Saturday, April 5, 2014

April AToZ Challenge Day 5- E is for 'Enough is Enough'

I have been working for the past 8 years and apart from a 7 month-break during my pregnancy, I have never really taken a professional break in my life. I started working in IT as a Software Tester in 2006 and although I started from a small company, I loved my job. I loved the fact that every day was a new challenge, that every day I got to learn something new in my job. I loved the way we had fun along with the load of work that came our way.

But several years and two companies later, my enthusiasm for my work fizzled and now I have reached that phase in my life where I desperately crave for a break in my work. Am I in a mid-life crisis? Probably. Maybe an early mid-life crisis!

I knew it was time to say “Enough-is-Enough” when I started to get my work frustration back home. I became cranky, I used to shout, without much of a reason, at my daughter and my husband. I cried at the slightest of provocation and some days I sat alone brooding and feeling sorry for myself.

But I have realized that it’s time to take some action before my life spirals out of my control.

So after months and months of consideration, and deliberation due to the fact that my husband and I have financial commitments, I have finally decided to quit my current job. My resignation letter is sent and I can sigh a breath of relief. But I have my moments of panic too when my mind begins to register that this is the first time in 8 years that I probably won’t have a job in my hand.

Of course I have started applying for similar jobs in my field but I’m in no hurry. I am weighing all my options and taking my own sweet time to decide my future. But for now I feel a huge weight has been lifted off from my shoulders.

There are still two more months to go before I can leave my current job but I can already feel the effect of my decision on my health and my mood. I think in life, there comes times when we have to take a tough decision, a decision that might upset others, that might cause discomfort to others but sometimes, just sometimes, you should put yourself before others and think about your own life.

That’s what I have done, and believe me when I say that this is one of the few decisions that I have taken right.


I was like this before and...

Now I'm like this!

35 comments:

  1. "Only you can change your life, no one else can do it for you"...and changes are compulsory in life.
    Hope you make a lot during your break....All the good luck!

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    1. Thank you. I am planning to make much of my break :)

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  2. At times we bend so much that we tend to break. Enough is enough is a nice strategy!

    Stri

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    1. Yes, I guess there comes a point in life when we know that it is time to draw the line and say 'Enough is Enough'

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  3. Sometimes, change is the best thing that can happen :) esp. when you feel tired of the current scenario. I'm sure it'd have been a hard call to take, but I think it is the right one. All the best to you as you move on.

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  4. And it take courage to leave something you are so used to, to reclaim your life. :)
    Kudos to you Love!

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  5. I feel u will bounce back after this break. Take ur time and spend it on things which are near to ur heart
    all the best

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  6. Oh, I get this. I still love what I do (veterinarian), but I have had to say "enough is enough" when it was time to switch jobs due to toxic work environments. I have found that going out and doing something else really helps. Every few (3-4) years, I have started going on mission trips as a way to give back to the world, to travel, meet new people, and gain new perspective on my life. The biggest problem is coming home and having to wait until the next trip!

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    1. Oh yes, taking mini breaks also helps but coming back to work is torture :)

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  7. If you feel it is the right decision, it oughtta be the right one. :)

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    1. Yeah I am pretty sure it is the right decision ;)

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  8. I'm so impressed. This is something I dream about daily - turning in my resignation letter!

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    1. You should at least consider a short break. It does feel liberating :)

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  9. congratulations! When one door closes another opens! You made the right decision! Cheers!

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  10. It’s great that you have recognized what you need to do - some people stay in the condition you describe for years before making a move. Have you considered doing something different? Whatever you do, I hope you find much success and happiness. Great post.

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  11. Do what makes you happy. I feel that you found freedom after you made your decision. Congratulations!

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  12. You took the right decision. If you will be fine, your loved ones will be fine... No point in straining yourself! Just enjoy your life. Take breaks, breath and walk again... :)

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  13. Yayy! Good for you! :) Relish in this new sense of liberation!

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  14. Change is rarely easy but when the time is right and you have had enough already! ....is becomes easier. Good for you

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  15. Well done to you. I did the same thing and quit my job at the end of last year. My blood pressure is at its healthiest since my childhood. My daughter said to me "I am glad you quit the job, all the yelling stopped". It was a big risk and I have yet to generate income for our family but we are so much happier than we have been for years. Well done for recognising and acting on the symptoms of burnout. I hope you find something work wise that stimulates you and brings both income and pleasure to you.

    http://ceciliaaclark.blogspot.com.au

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  16. There is time in everyone life we have to say enough is enough and taking action.

    Stop in from A to Z challenge.

    Coffee is on

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  17. Sometimes it is good to take a break. I see people who run around with chickens with their heads off going from one appointment to another, and they seem to get less done than people who are a bit more relaxed.

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  18. All the best, Prasanna. Good that you've chosen to listen to your heart ! :) I wish the future you will be happier :)

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  19. You've made the decision after "months and months of consideration and deliberation". So the decision must be a correct one.
    Further, you "have started applying for similar jobs in my field but I’m in no hurry. I am weighing all my options." Correct approach!
    All the best!

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  20. Slowly I am understanding that a day will come when I will do the same..

    Richa

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  21. I relate to everything you just said Prasanna..don't worry you'll be fine...I was so scared about my LOPs and still get panic attacks ..but I feel sick of thinking that I have to go back to that shit hole (pardon my language!)... maybe I need to search something I like too ! Don't worry girl..

    Random Thoughts Naba

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  22. Finally freed...I don't know why ..even am feeling liberated..

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  23. Sometimes, it is important to let go of pressure, as you have. Better things await you, my dear. I am sure of it!

    *Shailaja*
    A to Z Challenge, 2014/ UBC, April 2014

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  24. May you should try for alternative careers within IT field... a break from what you have already been doing may be the solution! All the best....

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  25. Very true!! And I ve been thinking this since the past one week..!! Just done with the appraisal and clearly not satisfied! You work your *** off, and then!! Corporate- I tell you!! Lovely post :)

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