Quitting a good job in a pandemic

I Answered the call to adventure. But what steps should you take before making the leap? Here’s my check list-

1- Be open to opportunities and networking

7 years of working as a concept artist. 2 of which as a lead artist. My network is pathetically small. If I need outsourcing work, I got no contacts to go to other than my immediate friends. My introvert nature is my perfect excuse not to meet and interact outside my social circle.

The 1st step to making the leap is to open up your network. Even if you’re an introvert. To do work, we have to interact with people, its part of working life we can’t avoid.

Be open to opportunities. Listen to what people have to say. There’s plenty to learn. Even the ones you do not end up working with. You never know when you need to pick up the phone and go back to the job you turned down.

2- Compare with your current job

The best time to look for a job, is when you have one. Being able to say no, I didn’t feel the urge to jump at any opportunities. Evaluated and compared any offer with your current job.

The push and pull factors. As much as we complain about our jobs- there’re many aspect of it that we do like. Life is not an absolute. Its why change is so tough. Its the known factors vs the unknown ones.

3- Have savings and an alternate source of income

A possible loss of income is the scariest part of job changing. There’s no confirmation you’ll pass probation. The unknown, unknowns are unbearable. Having savings and alternate source of income is the best protection against that.

I’ve been saving years prior to quitting. Planning my alternate income in the event that I’ve failed terribly in my decision to quit.

4- What’s your real reason for leaving?

Self awareness is lacking these days. For me and everyone around. Often we’re chasing the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Up till the day I submit my resignation, a debate is taking place in my head.

I grilled myself endlessly for the real reason I’m leaving.

A- I’m stuck. At the same job for 7 years. I am no longer getting feedback and push for improvements. The most common thing I’m hearing at work is, take things easy, and do things the same way.

B- I’m working in an industry I’m not passionate about. I entered concept art looking forward to work in video games and animation. Yet I would wound up in a casino. Pay’s well .

I looked around the company and see most with passion lost. Worried I’ll lose mine, I started looking.

C- I wanted to try working with motivated and passionate individuals. Yet my inner imposter is afraid I might not be able to keep up.

D- My inner imposter and colleagues around always tell me
“You can’t find a better paying job elsewhere.”
“This is as good as it gets”
For many years that was my excuse. I stop sending the many applications I sent to Disney, blizzard and many other dream companies.

This year I sent them out again and got more replies than I ever imagine of. My excuse was no longer acceptable. I found something that paid equally well.

Conclusion

With that said, it is not clear if I made the right choice. I’ve not pass my probation. I’m worried to even announce my new job position, lest i fail my probation and be a joke. All I can do, is what I do best. Keep trying and moving forward. 1 baby step at a time. To whoever will read this [most likely myself]

The best you can do, is enough. Keep going at it, 1 baby step at a time. You don’t have to be the best, but you should be the best that you can be.