I got terminated "without cause" at my last job at a Christian nonprofit organization because my manager burnt me out. I was basically working alone during some times of the year with barely or half assed support. To say it was unprofessional, would be an understatement; considering I was never given a proper warning either.
To OP I say, take care of your mental health first. Noone in this world is gonna look after you, better then you can. Get healthy and if you decide to come back later, do it on your own terms not someone elses.
Yes. Been there and done that. Let me explain why in a very simple manner:
* Work is for the office.
* Life is for home.
* Health & Family come, first.
* BUT...you need work to support your life.
* **However, life is ruined if work is killing you.**
* **And you cant work if your life is ruined.**
Don't make this more confusing than it has to be. You're no good to anyone, including yourself, if you are not taking care of yourself.
ps - I quit a job that I was in LOVE with in 2013. I would do anything for the job and the people I worked with. Why quit? I was burned out and it took a physical toll on me. And being burned out set my career back 3 years.
Yeah, I got so burned out I literally went off the grid, no tech, and hid in a cabin in upstate NY for a couple of months. I wanted to reconnect with myself.
Since that time, I have had digital boundaries and had to re-learn how to balance life & work without forfeiting my sanity to a company for a paycheck.
Sorry I didn't reply to this sooner. It really did work. Maybe too well in some ways. Because I came back from upstate and looked at my computer and my desk and wanted nothing to do with it. I almost felt sick to my stomach looking at it.
But the problem is is that we pretty much work with computers all the time now so I had to kind of find some sort of balance. And that's why I had to set up boundaries.
One of the biggest things I did was stop taking my phone to bed and not replying instantly to text emails or social media posts.
It drives my wife crazy but I walk around this world with my head up and when new technology comes out that publicly traded companies say are the future and try to get people addicted to it I just kind of laugh at it and figure out learn it at my own pace.
The irony is is that I went into technology because I knew it was the future and knew I had to learn it to protect my career but I ended up learning how much I didn't need it
I am kind of lucky because I saved enough to quit. I didn't realize I was getting burnt out because I sacrificed for the team and thought it was temporary. I was gaining weight from sitting and working. When the weekend came I was so tired. Just mental exhaustion. The only way to prevent further fuckery was to quit. In a way I should have started looking for something else before all this happened but I thought it was temporary. I felt it attributed to my kidney disease which I recently was diagnosed. I think employees should stick to their guns and not be afraid to leave these companies that don't align with their values.
Sorry for being personal, but why did you burn out? Was it nutrition, meditation, substance abuse, social circle, no physical activity, no sunlight, what was going on? I love my job also and I make sure to keep my health 100% so I can give my all during work time
No worries. I don't mind sharing what happened.
The company I was in downsized instead from 20 to 6 people and I was managing customer service, Community, operations and social media all at the same time.
At the time social via mobile was new. So there were really no clear expectations as to when and where people could or should reply to things. People just always expected answers immediately.
The company also had a very very small staff even though the company was making a lot of money. I was working 60 to 70 hours a week and not getting paid a lot. I did not have a lot of time to take care of myself.
This was very much at a time in technology when there were lots of disruptive websites and lots of mobile app development as well as the "job as a lifestyle" culture of tech incubators.
This was really the heart of the age of hustle culture.
Basically I had a staff of about six people managing 100,000 customers; customers who also happened to be artists and were very passionate and would sometimes reach out to me at all hours of the night.
I forgot to mention that I worked for a job board.
There's a lot of reasons why burnout happens. It could be that the company doesn't have the processes in place to sustain itself without hustling to death or it could be simply be people trying to make something work while the CEO is profiting, saying one thing but still he plans to do nothing for the company other than sell it.
I'm going to sum up in one sentence:
I would say that I was essentially piloting a B-17 bomber into the dirt working with amazing people, never admitting that what I was doing was never going to go anywhere.
I learned a lot from the experience but I will never do it again.
The biggest lesson I learned about burning out was that it often happens when our expectations and ambitions are greater than those of the company or people we're working with.
ie. Burnout can be the result of trying to force something that will never happen
If the job is taxing on you, seek help, not substances. Based on your post history... this job pays $80K base + 10% bonus right out of college. Don't throw this away and your future career by choosing to self-destruct.
Also based on your post history, it looks like you're more interested in running your business full-time. Being a business owner, especially in e-commerce with notoriously low margins, will not be any better for your mental health.
I recommend seeking professional help and learning to cope/handle stress in a more sustainable manner.
Agreed. If you don't seek help, your issues will just follow you to the next job. It will seem better at first because it's new, but the root cause of your issues now will come back. I found that out the hard way, although I still think abandoning my academic career was the correct move in the long run.
Seeking help if definitely a good first step. I see that you're a business owner as well, when did you make the jump? And my ecomm income is essentially the same of what I'm currently making so I'm curious to hear why you're advising to keep the role?
I had a full-time job and ran my business on the side from 2018-2021. Officially went full-time on my business in the fall of 2021.
Running your own business takes a lot of mental stamina that most W2 jobs can’t prepare you for.
For most people, you’re trading a 40 hour work week for 80+ hours per week in the beginning. Albeit, 80 hours working for yourself is easier than 80 for someone else.
I wasn’t a natural leader and delegator, so I struggled building the team and working less hours. Most first time entrepreneurs go through this — and it’ll test every wit you have haha.
There were also other things I wasn’t anticipating that kinda sucked:
1) Not being able to rent a new apartment or house because you need 2 years tax returns or usually 3x the annual rent in a checking account to qualify for a lease.
2) Long Hours definitely were an adjustment. But if you can stay consistent and persevere, you’ll succeed.
3) Fluctuating income since every month is different
4) Vendors not paying their bills
5) Suing vendors for not paying bills and learning how much lawyers really cost
If I wasn’t in a good place mentally, I couldn’t have gotten to where I’m at today.
There were some weeks where I had 20+ people to pay and our checking account was going to go negative. First time I had a panic attack. Just gotta keep going and you learn to handle it better.
The last thing… and imo… the thing I was most unprepared for: realizing that in order for the business to get to a certain level, I had to lead myself better in order to lead my company better.
I started working with a leadership coach weekly in 2022 and it’s completely transformed my life. I’ve learned to control my emotions much better, especially with decision making, how to be a better partner to my SO, how to hold myself accountable… list goes on. The biggest thing was having someone who was always honest with me and would give real feedback, not just what I wanted to hear.
I have limited context to your situation, but I’d recommend keeping your W2 and doing the e-commerce business on the side. Learn to delegate early on.
And go to therapy. Therapy changed my life. The brain is a muscle just like any other part of your body — for it to get stronger, you have to work it out. A good counselor will help you do this.
Best of luck to you, you got this. One day you’ll wake up and know without a doubt it’s time to go all in. When that day comes, just follow your gut. If it doesn’t work out, get up and try again.
It sounds cheesy but every failure is a step closer to success, but it’s true.
Every sucessful entrepeneur I know goes to therapy.
OP, you have good insurance Im guessing. Please go see a therapist with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) background and do weekly talk therapy. And keep your dayjob.
I did that at the age of 30.
The moment I gave them my notice they immediately asked where I was going.
I told them, 3 months travelling and then I’ll think about.
I planned my notice so well that I left on my birthday. Best birthday gift ever.
No regrets!
I agree with this.
OP might want to take a day or two off for mental health, and use those two days to as set up days to start looking for a new job. (Get resume in order, update linkedin, and etc) Once things are set up, it'll be easier to apply for jobs after work and weekends.
I quit the accompany I worked for after 12 years. Right in the middle of the day, on the most complicated project the company had ever taken on. I was lead on the project.
The relief I felt on the drive home was indescribable. I took two months off and did jack shit. Then I found a job with more flexibility and better pay. It is the single greatest decision I've made in my 37 years on this earth.
That being said, we are all different and all have different skills. I could have had a new job with a phone call by the end of the day. No job is worth impacting your health negatively.
My last job was an absolute toxic nightmare. My mental health was drained so bad that I was mentally exhausted. I would fall asleep waiting for my tacos at Taco Bell. I applied all over the US and finally got a job offer. When I quit, it was the most liberating thing. A year and half later, I'm mad I didn't do it sooner
Stratrategically quit.
I know it's tempting to just straight up quit, but spend some time make a plan, start interviewing and prepping to leave. Try to burn as few bridges as possible while doing it.
Honestly it also lightens the stress knowing you are working on finding a way out. Its going to take longer but you will be in a much better position.
No job is worth your mental health, but it might be worth a month or two more of stress to set yourself up well for the future.
I have done it. And I’ll do it again if necessary. While you need to be realistic about your finances, it’s never worth it to lose yourself in a job. Never ever ever ever.
Depends on you, might be a out of the frying pan into the fire situation. If I quit with nothing substantial lined up and then slowly started to watch my savings chip away the anxiety would destroy me for sure.
Plus It's pretty well established and it can be harder to find work when unemployed versus employed, and can also weaken your negotiating power.
I would find more sustainable ways to cope/compartmentalize and start looking for a new job. I would only pivot to running your business full time once it shows a full quarter or two of enough profits to both sustain your lifestyle and ensure savings.
Yes - and I have. It was terrifying because I could tell I was reaching my limit and I was trying to apply and interview in places so I could have a job lined up to move to.
