Scroll through Pinterest and you will be punched in the face with motivational quotes about NOT quitting, each one more uplifting and eye roll inducing than the last. I submit that they are so very wrong. I guess you could consider me a “Professional Quitter” and I’m all the happier for it. Let me explain.
It started when I was young. I was 5 when my Dad tried to teach me how to ride a bike. I wasn’t into it, I fell over and over until I finally threw that bike to the curb and didn’t try again until 1 year later when I decided I was into it, when I decided it was time.
Around that time I started figure skating. I loved it, spending hours whipping around the ice feeling it scratch beneath my blades, pure heaven..until it wasn’t. It became less about the feeling of freedom and more about the perfect program and the perfect body to fit into the costumes that got tighter as I grew ever taller and curvier. After 8 years I pulled the plug on that with nothing but a bunch of ribbons and sparkly dresses to show for it. Sorry not sorry.
I graduated high school when I was 17. I had no idea what I wanted to do so of course I went to college and took the first program that someone suggested, because that’s just what I thought I should do. 6 months in I hated it! I was a good 10 years younger than most of my classmates and my heart just wasn’t in it. So I quit. I ended up finishing the course 2 years later… when I was ready.
In my professional life I have quit many jobs. Quit careers even. I tried my hand at Marketing, Reception, Administration, Salon Coordinating, Hairstyling and probably more that I don’t recall, and I don’t regret it.
For a long time though I felt like this meant I was indecisive, wishy-washy, too sensitive, not able to “Keep Grinding” as they say. I remember feeling awful about quitting hair because I had invested so much time and energy into the craft but I came to realize that time and effort don’t equate to happiness and behind the chair I was miserable, as I was with most other jobs or hobbies I left.
Now I’m not a proponent of quitting just because something is hard and you can’t get it perfect the first time. Even though we’ve all had those moments. I also recommend being smart about it. As much as I’ve fantasized about quitting a job in the most spectacular, bridge burning fashion, I was always sure to line up another opportunity before making any changes because, well life and stuff.
The quitting I’m talking about is walking away from something that no longer serves you or who you want to be. You can feel it in your gut when something isn’t working out. You can feel who you really are slipping away. In the spirit of authenticity I say do whatever you need to do. No need to explain yourself. I no longer feel guilty or list it as one of my “qualities to work on.” I don’t stick things out to impress other people or because I invested time and money in it. If it’s not for me, then so be it. No sense wasting time on not living my best life.
So peace out, bye Felicia and don’t look back.