

So one thing I do know about the blog is that I don't really want it to be about my new job. Besides getting really boring for all of you by the second week, a job is not really the essence of Quitsville (obviously).

However, a first day is much more in line with what Quitsville is all about. And today, is my first day at this new job. It feels very reminiscent of a first day at school in a new year. This weekend I went out at the request of the new job and bought a new computer (it's red) to use at work. At my own behest, I bought a new notebook. I've pre-packed my lunch and pre-planned my outfit. I've studied the bus time table and allotted extra time for the trains... If I weren't myself I'd think it was fairly cute.

It's the beginning of something and that feels great. There is an excitement and an expectancy in my gut that I haven't felt in quite awhile. Nerves and anxiety too but let's hope that's first day only.

What to Quit Now?

Though I do have to take everything in The Quit with a grain of salt, something Evan Harris wrote has proved true. "Once you quit something, you'll want to quit more things." For me, it's not the quitting I want to do more of, necessarily, but something similar. Quitting my job and taking control of the negative situation in my life made me feel good. Even though it was scary and uncertain, it felt like a step towards deciding what type of person I want to be. Not the type to put up with a situation that is crap, not the type to let fear be the deciding factor. It helped, of course, that I have a solid support system and that I was willing to work to figure it out.

But now, that it's all worked out so magnificently... I want more. What else do I want to say about myself? What other characteristics do I want to have? What else am I missing that I want or what do I have that I don't want?

Last week, I saw the popular movie Julie and Julia based on a book based on a blog. It's cliche to say but I felt a certain amount of momentum after the movie. I love writing this blog - much more than I thought I would. And yes, the original point of Quitsville has been rendered irrelevant. But that doesn't mean that it can't continue, reinvented in a new project.

If there's one thing I love - it's a project.

Coming Clean

It's time to come clean to you my dear readers. I have excellent news! My dream date job actually offered me a job - the one I originally interviewed for! The second interview apparently did go extremely well and they seem to feel about me the way I feel about them (it's nice to be wanted!).

This happened about a week ago and I know you're probably confused about why I haven't mentioned it yet. It's great news no doubt but... it does pose a slight problem about the blog. What happens to Quitsville now? I've loved writing a post every day but without the adventure of making rent every month (and not having a steady job), the original purpose of the blog is... well... gone.

I'm hoping to transition to new topics but we'll see how it goes. Everyone has been amazingly supportive and I'm extremely lucky to have everything work out this way. It sounds a little cheesy but I think quitting really did put me in the right mindset to find my next step.

I start the new job on Monday. So... this week... I'm doing my best to do nothing.

Last Day

It's been an intense week readers. Today is my official last day at my job and I am scrambling to get everything squared away in a way that doesn't leave anyone in the lurch. The general consensus amongst my comrades is that I shouldn't put so much effort into a place that feel so short with me. But, for those of you who don't know me well, that's not how I roll. If I leave things untied and undone, it will only make me unsettled and bothered. And I know who will get dumped on - and so do all of you.

Nearly 4 years worth of emails and projects and documents... and it's all being compiled into folders and a transition binder. It's startling to see how much I have accomplished and learned but also how insignificant a lot of it has become even a few short years later. A good lesson in the sustainability of your work efforts and the time you put in. I wasn't curing cancer but I was by no means working for the man either. But there are things I see that will be forgotten when I leave. Whole sections of information and experiences will die with me.

I know it sounds dramatic but it's a little sad to think of what they'll be missing. I know they'll go on just fine and that I am replaceable (as we all are) but... well, it's going to be a different place without me.

Job Growth?

Yahoo (Real Estate) had an article today on the counties with the best job growth (but over the last 8 years rather than 18 months). I'm not saying they're wrong but the list brings up a number of questions. What was their growth like most recently? How many people do these counties have? Etc. Etc.

As the news spreads that I've given my notice, stories keep popping up of OTHER people finding work as well. Sure, it's probably harder to find something but if you're a quality person, you will land on your feet I guess. Companies can't remain in a holding pattern forever. Things will start to grow again (if they haven't already).

Click here to read the entire article on Yahoo

My Apologies

Hello dear readers - I apologize for the few days of radio silence.

It's been an interesting time in the town of Quitsville.