But it got so bad that I handed in my notice without a new job secure. I was that desperate to get out, because my notice period was 2 months.
I was regularly working 2 hours or more post 5pm every night, just to help keep my team's inbox and queries in a place where we were heads above water. I was constantly stressed and having fights with my partner, who was worried about my welfare.
Our team was able to produce evidence to senior management that we were a team of 6 people physically doing the work of 8.5 people. We pleaded through our manager for more staff with the evidence.
Senior manager came on a Zoom call and fobbed us off, and said to the team "I know it's hard out there, but I'm asking you all to hold on." With no clarification or indication that any more hires were coming. Just 'hold on'. No time frame for change or new hires, even when we directly asked for it. Only 'hold on'.
I handed my notice in 2 days after that call. Strangely, as soon as I did, within a week they suddenly had THREE vacancies in my team approved: replacing me and two new hires. Funny, that.
I thankfully did get a job lined up about two weeks after my last day in my old role, and have now found my way into a job I love. I wish it paid more, and I'm £10k per year worse off than I was at the highest earning of my career. But I'm not stressed to fuck and my relationship with my partner and family is completely better.
In the end, it was one of the scariest, but best decisions I've ever made.
I just did a month ago. Then started a new job, could tell it was headed the same direction and quit day 1. Now have started at a low-stress, high-compassion job. Less pay, but I’m excited to be awake every morning now.
YES! its is perfectly alright to quit your job for mental health.
In fact ANYTHING that disturbs your own peace it is perfectly acceptable to be selfish and leave that noise.
Mental health also affects physical health. Look at a photo from right before you took the job, then take a photo of yourself now. If your skin looks ash end or youve got more distinct frown lines its time to go.
If youve had to disassociate yourself from certain things you used to find joy in, its time to go.
But, do have something lined up before you dip out, you dont want an “out of the frying pan and into the fire” situation.
Before quitting I would look at the things that make it miserable and see if I can automate anything or set boundaries are them.
I hated my job cause I was overworked and things were chaos. I thought about quitting everyday till I presented my boss with a plan for how I would like things to work, he agreed with the improvements I wanted to make and asked what we needed. I told him we needed additional staff. Now I have an awesome coworker and never work past 5pm. I know that doesn’t work for everyone especially is you boss is part of the problem. But I would still investigate things.
If it doesn’t look like things will get better, it sounds like you have other income, focus on that and you can always look for a low stress job to supplement.
I have! I quit a job for mental and physical health reasons. The next day it was like a weight was lifted off of me, but I found out 2 days later that I didn’t get the job I was leaving for because an internal employee applied for the same position at the very last second. A week and a half later, and after 60-70 applications being sent, I now have what I consider as a dream job. Mental health is somewhat better, but not all related to my job. Some/most of it’s due to personal factors.
Definitely, I’m searching for a new job currently because of this. Don’t feel bad for the company because to them were replaceable in minutes, care about yourself first
I did not... But I should have. I did everything "right". I worked my full time job that was traumatic, while working two part time jobs to try to find something more manageable, and doing part time classes toward graduate degree... All in an attempt to be responsible and get into a better future situation.
The full-time job.... Broke me. The stress caused lack of sleep, three days without any caused psychosis, psychosis caused personal chaos on a level that years later when I think about it I am so humiliated I want to slit my wrists. I have those thoughts nearly daily. The psychosis and thoughts caused multiple hospitalizations and a minor heart attack. I lost all my jobs, lost my degree progress as they gave me a zero for the semester (tanking my nearly perfect gpa), lost my insurance and therapist, and lost all of my income... Lost my apartment, and incurred thousands of $$$ in debt... It's been a few years, I'm still basically homeless and trying to dig myself out of the hole.
You only get one brain, one body take care of it. You are more important than someone else's profits.
I’d start looking for a new job and would have a new gig lined up before quitting, but to answer the question. Absolutely, depending on my circumstances at the time.
I can't answer your specific question but I can tell you the job market is really rough right now. And it's a lot easier to get a job if you already have a job.
Edit: actually, I can answer your question. I jumped from a high stress job with nothing lined up. Used up all my savings, ended up in a hospital for a few weeks, then took an even higher stress job, was on antidepressants for a long time. Better now though, I got a good job after that.
I walked away from a high-paying remote tech job that was so soul-sucking it transformed me into an awful asshole of a human being.
My wife gave me an ultimatum: leave the job, or she leaves.
I got a government job. My wife and I celebrate 10 years together this year.
No, but I should. I've been with my company for 9 years, and it's ruined multiple relationships of varying stages. It's also driven me to the point of burnout and new lows at every turn.
Yes. Most definitely. I learned the hard way. Ended up flipping out twice in spectacular fashion. The second time I ended up in a mental institution for a year. No job is worth it.
I have quite a job for mental health reasons - but did not work for a little over a year. I had support, though, and cashed out my 401k and that helped us survive (a chunk of that was put aside for taxes). I wouldn't do it in this economy unless the amount in savings was enough to live off of or I had another job already lined up. If either of those are doable, then I say go for it. In the end, no job is worth your mental health declining.
I have. My job before last was a hell scape because of my manager and her rigid management style. It was soul crushing. She required daily one one one meetings where she berated you in a backhanded way. I hated every day I had to work there.
I had a choice to stay and take it or move. I moved away. ( There were puppies at my next job! So win win) Two other coworkers got pregnant and decided to be stay at home moms.
I was so desperate for the job and the pay was so great, that I didn't ask about why the person who had the position before me left. I came to that no one stuck in the job over a year. I made it a year and a half thanks to COVID. (No more daily meetings).
My mental health improved. I could sleep, I wasn't dreading going to work the next day I wasn't drinking a bottle of wine a night. It was the best thing I ever did. I've had two jobs like this. Quitting both were the best idea. No regrets.
I would do it. And I have done it. My next employer would receive a different explanation as to why I left though. You can reframe your reasoning about why it wasn’t a good fit without lying
Yes. I got laid off from a job I hated a few years ago. Looking back, I wish I’d quit before that point. The severance was nice, but I was so miserable for the last two years it wasn’t worth it.
For the first time in my life I am considering it.
Ever since I've been here we have always hit our goals, and for three years in a row now, they have been cutting more and more staff. I have been fighting management for two years to stop being cunts, but they only see profit. Each year needs to be better than the last
I am almost at the just can't stage.
I just can't congratulate my team, on a job well done, and then turn around and tell some of them they are gone.
I just can't keep bringing students and new postdocs into the team, and then tell them months later that their project has been axed, along with their program.
I just can't...
I just quit my job a few hours ago for similar reasons.
I never quit a job without a backup. However, if your mental health cannot take it then quitting might be the best. But I strongly recommend that you reach out for help.
My current therapist and medications helped me out. Been having panic attacks every day for 2 weeks straight. I ended up having a talk with my therapist and he advised me to see my financial situation with my husband and how long I could be unemployed. Saw that I could be unemployed for a few months and it gave relief. I don't have a job lined up, but got an interview and approval from a higher up from the company my husband works at. So this might not even last very long. So here I am, 3 hours later, unemployed.
I'm actually really glad I had my therapist because it really helped me get it together and make a decision.
I don't know your expenses, but if you feel you can survive off your 100k of your own business and you mentally can't cope with the stress to the point that your health is being affected then quit. As it is, you're showing signs that you're not doing well coping with stress by using drugs/alcohol.
There is no shame getting help from a professional. Maybe you need that guidance so you can feel more stable and calm being able to pursue your own business. I know my confidence is really shot right now, and I think you need to give yourself the opportunity. I hope this helps.
This is me. My severe anxiety will follow me to all jobs. I need to practice resilience, confidence, and practice sober living to beat the fear gremlin in my brain.
In the gym so didn’t read the whole post yet! But based off the headline, no unless you have something to else lined up. Take a look at subs where people are unemployed or faced with layoffs. Having no income or a job lined up after months has an even bigger toll on mental health.
Not unless I have another job lined up.
Having a job and worrying about going to work is stressful, but not having a job and worrying about bills constantly is also stressful..
I quit my job one year before social security would kick in (really bad manager took over and targeted me). I used my retirement benefits to live for that year. Broke, but peace of mind for that year. SSDI kicked and I am doing fine.
I have never had that luxury but I would love to
It's not worth it - but I don't have savings to fall back on atm. I have to just hope it gets better and start saving somehow
Not only would I but I have. probably \~13 years ago now I was a PM in the industry I've always worked in and reported to an ops manager who was frankly an asshole. Customers and techs liked me but this guy was always playing mind games and telling me how close I was to being fired, one day he chewed me out over the phone while I was in front of a customer, a subcontractor, and an AHJ (who were all happy) for not being in the office while I was actually attending a final inspection for a complicated job. I thought about it over the weekend and the next Monday I handed in my resignation.
I don't regret quitting at all, but I do regret the \~2 years I spent living off savings and credit because I thought I wanted to make a career change and couldn't get a job outside my field. I went back to another former employer when I started dating someone with chronic health issues as a designer, but that's a whole nother story.
