“Quitting”
I recently left a job that just wasn’t the right fit. Whenever I leave a job for something new, it is of the utmost importance to me that I don’t burn bridges. It’s never personal and I always gain a ton of knowledge and great relationships from wherever I work, even if a particular role isn’t for me long-term. Every opportunity and professional experience that I have is beneficial and I always hope to make the greatest impact and do my absolute best wherever I work.
It's time we rethink “Quitting” and “Resigning”.
Have you ever told a friend or relative that you’re thinking about leaving your job or exploring a new opportunity, only to be met with, “So, when are you quitting?”. Let’s take a moment to unpack and reframe this seemingly innocent question and the impact it could have on the person being asked. What I know personally is that I am not a quitter—I am a seeker. I am going after my dreams. I think there is a negative connotation associated with people leaving their jobs. Why do we use the word “quitting” when someone takes the bold and courageous step to go out there and look for more from their career? If someone has given their all to a job and decides they want something different for themself, or, when someone needs to get away from a toxic work culture, why are they considered to be “quitting” or “resigning” when they are simply making a change? They are not quitting. Quitting is giving up, throwing the towel in. When someone decides to leave a job, there is a reason they are moving on. They are also not resigning. Resigning would be staying in a job where they are not happy. Resigning would be staying in a job that is not right for them or where they are not seen or valued or can’t be their best self.
Since when is full-time parenting a "Career Break"?
I am thrilled at LinkedIn’s new “Career Break” options. I think this is overdue and I’m glad that we’re making space for those whose careers or journeys might look different than the “norm”. However, I also want to turn this new profile section on its head and raise how it could be perceived. Since when is full-time parenting, caregiving, or pursuing a personal goal a “Career Break”? One of the Merriam-Webster definitions of “break” is “a respite”. For full-time parents or caregivers or those going after a life-long passion, this could be their career and not a break. Since when is a 9-5 the only definition of a career? We are in 2022 after all, and since the pandemic began, I think there is only more appreciation for work and careers that are considered to be non-traditional. And that is great to see! Personally, I am in the process of starting my own business in the social impact space (seeking fulfillment!) and I don’t consider “career transition” (one of the other “Career Break” options) to be a break. This is my full-time career. Some have asked me since I left my job how I am enjoying “unemployment”. To this I respond, “I am not unemployed. I am self-employed”. Employment can look so different from one person to the next and we need to honor, value, and appreciate each person’s journey. There are many misconceptions about the working world and it’s important that we destigmatize careers that look different than our own.
A new definition of “Quitting”.
We need to put more thought into how we use seemingly harmless terms such as “quitting”, “career break”, and “unemployment”. Everyone has their own path, their own journey, and we should congratulate, support, and cheer on our peers for their tenacity, strength, drive, and courage—whether they are staying in a stable job to support their family, seeking a new opportunity, building their own business, or focusing on caring for their loved ones. No two paths are alike.
In doing some research, I found an interesting definition of “quit” that I would like us to consider. According to Merriam-Webster, “quit” can also be defined as “to set free”. If that’s what everyone is referring to, then yes, I am a Quitter. I will never stop challenging myself, seeking more, or taking leaps of faith. I am a Quitter and I’m proud of it.
*I acknowledge that it is a privilege to be able to leave a job to start my own business, to pursue my passions. I recognize that not everyone has this opportunity and I don’t take this for granted. I am very fortunate.
Erin Holstein is a social impact professional passionate about the intersection of social good, philanthropy, wellness, and the outdoors. She is in the process of creating her own business in this space, and would love to connect. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and thanks for reading!