Last week saw my very last company wide meeting with the current company. It really could not have been a better way to end my time here. I was reminded of all the support I've received from the various members of the company and of all the things I've learned here. Luckily, it also really reinforced my decision to leave since I don't get those feelings even weekly anymore.

And as you know, I also heard back from my first date job interview folks who (I thought) had gone with another candidate. I'm not entirely certain of the specifics of how that played out but they did invite me back last week to meet with the VP there and discuss projects/my background/etc. It went really well and I maintain that it would be a great place for me. Great energy and opportunities...

More on that to come(fingers crossed).

Insurance!

Good news! It has been confirmed that I can get on the insurance of my "domestic partner." I will not be uninsured and I will not have to pay an exorbitant rate to be insured. Everyone wins.

Still working on a hard end date with my current company. They're dragging their feet a bit - wonder why?

And, even better news - I heard back from my dream date interview from a couple of weeks back. I let them know that I was leaving and would be interested in part time/consulting/project work if they had it because of the connection I felt with the company and the employees.

They're having me come in this afternoon to meet another VP!

The Seven Stages

Based on a conversation with a cohort of mine (who helped name Quitsville) I decided to look up the seven stages of grief:

1. Shock
2. Denial
3. Bargaining
4. Guilt
5. Anger
6. Depression
7. Acceptance

Clearly, I'm on a mix of guilt and depression. Only one more left - acceptance.

Time to Mourn

I know I've been comparing quitting my job to breaking up with a significant other that you once loved. I will admit, sometimes I feel a little silly posing this analogy but in truth, I'm going through a lot of the same feelings that come with leaving a relationship that is no longer beneficial. There are quite a few similarities.

I've noticed, as the post quit euphoria begins to fade, that I feel worn out and saddened by the whole situation. Sad that it didn't work out, sad that I have to leave, sad about the end of this chapter in my life. Of course, there is a good amount of excitement and happiness that comes with this next step- it's a new challenge, a new path, new opportunities, etc. But, for now, it's a very bittersweet feeling. I know 100% (okay... almost) that this is the right decision for me but I'm finding that it's important to let myself acknowledge the sadness that I'm feeling and the loss. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying this is like losing a loved one but, it's still the loss of something that I put a lot of time, effort, and energy into, something that was a defining part of me for awhile. That is a loss and it deserves some time.

This all makes sense to me but I admit, I didn't anticipate these feelings and a part of feels like "enough already" - I want to be done with thinking about this! But it is not a clean break so time to acclimate is good. I finished my transition plan for the job today and look forward to having a hard date in mind for the end. I'm a planner and putting energy into my next steps will make me happy.

In the meantime, I'll alternate between sad and angry music as one does during the aftermath of a breakup.

The Means to a Quit

I'm finishing up The Quit by Evan Harris this week and wanted to give you all an overview of the types of quits.

What type are you?

1. Make a Scene: I think you get it - create high drama or high tension
2. Change Horses Midstream: Be like Grace Kelly - quit being a movie star to become a princess
3. Quit Bit by Bit: Work up to quitting by quitting piece by piece
4. Be Reasonable: Calmly outline all the reasons you should quit - then quit
5. Achieve and Vanish: Pull a Bobby Fisher - win something huge then disappear
6. Fail and Disappear: Similar to the above but you know, also not
7. Muster Willpower: Some quits aren't fun and require willpower - like quitting smoking or biting your nails
8. Be Passive Aggressive: Get yourself fired
9. Get Fed Up: Similar to cause a scheme - you've had enough, you're done
10. Quit in the Clutch: Back out at the last minute - face the consequences
11. Repudiate Your Ideas: Disown opinions that were once very important
12. Abandon and Conceal: A secret quit, something completely personal - quit wearing your underwear - who will know!
13. Take Revenge: Design a quit that will cause a lot of trouble
14. Burn a Bridge: Turn your back on reasonable decisions, act rashly
15. Sulk: Pout, just pout
16. Plot and Endure: Spend a lot of the time leading up to the quit scheming and planning every aspect of your quit
17. Deny Involvement: Lie outright
18. Give Up: A gentle quit, giving up can sometimes go unnoticed
19. Take to Your Bed: When you are at your most desperate, collapse in a heap of depression
20. Wipe the Slate Clean: This situation involves total departure - quit everything

I've found that everyone dreams of making a scene, revenge quitting, burning bridges and the like. They're quits with big bang and feel justified.