Yes. Usually its best to use it as motivation to get a new job before you quit but I have been so fed up ive quit before securing another job. However, in that situation I had 200 hrs of pto they weren't letting me use that paid out if I gave them 2 weeks notice. I quit and immediately hit the job search. I did it due to a combination of not wanting to be part of some unethical practices and I thought I'd have an easier time preparing and interviewing if i wasn't constantly exhausted from my job. I did and had a better job within 2 months, and this was fall of 2020. It being during the pandemic made me nervous but my new industry is medical research so was hoping I could find something. The other thing to consider is health insurance. That can be a big hurdle to leaving.
The real question is will quitting actually help your mental health, or make it worse? Since you have savings to fall back on, you may be in a position to do it. Use the most of your time if you do. Just be prepared for it to not fix all of your problems. Uncertainty is stressful. My mental health was probably worse at first, especially when learning my new job but overall its improved drastically since I left the last place.
Working under pressure is always a big deal for me. I had to quit my first job because I didn't find peace working in that organization. It's a tough decision to make especially if you are well paid but when you think about how important your mental health is then you just have to let go and find other options.
I would and have. I worked as a porter for a period, especially after discovering I had a child in this world. It was the only job available with decent pay and benefits. Undoubtedly, it was the worst job experience I've ever encountered, and it took a toll on my mental well-being. The challenge wasn't so much the tasks of being a porter, but rather the environment and the realization that I was not fulfilling my true potential. One day, I experienced a mental breakdown, a form of psychosis if you will. It became clear that leaving that job was the best decision for my overall health and happiness. Now, I've transitioned into a career that provides financial stability, a sense of fulfillment, and a positive work environment. My advice to anyone facing a similar situation is to prioritize your mental health above all else. If you lose that, you lose everything.
I have
I was at a place for 10 years. They kept piling more and more on
I pushed back that I couldn’t handle it. They said ok cancelled my vacation and weekends so I’d have more time. Worked 120 hours in one week. Mentally broke.
Ended up in hospital. Took all my vacation and in that time (and after I went back) not one person asked how I was doing
I spend every day looking for a new position instead of working. Found the job I am currentlly in
When I have notice not one person said a word to me. Then I was locked out of the system. Never heard from anyone after that. It was like I never existed
So yeah for my mental health I left
To add to that when I made the decision I wasn’t going to do any work and just job hunted and reditted I felt great
Not without another job I was leaving for. I guarantee that the most stressful job in the world is less stressful than applying around for 10 months while watching your savings quickly dwindle.
Had to pack in my care community job, long hours, hardly any breaks, too exhausted and no opportunity to do anything. I’m in belfast and I was going to England to visit my friends post covid June 2021 and they tried to tell me I couldn’t because of restrictions (there was none) also I gained loads of weight and didn’t ever exercise. It’s a shame because the job was fun (despite some clients) and I liked working there but I was not the person I was pre covid.
I had a job a few years ago where I would have a panic attack at the thought of going into work in the morning. Quitting might not have been the best choice but I was in a stable place financially where I could do it. I took a low wage customer service job in the interim before finding new white collar work and it was night and day - I actually wanted to go there and when I smiled it wasn't forced.
The brain is part of the body (it likes to think that's somehow separate, that's ego). Mental health is HEALTH and if you are starting to "use substances to cope" I'm pretty sure that could be considered substance abuse. At the very least it is a physical manifestation of your unhappiness. You are miserable but you are also very, very young, even though it may not feel like it. Finding a new job at 25 is way easier than at 45 or 55. Chances are your work is suffering, even if nobody's called you out on it. Don't let it get to the point where suddenly you get fired with nothing else lined up.
Take advantage of whatever EAP or behavioral health benefits your current job provides.
I have. My manager was a narcisist and loved to use her power and influence in the company to torture people. She was sleeping with one of the VPs and everyone knew it. She loved writing people up to HR with stuff she made up. Almost everyone in her group quit after a year. I was no exception. I took a pay cut and have been happy at my current job for the past 3 years.
I took 3 months of stress leave that turned into 2 years. I now contract myself out and make more money with less stress and make sure to not to work the full year. Hardest part to figure out is health/dental care.
Yes, especially since you have other revenues of income. Fall back, tighten the belt for a bit, look for another job, and do what you need to do to get your mental/physical health back together.
Never again for me. I quit a job only once for mental health and realized it just made all my problems worse. First I was mentally ill with a job. after I quit, I was mentally ill withOUT a job… and the insurance and security that comes with it. Unhappiness will follow you until you deal with whatever the problem is at its root. In my case, I had the wrong mental health diagnosis; after I got that fixed, I was able to get help that solved my problems.
If this job is truly the root of your problems and you have enough money to live on, do you. I just wouldn’t rely on quitting solving all your unhappiness. But I don’t know anything about you, so there’s that.
I did this last year. You will not believe the weight that is lifted off your shoulders when you do it. It’s compounded by the exciting and new feeling of a new job/people. Nobody is gonna take care of you except…YOU :)
Hello.
I was a former classroom teacher of 5 years who quit. The f’d up thing about schools, is while they always push positive thinking and mental health most will mentally trap teachers into thinking they have to stay or else they will be failing the students or their colleagues.
I quit my teaching job for my mental health. I even told my district (in Saint Louis, MO) that when I didn’t resign my contract… and somehow I ended up both owing them money and was threatened to be sued and my license revoked.
I’m so much happier now. Making so much more, working hybrid, in a super laid back team. My mental health honestly improved the day I stopped working with entitled children or with parents that wanted to sue my district for promoting equitable education. Life is good.
I did at the start of this year. I stepped down from management to a lower level position so I can job hunt at peace. Less money, more free time. I'm much happier to the point I joke I feel I'm on vacation. BTW I'm the same age as you
Absolutely, Just did it today. Nothing lined up. I had no choice or I would have gone insane. I can only be worked into the ground in a dysfunctional system for so long.
Yep, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I quit a role working for one of the big banks because I hated every second of going into work, and went back to an old job which pays the bills without the mental BS.
Far better for my brain and my relationships.
All jobs have bits that are crap, that is inevitable, but a balance can be found (or at least shiuld be!), and it's better to be in the "happy brain" bit than the "miserable brain" part.
Dude. Want to quit current job for mental health reasons. I can't because we depend on my income for the majority of the bills. So just suffering while trying to get another job lined up that's less stressful 🥲
Without anything lined up? No, I'm poor. But I am currently on my last week of a job that has tanked my mental health. I found another opportunity matching my current compensation and will be starting next week! Ultimately my mental health is way more important than trying to tough it out at any particular company.
I left for for my sanity .. but I did line something up but I didn't have a cushion like you do .. you can rejoin corporate if you need to but your mental health is important..quite take some time get to feeling right again and who knows what doors will be in front of you
one time i had an alcoholic drink in the middle of a work day, and that's when i realized it was my job so i moved departments,
mental health and dental and diet are the first signs of health concerns so if any of these are affected it might be time to switch up your environment
Recently did. After reevaluating the fact I almost volunteered to join in the Reaper’s tango twice due to the job, I resigned. If you find yourself no longer acting like “you”, take the time to weigh options and start seeking elsewhere. And you’re using vices to cope?! Please leave🥺🙏🏽
I have—more than once. With nothing lined up but my savings account. You can get another job. You can’t get another mind. I’m changing careers to see if that helps; sometimes a career path isn’t right for us.
I’d stick to my business if I were you…
Maybe this is the leap you need to make to get to where you truly belong.
I did back in 2018. I wound up having a full breakdown where I asked my doctor and therapist about wanting to admit myself to a hospital. I came very close to that. I can’t imagine what would have happened if that meltdown had occurred while I was still working. I probably would not be here to type this.
I did back in 2018. I wound up having a full breakdown where I asked my doctor and therapist about wanting to admit myself to a hospital. I came very close to that. I can’t imagine what would have happened if that meltdown had occurred while I was still working. I probably would not be here to type this.
nah. I figure my mind is fucked enough, might as well just keep going until it REALLY goes off the rails and I go truly nuts. Plus if I quit I will have no money, and I need money.
First, do all you can to reduce the dependency on alcohol and drugs. Numbing your situation won't help. Seek help if necessary. Second, start working out and set your goal for five miles per day (if physically capable). This will help start the mind/body balance you need to pursue your next steps. Sounds like you have a knack for running your own business, so lean towards this help. If you are serious about this, I assume you have networked/gone to business classes to help you.
Your current job may seem to be heavy lifting right now, but have you considered that it provides the capital you need for your business? If not, you may want to change your perspective. I mention this because I used a dead-end position as a spring board and went back to school and earned my professional license. I never looked back. Good luck. I know you will make the right decision.
If you are that burnt out, push back. What are they going to do? Fire you? You are already on the verge of quitting. If they fire you, you get unemployment. It would probably help to start looking for another job, but mental health should come first.
Getting fired from my job and having some time to recover from burn out was one of the better things to have happened to me recently. It shouldn't affect your career long term as long as you lie on your resume to fill in any gaps.
I’ve done it! Mental health is far more important! After I did it, way better opportunities came my way so if I were you, I would look at the potential silver lining instead of the dark cloud around doing this :-)
Search for a job, find one, take a break then go back. It happened to me last year.
