Why I’m leaving my job

What happens when you walk away from a job you enjoy. I’m about to find out…

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

After five years working as a communications manager for a national health charity, I have handed in my notice.

In a few weeks, I will be leaving a job I enjoy, in an organisation that I believe in, without knowing what is next. And the reason for this?

I realised I was in my comfort zone—not growing, learning or developing professionally (all things I value), but plodding along.

And I’d been doing this for a while.

When I was running competitively, I always trained hard, believing that nothing good ever comes from being in a comfort zone. You make training gains when you push beyond your limits. It’s how you get faster and fitter and stronger. Although it’s a sports training principle, it’s something I apply to my career and self-development.

I’ve always been ambitious, keen to take on new projects, study for qualifications and improve myself. But recently, with my day job, I realised there had been no new projects or opportunities for at least a year.

Although it’s a national charity, it’s run by a very small team (just three of us). There was no chance of career progression, no budget for training or development and, with the financial crisis, no chance of any new or exciting projects to work on. Instead of striving and being more and doing better, I felt like I was going backwards.

I love working. I take pride in what I do. But it felt like something was missing. The spark I’d had in the early days, when it was a new challenge in a new organisation, had gone out.

Almost overnight, I went from loving my job to being stifled by it. That back-to-school feeling, I’d not experienced since 1992 when I had double maths first thing on a Monday morning, resurfaced. I lost my enthusiasm for Mondays. When I switched on my laptop, I’d get a sinking feeling of dread. There was no excitement at the day ahead—just a desire to get through it.

This is not me at all.

At the end of last year, I had a lot of annual leave left, so I took a longer break over Christmas. I thought it might help me reset and re-energise. But as soon as I finished, I started fretting about going back. It wasn’t because of the people or the organisation; it was simply because I was no longer fulfilled or challenged.

Something had to change.

I also reread a journal entry I’d written on the 2nd of January 2023.

Look into new job opportunities.

There was no way I was starting 2024 without taking action on my goal. I reminded myself of the Maya Angelou quote, ‘If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude,’ then I called my colleague and resigned.

And as soon as I had, I felt relieved. There was no fear or anxiety about not having anything else lined up. Instead, I felt excited at the possibilities. It was time for a new challenge, time to get excited, to value myself and my worth.

My mindset shifted immediately. I went from feeling stuck to seeking new opportunities in a proactive and positive way.

Energy is everything. And without seeming too woo woo, I really believe that raising energy and vibrations helps with all areas of life. Rather than work depleting my energy and pulling me down, the energy and excitement at just the thought of a change was now lifting me. In my experience, when I am upbeat with high energy, things happen. Good things.

Returning to work in January was great because I knew a change was coming, and all because I had stepped out of my comfort zone.

For the next few weeks, I am working my notice, saying my goodbyes to the lovely people I’ve worked with and remembering the positives of the last five years.

In my role as communications manager, I was a one-woman communications team. I loved it and worked hard to develop all the charity’s communications channels, including email marketing, publications, press and media, campaigns, fundraising appeals and social media. I introduced and hosted a webinar programme, which is doing well, and ran joint campaigns with big organisations, including Holland & Barrett.

Through the pandemic, we worked harder than ever to support members who were struggling. It was challenging and hectic, but I thrived on it. I am proud of everything I, and the team, have achieved. But now feels like the right time to leave.

I keep waiting for the panic to hit me, the realisation that I’ve no longer got a job, the worry about how I’ll make a living and pay the vet bills. But all I feel is a sense of calm, a deeper knowing that I’ve made the right decision. I feel like myself again—ambitious, energetic, and determined to make things happen. I will dream big, work hard and take action, trusting that positive opportunities are coming my way.

What’s next for me? I’m not sure.

But I’m excited to find out.

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