Though I am quitting my job without a certain plan, I am a pretty planned and practical person. I used the Be Reasonable paired with the Plot and Endure with just a touch of Give Up and Get Fed Up tactics.

How would you quit?

Silver Lining

As my time winds down at my current job, I'm faced with the same annoying or tedious or frustrating things I was before but there's a certain glee to be found in telling yourself "this is the last time I deal with X."

This is especially poignant this week as we have our quarterly company-wide meeting. This meeting is strategically located a couple of states away (a good 6 hour drive or hour plane ride followed by hour+ drive). Additionally, I have a meeting with a vendor before the quarterly that necessitates me driving alone. I have to admit I wasn't thrilled with this whole driving 6 hours there then 6 hours back by myself thing. I'm sure I don't need to explain to you why.

And then, over the weekend, I stumbled upon the upside to this. When one drives a distance of that magnitude, one receives a healthy expense check according to the federal mileage requirements! Long term - of course this is indicative of the wear and tear you're putting on your car. Short term - it means I have a few extra hundred dollars in my empty little pocket as I embark on my period of no job.

In the end, I'm pretty pleased with that. It'll help when I start my daily cash counter on September 1st - stay tuned for that dear readers.

President Obama thinking about unemployment

It's good to know it's not just me thinking about this.

Click here to read the brief post on Mother Nature Network

Letdown is a part of life

You all read about my great first interview about a week ago. I still maintain that it was a great interview - that I was completely myself and that I connected with the folks at this company. It would have been a great next step for me. Sadly, I heard from them this week (ironically on Thursday) and they've decided to move forward with another candidate. The woman I interviewed with was extremely complementary and asked that we stay in contact because they are growing and would like to consider me for future positions. She was lovely about the whole thing but of course, I was disappointed and honestly, the part of me that is anxious about my future grew a little more anxious with this loss.

With a few days distance, I have more clarity on the experience. Of course I'm still disappointed but this seems to me the downfall of looking for a new job in this economic situation. When I tell people I am interviewing they are inevitably surprised that I am even getting interviews but the more I look, the more I am finding that I have no trouble getting interviews - it's finalizing the process that is more tricky. With more and more qualified and competent employees finding themselves without a job, more and more of them are willing to take a position that might have previously seemed too junior. As a result, those like myself are finding fiercer competition for the positions we're interested in.

It's a tough climate out there and I see that one of the hardest challenges of this new life path will be to not get discouraged when I'm not chosen for a job. Given that I am going to be discerning about my next step and wait for a position that I really think is right, it might be awhile before I find something that meshes for both myself and my future employer.

In the meantime, I'm on the lookout for exciting or interesting money making schemes... and I am open to suggestions.

How to live on $0 a day

Of course this isn't real! But still, it was entertaining.

I don't anticipate a life of crime to finance my lack of a salary - especially because I'm not over 40.

Click here to read the article in the Huffington Post

I have accidentally not paid for things before though...

The Morning After

In the harsh clarity of the morning light, some decisions can seem foolish or badly thought out. I would be lying if I said I wasn't awash with emotion today. I've had a long history with my job (or at least long in my life) and there was a time I loved it (probably to an annoying degree). Putting this chapter of my life behind me is hard, there's no other way to say it. It's very difficult. I feel a bit like a schizophrenic today - I'm happy, sad, terrified, emboldened, etc. etc. etc.

However, the bottom line is that I know I've done the right thing. Through all the fear and uncertainty and shell-shocked disbelief at what I've done, I can feel the calm control that is taking over - the certainty that this decision is 100% mine and any discomfort that comes from it is mine as well, unlike the unhappiness that has prevailed for so long. It's liberating in a way.

And, in response to the many questions I received on the topic, NO - I will not be bought. I came up with a number in my head that was so outrageously impossible that I was safe from being kept here. I will admit that I am in negotiations about my end date... this is a prudent decision based on having money! I will consider consulting through my transition at an exorbitant hourly rate.

This now begins the next phase of Quitsville - how am I going to pay the rent?

Immediate Aftermath

Well, it isn't quite immediate - it has been a few hours since I dropped the bomb on my boss. To be honest, I think it went pretty well. I did not throw up (which was a concern) and I was very professional. I feel sad but ready for my next step. It's a bittersweet transition.

However, from the reaction I've gotten, I anticipate that the company will try to keep me through money or a new role or... who knows.