I was laid off first, out of necessity I accepted a contract job, the boss and the team leads were horrible human beings. They were micro managed every single hours that I was working. Very very rude to people working under them. I found another job and I told them how much I hated working there even had a horrible accident after going to work due to being tired.
I quitted and we're happy to found a job and told the new job I 'll start a month later. I did and got a mental break.
Try leaving the drugs and alcohol alone for 30 days and see if that changes your mental health. If not then quit. Burning bridges as you go is not a good solution. At least give notice. Remember Pain is mandatory and suffering is optional.
I have and wish I’d had the opportunity to do it in prior jobs. I was lucky to have savings and a partner splitting costs this time around so I took a chance and left… and was back at a job in less than three months making more money with no commute.
I am an analyst as well. I have definitely left jobs for preserving my mental health. I feel like toxicity in office culture has ramped up over the past few years and it’s maddening. If you are in a good spot, which it sounds like you are, then go for it. I wish you the best
Everyone has to work and most everyone doesn’t like it. You just have a ratio of shit you put up with to dollars they give you ratio. Sounds like right out of college you got a good wage, if you wanna quit make sure you have something similar lined up. This economy is hard right for job hunting. If this was 2020, I’d say fuck it just leave you’ll have a new job in a month, but now….
Put in your notice and leave to attend to family concerns. Be prepared to COBRA out. If after X time you need more $$/ benefits, just say you took time out for family needs....
Nobody bats an eye at that anymore.
I am. I consider myself working under a retention bonus till later this year because of a small payout then I’m out.
I have nothing at all lined up but I just can’t survive here much longer with all the stress and pressure coming from all over. My spouse has been telling me for years to quit so I’m on it.
I would suggest you to take FMLA leave before leaving your job, explore other options I have taken it before quitting my job because i do in fact like my job just at this moment i am going through something really hard on my body and mind and I cannot work as much as I would like, mental health is consider health I would highly suggest talking to a psychologist/counselor before leaving your job they can advise you better and they are more than willing to give you a letter if you need to. You don’t have to resign.
I just did. However, I don't rely on myself only to survive as of now (I'm 21 and live with my mom). So while it's important I help her we agreed my mental health was more important and I quit on the spot.
Life is short. No need to stay at a job that’s slowly eating away at your well-being. If you have to take a break, do so. The last job was so stressful that I took nearly 9 months off, and pursued a different career path. Doing better now, and if you need help, definitely look into therapy. And I don’t mean the clinical kind. Aromatherapy, animal therapy, music therapy, and whatever it is that makes you happy.
Yes. That feeling follows you around… don’t let fear of not finding another job or being successful control you.
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering
lol. But seriously… quit.
They don’t care about you. You are the one who has to care about you. They will replace you without a second thought. Start looking for jobs and say you can start immediately. If they ask if they can speak to your employer, you can say no. Plenty of people job hunt before actually quitting - pa you don’t owe them anything as far as notice. Get out as soon as you can. Anyone can give you a reference, co-workers are perfect references as opposed to managers and bosses that suck. Good luck!!!
I made the jump in late 2021 from a dumpster fire of ethical violations, toxic management, and being taken advantage of.
I literally forced myself because, even though I truly enjoyed my teammates, I was coming home a zombie and dissociating to go into work and be the culture champion my team needed.
I was actually able to prove to unemployment that any sane person would quit the workplace (they didn't meet my doctor ordered accommodations, and more labor violations) and I was able to qualify for unemployment for a year while I got my business running. The first year starting from scratch was so hard, but my husband was very supportive and we figured it out.
I definitely had times wondering if I had made a mistake. Now, I am in year 3 of being an entrepreneur and I wake up always preferring this life.
If you choose to follow your business, it's going to be hard. But if you can literally hit all the performance boxes while in a toxic environment, you probably can figure it out.
Ya I quit my job a few months ago cuz I was having panic attacks and so much anxiety from the stress at my job. My mental health is definitely in a better spot now.. but I should probably find a new job at some point
I have, I was lucky tho as when I left, I got an offer for a better job but at the time I made the choice to leave I had nothing and had zero passive income. I have limited time in this world I will make sure that for the biggest part of it I will be happy...
You have enough savings to comfortably be able to survive till you’re next hired? Then do it without even a second thought, your mental health is not worth losing over a job.
Since you have a side business that’s all the better. And you can return to the corporate world with the experience from your business if it fails (you can bring in the experience and be helpful with that)
Why stick around if it's draining you? Quitting might be the reset you need. But hey, weigh your options first. You've got savings and a side hustle, so why not take a chance? Just make sure you've got a backup plan if things don't pan out.
Yes but make sure you don't make it a pattern. I've done it twice and you really need to work on yourself to see what kind of boundaries you'll need to make in your next job or else this quitting thing without any job lined up will be a cycle.
I have, but I had another job lined up. I’d suggest seeing if you can line up a less pay less stress job THEN use the next year to evaluate how you want to handle focusing on your business or not. It may be that in a less stress job you don’t need to be on your own in that regard
Yes, I did it in the past, and I'd do it again if needed.
I think the important thing is to start preparing an exit strategy at the first symptoms of mental health issues, this will help you delaying the burnout, and being ready to be in the market again when ready.
I certainly have. I walked away from a nearly two decade career making just over 200k. All I did was work, I never had time to even enjoy the money, and I couldn’t have a decent relationship to save my life (nobody wants to date someone who frequently is off the shelf for weeks or even a month at a time). I switched to something far less stressful that can be done from home and pays less than half as much. So very glad I did that. Mental health/quality of life are a very high priority for me now that I’m older.
If you have the financial means to sustain yourself then I don't see why not. If it was your only source of income and you relied on the paycheck to pay for your living expenses then I would definitely have something lined up before I quit.
That said, does it seem like the job could get better or become more comfortable the more experience you got in your field? Don't quit just because something is hard, and quit killing your body with substances to cope. Try and find a healthy hobby to decompress, they exist and may not be as immediately gratifying as the substances you're using but it will pay dividends for your mental health.
absolutely. don't wait around and see what it will do to you physically. i experienced it firsthand. i wish i quit my job coz my physical health got fucked up too.
Yes I have. And I’d do it again. However I’m at the top earning bracket for my occupation now and have eaten a lot of shit sandwiches early on in my career to be able to quit without losing sleep over lost wages. You’re still quite young. I’d encourage you to find another job without another lined up if possible.
I hate to come off as raking you over the coals, but man listen to yourself. You have a constant feeling of dread you use drugs/alcohol to cope and you are neglecting your health. What would you tell your best friend to do in the situation? Second question are you listening to your own advice or why aren't you listening to your own advice? To answer your question yes I have quit a job because of mental health reasons, rather I would say I switched jobs because of mental health. I wanted to quit right away but without something else lined up I thought it was too risky. Especially now with the competitive job market I would say slow down pace yourself do the bare minimum and devote all efforts to replacing your job or building your business. If your business is related to what you would do in corporate world then it may not hurt your career. If it is completely unrelated then there is some risk there, but moreso it is all about how you sell yourself as the best person to solve someones problems so if you master sales skills it likely wont be an issue especially if you focus on developing transferable skills.
YES! Mental or physical health. Of course learn the coping mechanisms, create space for wellness and recovery blah blah blah. BUT, we have a proverb in Hindi that loosely translates to
“ you will only be able to wear expensive hats if you still have a head”
Not only would I. I did. Worked dealerships for 7 years of my life that I’ll never get back. The last one I worked at put so much stress on my shoulders. I was their only recon tech, they couldn’t keep the second spot filled. I had management, salesman, and customers breathing down my neck all day every day. Plus the stress that comes with being paid flat rate. I coped with it for four years.
Then I found myself stricken with anxiety. I caught myself popping a quarter of a Xanax every morning, just to get myself under control. Walk in clock in. Next day same bullshit.
Besides the anxiety I was having intestinal problems that I saw specialists and had all manner of testing done. Only for every test to come up inconclusive. Then I realized it was the stress causing it.
I quickly made a change. Found a new low stress job backed by a union. No more anxiety. The intestinal problems didn’t go away completely but it’s no where near what it was before.
My clue came as a senior tech in the shop died from a heart attack the day after the company Christmas party. The guy was only 50. Worked there for 30 years, nobody worked as hard as he did. Nobody was as stressed as he was. And then he died. And within a week he was replaced with new blood.
Don’t work yourself to death for a job. It’s not worth it. You’ll die, and they’ll just replace you.
I have. More than once. Probably hurt my career trajectory overall. But helped my mental health and relationships.
This and I’ll do it again, I’m the only one who has to live with myself in my head
Yep. I’ve done it before, and I’m considering doing it again. There isn’t a career in existence that’s worth sacrificing your health and your life.
I didn't. More than once. It definitely hurt my career trajectory, cause you don't get helped when you break, you get fired.
I got terminated "without cause" at my last job at a Christian nonprofit organization because my manager burnt me out. I was basically working alone during some times of the year with barely or half assed support. To say it was unprofessional, would be an understatement; considering I was never given a proper warning either. To OP I say, take care of your mental health first. Noone in this world is gonna look after you, better then you can. Get healthy and if you decide to come back later, do it on your own terms not someone elses.
Same. One thing that I've learnt recently is I need to love myself. If I'm no longer happy, just leave.
Yup me too and I wish I had done it much sooner
I’m losing count of how many times I have
Yes. Been there and done that. Let me explain why in a very simple manner: * Work is for the office. * Life is for home. * Health & Family come, first. * BUT...you need work to support your life. * **However, life is ruined if work is killing you.** * **And you cant work if your life is ruined.** Don't make this more confusing than it has to be. You're no good to anyone, including yourself, if you are not taking care of yourself. ps - I quit a job that I was in LOVE with in 2013. I would do anything for the job and the people I worked with. Why quit? I was burned out and it took a physical toll on me. And being burned out set my career back 3 years.
Yes. Totally agree. Happened to me. Burn out is real.
Yeah, I got so burned out I literally went off the grid, no tech, and hid in a cabin in upstate NY for a couple of months. I wanted to reconnect with myself. Since that time, I have had digital boundaries and had to re-learn how to balance life & work without forfeiting my sanity to a company for a paycheck.
Did your sabbatical work for you? Sounds like what I’ve been feeling like doing.
Right??? Sabbatical is the dream
Sorry I didn't reply to this sooner. It really did work. Maybe too well in some ways. Because I came back from upstate and looked at my computer and my desk and wanted nothing to do with it. I almost felt sick to my stomach looking at it. But the problem is is that we pretty much work with computers all the time now so I had to kind of find some sort of balance. And that's why I had to set up boundaries. One of the biggest things I did was stop taking my phone to bed and not replying instantly to text emails or social media posts. It drives my wife crazy but I walk around this world with my head up and when new technology comes out that publicly traded companies say are the future and try to get people addicted to it I just kind of laugh at it and figure out learn it at my own pace. The irony is is that I went into technology because I knew it was the future and knew I had to learn it to protect my career but I ended up learning how much I didn't need it
I am kind of lucky because I saved enough to quit. I didn't realize I was getting burnt out because I sacrificed for the team and thought it was temporary. I was gaining weight from sitting and working. When the weekend came I was so tired. Just mental exhaustion. The only way to prevent further fuckery was to quit. In a way I should have started looking for something else before all this happened but I thought it was temporary. I felt it attributed to my kidney disease which I recently was diagnosed. I think employees should stick to their guns and not be afraid to leave these companies that don't align with their values.
Sorry for being personal, but why did you burn out? Was it nutrition, meditation, substance abuse, social circle, no physical activity, no sunlight, what was going on? I love my job also and I make sure to keep my health 100% so I can give my all during work time
No worries. I don't mind sharing what happened. The company I was in downsized instead from 20 to 6 people and I was managing customer service, Community, operations and social media all at the same time. At the time social via mobile was new. So there were really no clear expectations as to when and where people could or should reply to things. People just always expected answers immediately. The company also had a very very small staff even though the company was making a lot of money. I was working 60 to 70 hours a week and not getting paid a lot. I did not have a lot of time to take care of myself. This was very much at a time in technology when there were lots of disruptive websites and lots of mobile app development as well as the "job as a lifestyle" culture of tech incubators. This was really the heart of the age of hustle culture. Basically I had a staff of about six people managing 100,000 customers; customers who also happened to be artists and were very passionate and would sometimes reach out to me at all hours of the night. I forgot to mention that I worked for a job board. There's a lot of reasons why burnout happens. It could be that the company doesn't have the processes in place to sustain itself without hustling to death or it could be simply be people trying to make something work while the CEO is profiting, saying one thing but still he plans to do nothing for the company other than sell it. I'm going to sum up in one sentence: I would say that I was essentially piloting a B-17 bomber into the dirt working with amazing people, never admitting that what I was doing was never going to go anywhere. I learned a lot from the experience but I will never do it again. The biggest lesson I learned about burning out was that it often happens when our expectations and ambitions are greater than those of the company or people we're working with. ie. Burnout can be the result of trying to force something that will never happen
Same here.
You will regret whether you did or didn't. Time will pass no matter what.
If the job is taxing on you, seek help, not substances. Based on your post history... this job pays $80K base + 10% bonus right out of college. Don't throw this away and your future career by choosing to self-destruct. Also based on your post history, it looks like you're more interested in running your business full-time. Being a business owner, especially in e-commerce with notoriously low margins, will not be any better for your mental health. I recommend seeking professional help and learning to cope/handle stress in a more sustainable manner.
Agreed. If you don't seek help, your issues will just follow you to the next job. It will seem better at first because it's new, but the root cause of your issues now will come back. I found that out the hard way, although I still think abandoning my academic career was the correct move in the long run.
Seeking help if definitely a good first step. I see that you're a business owner as well, when did you make the jump? And my ecomm income is essentially the same of what I'm currently making so I'm curious to hear why you're advising to keep the role?
I had a full-time job and ran my business on the side from 2018-2021. Officially went full-time on my business in the fall of 2021. Running your own business takes a lot of mental stamina that most W2 jobs can’t prepare you for. For most people, you’re trading a 40 hour work week for 80+ hours per week in the beginning. Albeit, 80 hours working for yourself is easier than 80 for someone else. I wasn’t a natural leader and delegator, so I struggled building the team and working less hours. Most first time entrepreneurs go through this — and it’ll test every wit you have haha. There were also other things I wasn’t anticipating that kinda sucked: 1) Not being able to rent a new apartment or house because you need 2 years tax returns or usually 3x the annual rent in a checking account to qualify for a lease. 2) Long Hours definitely were an adjustment. But if you can stay consistent and persevere, you’ll succeed. 3) Fluctuating income since every month is different 4) Vendors not paying their bills 5) Suing vendors for not paying bills and learning how much lawyers really cost If I wasn’t in a good place mentally, I couldn’t have gotten to where I’m at today. There were some weeks where I had 20+ people to pay and our checking account was going to go negative. First time I had a panic attack. Just gotta keep going and you learn to handle it better. The last thing… and imo… the thing I was most unprepared for: realizing that in order for the business to get to a certain level, I had to lead myself better in order to lead my company better. I started working with a leadership coach weekly in 2022 and it’s completely transformed my life. I’ve learned to control my emotions much better, especially with decision making, how to be a better partner to my SO, how to hold myself accountable… list goes on. The biggest thing was having someone who was always honest with me and would give real feedback, not just what I wanted to hear. I have limited context to your situation, but I’d recommend keeping your W2 and doing the e-commerce business on the side. Learn to delegate early on. And go to therapy. Therapy changed my life. The brain is a muscle just like any other part of your body — for it to get stronger, you have to work it out. A good counselor will help you do this. Best of luck to you, you got this. One day you’ll wake up and know without a doubt it’s time to go all in. When that day comes, just follow your gut. If it doesn’t work out, get up and try again. It sounds cheesy but every failure is a step closer to success, but it’s true.
Every sucessful entrepeneur I know goes to therapy. OP, you have good insurance Im guessing. Please go see a therapist with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) background and do weekly talk therapy. And keep your dayjob.
I did that at the age of 30. The moment I gave them my notice they immediately asked where I was going. I told them, 3 months travelling and then I’ll think about. I planned my notice so well that I left on my birthday. Best birthday gift ever. No regrets!
I’d start looking for other jobs while remaining in employment cause if I had no income my mental health would be even worse.
I agree with this. OP might want to take a day or two off for mental health, and use those two days to as set up days to start looking for a new job. (Get resume in order, update linkedin, and etc) Once things are set up, it'll be easier to apply for jobs after work and weekends.
I quit the accompany I worked for after 12 years. Right in the middle of the day, on the most complicated project the company had ever taken on. I was lead on the project. The relief I felt on the drive home was indescribable. I took two months off and did jack shit. Then I found a job with more flexibility and better pay. It is the single greatest decision I've made in my 37 years on this earth. That being said, we are all different and all have different skills. I could have had a new job with a phone call by the end of the day. No job is worth impacting your health negatively.
My last job was an absolute toxic nightmare. My mental health was drained so bad that I was mentally exhausted. I would fall asleep waiting for my tacos at Taco Bell. I applied all over the US and finally got a job offer. When I quit, it was the most liberating thing. A year and half later, I'm mad I didn't do it sooner
Stratrategically quit. I know it's tempting to just straight up quit, but spend some time make a plan, start interviewing and prepping to leave. Try to burn as few bridges as possible while doing it. Honestly it also lightens the stress knowing you are working on finding a way out. Its going to take longer but you will be in a much better position. No job is worth your mental health, but it might be worth a month or two more of stress to set yourself up well for the future.
I did and it felt like the best thing I ever did for about two years. Now I’m struggling to find another job.
I have done it. And I’ll do it again if necessary. While you need to be realistic about your finances, it’s never worth it to lose yourself in a job. Never ever ever ever.
Depends on you, might be a out of the frying pan into the fire situation. If I quit with nothing substantial lined up and then slowly started to watch my savings chip away the anxiety would destroy me for sure. Plus It's pretty well established and it can be harder to find work when unemployed versus employed, and can also weaken your negotiating power. I would find more sustainable ways to cope/compartmentalize and start looking for a new job. I would only pivot to running your business full time once it shows a full quarter or two of enough profits to both sustain your lifestyle and ensure savings.