T Minus 22 minutes

There is a big ball of anxiety in my gut. Stay tuned for the aftermath.

T Minus 24 hours

Tomorrow at this time I will have given my job my notice of resignation. A million scenarios of how that will go are running through my head but I think I am prepared for the best and worst. In the meantime, I have to keep myself from not throwing up and from not feeling like a big phony.

I'm nervous to say the least. I know this is a good decision and that I need to move forward with my decision but I'm still a big ball of anxiety. What will they say, how will it feel, etc. It's a big move and all big moves are accompanied by a certain amount of apprehension.

Top Ten Reasons to Quit Your Job

About.com has a top ten reasons to quit your job page that I found pretty interesting.

Click here to read the entire article on About.com

Essentially, here they are.

1. Your company is experiencing a downward spiral.
2. Your relationship with your manager is damaged beyond repair.
3. Your life situation has changed.
4. Your values are at odds with the corporate culture.
5. You've stopped having fun and enjoying your job.
6. Your company is ethically challenged.
7. You have behaved in ways that are considered improper.
8. You've burned your bridges with your coworkers.
9. Your stress level is so high at work that it is affecting your physical or mental health and your relationships with your friends and family.
10. You are unchallenged.

It's very sad that things have come to this state. How many workers out there are in similar situations?

Readers - what reasons would you have to leave your job?

Unemployment Rates

We're all well aware that the unemployment rate is on the raise. But today, as I was going through my many RSS Feeds, I came across an article on GOOD rating metropolitan areas according to their unemployment rate. As common sense would tell us, the unemployment rate is not the same nationwide.

Click here to see how your city rates

In the interest of remaining as anonymous as possible, I will tell you only that I live in a metropolitan area that falls in the lowest rates of unemployment column. Things could be a lot worse.

The Quitting Bandwagon

As you know, I'm currently reading The Quit by Evan Harris. Ms. Harris outlines the many styles and techniques of quitting as well as the emotional ups and downs of the process. For the most part, the book seems to be a bit satirical but there have been at least a few helpful pieces of advice.

1. Tell everyone you know that you have quit or are planning to quit.

As of last week, I'd only shared my quitting plan with my nearest and dearest - those people who were most affected by the work induced depression I was going through and were most likely to support my decision.

All that is over now. I've spread the word far and wide, to the outer fringes of my social circle. I'm telling people I've just met. Evan Harris has a point here. Regardless of whether they secretly think I am making a huge mistake, everyone also secretly wishes they could quit their own job. Without exception, I've found everyone jumping on my bandwagon, congratulating me and doing their best to come up with innovative ideas for part time work.

The effect of such unabashed support is twofold. One, I have become increasingly responsible for actually going through with quitting (something I know is the right idea but still terrifies me) and two, a renewed belief in my decision. Whenever I feel myself wavering in my resolve or feeling anxious at the confrontational aspect of quitting, I tell someone else.

You, dear readers, already know about my plan but I will tell you with more emphasis.

TWO DAYS.

Less Failure = Progress?

Word has it that the last quarter of the year saw less of a decline in our economy. A decline is still a decline but I see what they're saying. We have to slow declining before we stop declining before we start improving.

I will do my best to see the glass as half full.

Click here to read the entire article on Slate.com

Let's Rewind

I know the blog has been around for a few days not but it seems as good a time as any to give you some background on myself, your intrepid blogger.

Quitsville USA is the culmination of many months of struggle in my current position with my current employer. I don't want to get personal on these hallowed pages but let's just say that I haven't been happy, challenged or respected in quite awhile. In addition, I'm no good at leaving things at work, and my unhappiness is spilling over into my personal relationship is an entirely unsustainable manner.

I've been my company for 3+ years - a good portion of that time spent learning and on a growth plan that exceeded my goals. I truly loved my job and loved the people I worked with. In short, I was intolerable at parties.

Due to new management (of the company and of myself) and some very important changes in my job description, the situation is now vastly different and requires an exit strategy. Like the end of most relationships this entails a bittersweet period of mourning - for what I once had and for what I once expected from this job.

So, here I am - mentally preparing to quit my job in an economic downturn with no sure source of employment. It's risky but I believe it's the right decision and I have a strong support network behind me.

This blog will chronicle the ups and downs (both emotionally and financially) or the quitting process and the path to a new step for my career.