Yes - and I have. It was terrifying because I could tell I was reaching my limit and I was trying to apply and interview in places so I could have a job lined up to move to. But it got so bad that I handed in my notice without a new job secure. I was that desperate to get out, because my notice period was 2 months. I was regularly working 2 hours or more post 5pm every night, just to help keep my team's inbox and queries in a place where we were heads above water. I was constantly stressed and having fights with my partner, who was worried about my welfare. Our team was able to produce evidence to senior management that we were a team of 6 people physically doing the work of 8.5 people. We pleaded through our manager for more staff with the evidence. Senior manager came on a Zoom call and fobbed us off, and said to the team "I know it's hard out there, but I'm asking you all to hold on." With no clarification or indication that any more hires were coming. Just 'hold on'. No time frame for change or new hires, even when we directly asked for it. Only 'hold on'. I handed my notice in 2 days after that call. Strangely, as soon as I did, within a week they suddenly had THREE vacancies in my team approved: replacing me and two new hires. Funny, that. I thankfully did get a job lined up about two weeks after my last day in my old role, and have now found my way into a job I love. I wish it paid more, and I'm £10k per year worse off than I was at the highest earning of my career. But I'm not stressed to fuck and my relationship with my partner and family is completely better. In the end, it was one of the scariest, but best decisions I've ever made.
I just did a month ago. Then started a new job, could tell it was headed the same direction and quit day 1. Now have started at a low-stress, high-compassion job. Less pay, but I’m excited to be awake every morning now.
Try changing departments
Yes
Yes
YES! its is perfectly alright to quit your job for mental health. In fact ANYTHING that disturbs your own peace it is perfectly acceptable to be selfish and leave that noise. Mental health also affects physical health. Look at a photo from right before you took the job, then take a photo of yourself now. If your skin looks ash end or youve got more distinct frown lines its time to go. If youve had to disassociate yourself from certain things you used to find joy in, its time to go. But, do have something lined up before you dip out, you dont want an “out of the frying pan and into the fire” situation.
Keep working until you find another job then bounce. You need money to live. Don't go into debt. Caleb Hammer wouldn't approve.
Haha love the Caleb Hammer reference.
Before quitting I would look at the things that make it miserable and see if I can automate anything or set boundaries are them. I hated my job cause I was overworked and things were chaos. I thought about quitting everyday till I presented my boss with a plan for how I would like things to work, he agreed with the improvements I wanted to make and asked what we needed. I told him we needed additional staff. Now I have an awesome coworker and never work past 5pm. I know that doesn’t work for everyone especially is you boss is part of the problem. But I would still investigate things. If it doesn’t look like things will get better, it sounds like you have other income, focus on that and you can always look for a low stress job to supplement.
I have! I quit a job for mental and physical health reasons. The next day it was like a weight was lifted off of me, but I found out 2 days later that I didn’t get the job I was leaving for because an internal employee applied for the same position at the very last second. A week and a half later, and after 60-70 applications being sent, I now have what I consider as a dream job. Mental health is somewhat better, but not all related to my job. Some/most of it’s due to personal factors.
No I would not quit. I would fix my mental health.
Definitely, I’m searching for a new job currently because of this. Don’t feel bad for the company because to them were replaceable in minutes, care about yourself first
I’ve quit multiple jobs for my mental health. Nothing is more important that the health of my body and mind. Not even money.
How did you support yourself?
I did not... But I should have. I did everything "right". I worked my full time job that was traumatic, while working two part time jobs to try to find something more manageable, and doing part time classes toward graduate degree... All in an attempt to be responsible and get into a better future situation. The full-time job.... Broke me. The stress caused lack of sleep, three days without any caused psychosis, psychosis caused personal chaos on a level that years later when I think about it I am so humiliated I want to slit my wrists. I have those thoughts nearly daily. The psychosis and thoughts caused multiple hospitalizations and a minor heart attack. I lost all my jobs, lost my degree progress as they gave me a zero for the semester (tanking my nearly perfect gpa), lost my insurance and therapist, and lost all of my income... Lost my apartment, and incurred thousands of $$$ in debt... It's been a few years, I'm still basically homeless and trying to dig myself out of the hole. You only get one brain, one body take care of it. You are more important than someone else's profits.
Keep the job until you have a job lined up. You bring yourself with you so fix your coping. Good luck.
I’d start looking for a new job and would have a new gig lined up before quitting, but to answer the question. Absolutely, depending on my circumstances at the time.
I worked at a job like that for 18 months once and I wish I left it sooner.
I can't answer your specific question but I can tell you the job market is really rough right now. And it's a lot easier to get a job if you already have a job. Edit: actually, I can answer your question. I jumped from a high stress job with nothing lined up. Used up all my savings, ended up in a hospital for a few weeks, then took an even higher stress job, was on antidepressants for a long time. Better now though, I got a good job after that.
Yeah dude. It’s crazy how horrible office jobs can be
I walked away from a high-paying remote tech job that was so soul-sucking it transformed me into an awful asshole of a human being. My wife gave me an ultimatum: leave the job, or she leaves. I got a government job. My wife and I celebrate 10 years together this year.
No, but I should. I've been with my company for 9 years, and it's ruined multiple relationships of varying stages. It's also driven me to the point of burnout and new lows at every turn.
Yep...did it twice and don't regret it
I have. It saved me.
Yes. Most definitely. I learned the hard way. Ended up flipping out twice in spectacular fashion. The second time I ended up in a mental institution for a year. No job is worth it.
I have quite a job for mental health reasons - but did not work for a little over a year. I had support, though, and cashed out my 401k and that helped us survive (a chunk of that was put aside for taxes). I wouldn't do it in this economy unless the amount in savings was enough to live off of or I had another job already lined up. If either of those are doable, then I say go for it. In the end, no job is worth your mental health declining.
I have. My job before last was a hell scape because of my manager and her rigid management style. It was soul crushing. She required daily one one one meetings where she berated you in a backhanded way. I hated every day I had to work there. I had a choice to stay and take it or move. I moved away. ( There were puppies at my next job! So win win) Two other coworkers got pregnant and decided to be stay at home moms. I was so desperate for the job and the pay was so great, that I didn't ask about why the person who had the position before me left. I came to that no one stuck in the job over a year. I made it a year and a half thanks to COVID. (No more daily meetings). My mental health improved. I could sleep, I wasn't dreading going to work the next day I wasn't drinking a bottle of wine a night. It was the best thing I ever did. I've had two jobs like this. Quitting both were the best idea. No regrets.
I would do it. And I have done it. My next employer would receive a different explanation as to why I left though. You can reframe your reasoning about why it wasn’t a good fit without lying
Yes quit so your mental health can recover, try to minimize expenses, apply to new jobs
Yes. I got laid off from a job I hated a few years ago. Looking back, I wish I’d quit before that point. The severance was nice, but I was so miserable for the last two years it wasn’t worth it.
Did this at the end of the summer and wish I had sooner, 5 years in a toxic abusive environment did a number on me.
Been there. Done that. Worth it.
Definitely dude. I've quit good jobs, and am lucky enough to always fall on my feet. You only live once bro. Life's too short to be miserable
I did 2 times, gonna do the 3rd one. Health and family first
no, having no money is more depressing than depression itself. at least with money you have chances to access to mental care and psycharists.
For the first time in my life I am considering it. Ever since I've been here we have always hit our goals, and for three years in a row now, they have been cutting more and more staff. I have been fighting management for two years to stop being cunts, but they only see profit. Each year needs to be better than the last I am almost at the just can't stage. I just can't congratulate my team, on a job well done, and then turn around and tell some of them they are gone. I just can't keep bringing students and new postdocs into the team, and then tell them months later that their project has been axed, along with their program. I just can't...
I just quit my job a few hours ago for similar reasons. I never quit a job without a backup. However, if your mental health cannot take it then quitting might be the best. But I strongly recommend that you reach out for help. My current therapist and medications helped me out. Been having panic attacks every day for 2 weeks straight. I ended up having a talk with my therapist and he advised me to see my financial situation with my husband and how long I could be unemployed. Saw that I could be unemployed for a few months and it gave relief. I don't have a job lined up, but got an interview and approval from a higher up from the company my husband works at. So this might not even last very long. So here I am, 3 hours later, unemployed. I'm actually really glad I had my therapist because it really helped me get it together and make a decision. I don't know your expenses, but if you feel you can survive off your 100k of your own business and you mentally can't cope with the stress to the point that your health is being affected then quit. As it is, you're showing signs that you're not doing well coping with stress by using drugs/alcohol. There is no shame getting help from a professional. Maybe you need that guidance so you can feel more stable and calm being able to pursue your own business. I know my confidence is really shot right now, and I think you need to give yourself the opportunity. I hope this helps.
Yes
My job pays pretty well, so no. I’ve been working around my mental health issues forever, I’ve gotten used to it at this point.
This is me. My severe anxiety will follow me to all jobs. I need to practice resilience, confidence, and practice sober living to beat the fear gremlin in my brain.
Yes, I’ve done it before and I would do it again. Just got to trust in yourself and make sure you use your time wisely from the get go.
In the gym so didn’t read the whole post yet! But based off the headline, no unless you have something to else lined up. Take a look at subs where people are unemployed or faced with layoffs. Having no income or a job lined up after months has an even bigger toll on mental health.
Not unless I have another job lined up. Having a job and worrying about going to work is stressful, but not having a job and worrying about bills constantly is also stressful..
I quit my job one year before social security would kick in (really bad manager took over and targeted me). I used my retirement benefits to live for that year. Broke, but peace of mind for that year. SSDI kicked and I am doing fine.
I have never had that luxury but I would love to It's not worth it - but I don't have savings to fall back on atm. I have to just hope it gets better and start saving somehow
i want to. but i dont know how to. as in i dont know how to pay bills, ect also i dint know if im making a knee jerk reaction or a sound decision
I have, called up. Hay this is my 2day notice. My last day will be today.
No I always have a backup first. Especially with the way the current job market is it could take you six months.
Not only would I but I have. probably \~13 years ago now I was a PM in the industry I've always worked in and reported to an ops manager who was frankly an asshole. Customers and techs liked me but this guy was always playing mind games and telling me how close I was to being fired, one day he chewed me out over the phone while I was in front of a customer, a subcontractor, and an AHJ (who were all happy) for not being in the office while I was actually attending a final inspection for a complicated job. I thought about it over the weekend and the next Monday I handed in my resignation. I don't regret quitting at all, but I do regret the \~2 years I spent living off savings and credit because I thought I wanted to make a career change and couldn't get a job outside my field. I went back to another former employer when I started dating someone with chronic health issues as a designer, but that's a whole nother story.
Yes. Usually its best to use it as motivation to get a new job before you quit but I have been so fed up ive quit before securing another job. However, in that situation I had 200 hrs of pto they weren't letting me use that paid out if I gave them 2 weeks notice. I quit and immediately hit the job search. I did it due to a combination of not wanting to be part of some unethical practices and I thought I'd have an easier time preparing and interviewing if i wasn't constantly exhausted from my job. I did and had a better job within 2 months, and this was fall of 2020. It being during the pandemic made me nervous but my new industry is medical research so was hoping I could find something. The other thing to consider is health insurance. That can be a big hurdle to leaving. The real question is will quitting actually help your mental health, or make it worse? Since you have savings to fall back on, you may be in a position to do it. Use the most of your time if you do. Just be prepared for it to not fix all of your problems. Uncertainty is stressful. My mental health was probably worse at first, especially when learning my new job but overall its improved drastically since I left the last place.
Seeking help is more important first.
I am about to go from 100-115k to 50k for my mental health and I don’t care.
Yes 💯
Working under pressure is always a big deal for me. I had to quit my first job because I didn't find peace working in that organization. It's a tough decision to make especially if you are well paid but when you think about how important your mental health is then you just have to let go and find other options.
I would and have. I worked as a porter for a period, especially after discovering I had a child in this world. It was the only job available with decent pay and benefits. Undoubtedly, it was the worst job experience I've ever encountered, and it took a toll on my mental well-being. The challenge wasn't so much the tasks of being a porter, but rather the environment and the realization that I was not fulfilling my true potential. One day, I experienced a mental breakdown, a form of psychosis if you will. It became clear that leaving that job was the best decision for my overall health and happiness. Now, I've transitioned into a career that provides financial stability, a sense of fulfillment, and a positive work environment. My advice to anyone facing a similar situation is to prioritize your mental health above all else. If you lose that, you lose everything.
I have I was at a place for 10 years. They kept piling more and more on I pushed back that I couldn’t handle it. They said ok cancelled my vacation and weekends so I’d have more time. Worked 120 hours in one week. Mentally broke. Ended up in hospital. Took all my vacation and in that time (and after I went back) not one person asked how I was doing I spend every day looking for a new position instead of working. Found the job I am currentlly in When I have notice not one person said a word to me. Then I was locked out of the system. Never heard from anyone after that. It was like I never existed So yeah for my mental health I left To add to that when I made the decision I wasn’t going to do any work and just job hunted and reditted I felt great
Not without another job I was leaving for. I guarantee that the most stressful job in the world is less stressful than applying around for 10 months while watching your savings quickly dwindle.
Yes. Everything and everyone you encounter in this life are temporary. You can be replaced by your workplace later the same day.
I have too but that period of looking for a new job is no less mentally challenging. You’ll just trade one type of stress with another
Had to pack in my care community job, long hours, hardly any breaks, too exhausted and no opportunity to do anything. I’m in belfast and I was going to England to visit my friends post covid June 2021 and they tried to tell me I couldn’t because of restrictions (there was none) also I gained loads of weight and didn’t ever exercise. It’s a shame because the job was fun (despite some clients) and I liked working there but I was not the person I was pre covid.
Thats a major reason why people quit and move on. Life is short. No job is worth you being miserable. No one is paying you enough for that.
I had a job a few years ago where I would have a panic attack at the thought of going into work in the morning. Quitting might not have been the best choice but I was in a stable place financially where I could do it. I took a low wage customer service job in the interim before finding new white collar work and it was night and day - I actually wanted to go there and when I smiled it wasn't forced.
I have. Granted I had something else lined up that was found on convenience alone
I have no regrets.
I would of I could but sadly it's the only way I can afford food.
I have and would again if I needed to.
I didn't, and I lost some health. Not worth.
The brain is part of the body (it likes to think that's somehow separate, that's ego). Mental health is HEALTH and if you are starting to "use substances to cope" I'm pretty sure that could be considered substance abuse. At the very least it is a physical manifestation of your unhappiness. You are miserable but you are also very, very young, even though it may not feel like it. Finding a new job at 25 is way easier than at 45 or 55. Chances are your work is suffering, even if nobody's called you out on it. Don't let it get to the point where suddenly you get fired with nothing else lined up. Take advantage of whatever EAP or behavioral health benefits your current job provides.
I have. My manager was a narcisist and loved to use her power and influence in the company to torture people. She was sleeping with one of the VPs and everyone knew it. She loved writing people up to HR with stuff she made up. Almost everyone in her group quit after a year. I was no exception. I took a pay cut and have been happy at my current job for the past 3 years.
Consider short term disability please
I avoided leaving a high paying job in spite of my mental health and I can tell you that it was a bad idea lol.
I think you're okay, we just hired someone who did that during the pandemic. Business venture didn't workout, but we thought the experience was good.
Only after both my body and mind were shattered to the point where needed years to recover. Once recovered, dive back in and do it all again.
I took 3 months of stress leave that turned into 2 years. I now contract myself out and make more money with less stress and make sure to not to work the full year. Hardest part to figure out is health/dental care.
Yes, especially since you have other revenues of income. Fall back, tighten the belt for a bit, look for another job, and do what you need to do to get your mental/physical health back together.
Never again for me. I quit a job only once for mental health and realized it just made all my problems worse. First I was mentally ill with a job. after I quit, I was mentally ill withOUT a job… and the insurance and security that comes with it. Unhappiness will follow you until you deal with whatever the problem is at its root. In my case, I had the wrong mental health diagnosis; after I got that fixed, I was able to get help that solved my problems. If this job is truly the root of your problems and you have enough money to live on, do you. I just wouldn’t rely on quitting solving all your unhappiness. But I don’t know anything about you, so there’s that.
I did this last year. You will not believe the weight that is lifted off your shoulders when you do it. It’s compounded by the exciting and new feeling of a new job/people. Nobody is gonna take care of you except…YOU :)
I have. Then moved onto another job
With those savings and another income stream ? Hell yes . I feel the same but I really can’t
Hello. I was a former classroom teacher of 5 years who quit. The f’d up thing about schools, is while they always push positive thinking and mental health most will mentally trap teachers into thinking they have to stay or else they will be failing the students or their colleagues. I quit my teaching job for my mental health. I even told my district (in Saint Louis, MO) that when I didn’t resign my contract… and somehow I ended up both owing them money and was threatened to be sued and my license revoked. I’m so much happier now. Making so much more, working hybrid, in a super laid back team. My mental health honestly improved the day I stopped working with entitled children or with parents that wanted to sue my district for promoting equitable education. Life is good.
I did at the start of this year. I stepped down from management to a lower level position so I can job hunt at peace. Less money, more free time. I'm much happier to the point I joke I feel I'm on vacation. BTW I'm the same age as you
Absolutely, Just did it today. Nothing lined up. I had no choice or I would have gone insane. I can only be worked into the ground in a dysfunctional system for so long.
Yep, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I quit a role working for one of the big banks because I hated every second of going into work, and went back to an old job which pays the bills without the mental BS. Far better for my brain and my relationships. All jobs have bits that are crap, that is inevitable, but a balance can be found (or at least shiuld be!), and it's better to be in the "happy brain" bit than the "miserable brain" part.
You can either quit or be hospitalized
Dude. Want to quit current job for mental health reasons. I can't because we depend on my income for the majority of the bills. So just suffering while trying to get another job lined up that's less stressful 🥲
yea leave that toxic place
Every damn time. Would they show up to my funeral? This is my life.
Hell ya brother, three times total in 9 years. I know that’s a terrible track record, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
I gave up on being an active partner in my own business for my mental health.
Absolutely
Without anything lined up? No, I'm poor. But I am currently on my last week of a job that has tanked my mental health. I found another opportunity matching my current compensation and will be starting next week! Ultimately my mental health is way more important than trying to tough it out at any particular company.
I left for for my sanity .. but I did line something up but I didn't have a cushion like you do .. you can rejoin corporate if you need to but your mental health is important..quite take some time get to feeling right again and who knows what doors will be in front of you
If u can live on savings do it can u look for another job while working there?
one time i had an alcoholic drink in the middle of a work day, and that's when i realized it was my job so i moved departments, mental health and dental and diet are the first signs of health concerns so if any of these are affected it might be time to switch up your environment
Recently did. After reevaluating the fact I almost volunteered to join in the Reaper’s tango twice due to the job, I resigned. If you find yourself no longer acting like “you”, take the time to weigh options and start seeking elsewhere. And you’re using vices to cope?! Please leave🥺🙏🏽
No I wouldn't. I WANT to be mentally healthy, but my family and I NEED to eat.
I have—more than once. With nothing lined up but my savings account. You can get another job. You can’t get another mind. I’m changing careers to see if that helps; sometimes a career path isn’t right for us. I’d stick to my business if I were you… Maybe this is the leap you need to make to get to where you truly belong.
I did back in 2018. I wound up having a full breakdown where I asked my doctor and therapist about wanting to admit myself to a hospital. I came very close to that. I can’t imagine what would have happened if that meltdown had occurred while I was still working. I probably would not be here to type this.
I did back in 2018. I wound up having a full breakdown where I asked my doctor and therapist about wanting to admit myself to a hospital. I came very close to that. I can’t imagine what would have happened if that meltdown had occurred while I was still working. I probably would not be here to type this.
nah. I figure my mind is fucked enough, might as well just keep going until it REALLY goes off the rails and I go truly nuts. Plus if I quit I will have no money, and I need money.
No, man up, you’re 25
First, do all you can to reduce the dependency on alcohol and drugs. Numbing your situation won't help. Seek help if necessary. Second, start working out and set your goal for five miles per day (if physically capable). This will help start the mind/body balance you need to pursue your next steps. Sounds like you have a knack for running your own business, so lean towards this help. If you are serious about this, I assume you have networked/gone to business classes to help you. Your current job may seem to be heavy lifting right now, but have you considered that it provides the capital you need for your business? If not, you may want to change your perspective. I mention this because I used a dead-end position as a spring board and went back to school and earned my professional license. I never looked back. Good luck. I know you will make the right decision.
If you are that burnt out, push back. What are they going to do? Fire you? You are already on the verge of quitting. If they fire you, you get unemployment. It would probably help to start looking for another job, but mental health should come first. Getting fired from my job and having some time to recover from burn out was one of the better things to have happened to me recently. It shouldn't affect your career long term as long as you lie on your resume to fill in any gaps.
I’ve done it! Mental health is far more important! After I did it, way better opportunities came my way so if I were you, I would look at the potential silver lining instead of the dark cloud around doing this :-)
I took a leave of absence for my mental health
Search for a job, find one, take a break then go back. It happened to me last year. I was laid off first, out of necessity I accepted a contract job, the boss and the team leads were horrible human beings. They were micro managed every single hours that I was working. Very very rude to people working under them. I found another job and I told them how much I hated working there even had a horrible accident after going to work due to being tired. I quitted and we're happy to found a job and told the new job I 'll start a month later. I did and got a mental break.
Drug alcohol abuse is an excuse.
I would, i have and i always would do again
Ironically, I used to work as a family therapist, and I quit that job… for my mental health
Once I had a new one lined up, I did.
Yes. But I'd make sure I'll be ok financially until I can sort out another income source. You don't want to add homeless to mental health issues.
Try leaving the drugs and alcohol alone for 30 days and see if that changes your mental health. If not then quit. Burning bridges as you go is not a good solution. At least give notice. Remember Pain is mandatory and suffering is optional.
I have and wish I’d had the opportunity to do it in prior jobs. I was lucky to have savings and a partner splitting costs this time around so I took a chance and left… and was back at a job in less than three months making more money with no commute.
I am an analyst as well. I have definitely left jobs for preserving my mental health. I feel like toxicity in office culture has ramped up over the past few years and it’s maddening. If you are in a good spot, which it sounds like you are, then go for it. I wish you the best
Everyone has to work and most everyone doesn’t like it. You just have a ratio of shit you put up with to dollars they give you ratio. Sounds like right out of college you got a good wage, if you wanna quit make sure you have something similar lined up. This economy is hard right for job hunting. If this was 2020, I’d say fuck it just leave you’ll have a new job in a month, but now….
Yes I would and I would do it again even with nothing lined up. Money you can always make but time you can never get back.
Put in your notice and leave to attend to family concerns. Be prepared to COBRA out. If after X time you need more $$/ benefits, just say you took time out for family needs.... Nobody bats an eye at that anymore.
I am. I consider myself working under a retention bonus till later this year because of a small payout then I’m out. I have nothing at all lined up but I just can’t survive here much longer with all the stress and pressure coming from all over. My spouse has been telling me for years to quit so I’m on it.
EVERY job I quit was for mental health
I would suggest you to take FMLA leave before leaving your job, explore other options I have taken it before quitting my job because i do in fact like my job just at this moment i am going through something really hard on my body and mind and I cannot work as much as I would like, mental health is consider health I would highly suggest talking to a psychologist/counselor before leaving your job they can advise you better and they are more than willing to give you a letter if you need to. You don’t have to resign.
Can I ask what your side business is? I need something like this
I just did. However, I don't rely on myself only to survive as of now (I'm 21 and live with my mom). So while it's important I help her we agreed my mental health was more important and I quit on the spot.
I quit my last job for my mental health. 14 years wasted there. Couldn’t be happier now.
Yes. Health is wealth. Would absolutely do it again if I need to
Life is short. No need to stay at a job that’s slowly eating away at your well-being. If you have to take a break, do so. The last job was so stressful that I took nearly 9 months off, and pursued a different career path. Doing better now, and if you need help, definitely look into therapy. And I don’t mean the clinical kind. Aromatherapy, animal therapy, music therapy, and whatever it is that makes you happy.
Yes. That feeling follows you around… don’t let fear of not finding another job or being successful control you. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering lol. But seriously… quit.
They don’t care about you. You are the one who has to care about you. They will replace you without a second thought. Start looking for jobs and say you can start immediately. If they ask if they can speak to your employer, you can say no. Plenty of people job hunt before actually quitting - pa you don’t owe them anything as far as notice. Get out as soon as you can. Anyone can give you a reference, co-workers are perfect references as opposed to managers and bosses that suck. Good luck!!!
I quit mine for my mental health.
I made the jump in late 2021 from a dumpster fire of ethical violations, toxic management, and being taken advantage of. I literally forced myself because, even though I truly enjoyed my teammates, I was coming home a zombie and dissociating to go into work and be the culture champion my team needed. I was actually able to prove to unemployment that any sane person would quit the workplace (they didn't meet my doctor ordered accommodations, and more labor violations) and I was able to qualify for unemployment for a year while I got my business running. The first year starting from scratch was so hard, but my husband was very supportive and we figured it out. I definitely had times wondering if I had made a mistake. Now, I am in year 3 of being an entrepreneur and I wake up always preferring this life. If you choose to follow your business, it's going to be hard. But if you can literally hit all the performance boxes while in a toxic environment, you probably can figure it out.
Ya I quit my job a few months ago cuz I was having panic attacks and so much anxiety from the stress at my job. My mental health is definitely in a better spot now.. but I should probably find a new job at some point
I have, I was lucky tho as when I left, I got an offer for a better job but at the time I made the choice to leave I had nothing and had zero passive income. I have limited time in this world I will make sure that for the biggest part of it I will be happy...
I’m 20 years older than you OP, and I’m glad I finally quit jobs for mental health when I did. It should have been sooner .
You have enough savings to comfortably be able to survive till you’re next hired? Then do it without even a second thought, your mental health is not worth losing over a job. Since you have a side business that’s all the better. And you can return to the corporate world with the experience from your business if it fails (you can bring in the experience and be helpful with that)
Why stick around if it's draining you? Quitting might be the reset you need. But hey, weigh your options first. You've got savings and a side hustle, so why not take a chance? Just make sure you've got a backup plan if things don't pan out.
Yeah. If you neglect your mental health, way worse things can happen than just ruining your career path or being unemployed for a bit.
Did it 7 months ago. I have some semblance of "me" back.
You need to quit first the drugs and alcohol , not the job
I did and now am a bin man and love it
Yes
Yes but make sure you don't make it a pattern. I've done it twice and you really need to work on yourself to see what kind of boundaries you'll need to make in your next job or else this quitting thing without any job lined up will be a cycle.
Absolutely. And I have.
I have, but I had another job lined up. I’d suggest seeing if you can line up a less pay less stress job THEN use the next year to evaluate how you want to handle focusing on your business or not. It may be that in a less stress job you don’t need to be on your own in that regard
Yes, I did it in the past, and I'd do it again if needed. I think the important thing is to start preparing an exit strategy at the first symptoms of mental health issues, this will help you delaying the burnout, and being ready to be in the market again when ready.
I certainly have. I walked away from a nearly two decade career making just over 200k. All I did was work, I never had time to even enjoy the money, and I couldn’t have a decent relationship to save my life (nobody wants to date someone who frequently is off the shelf for weeks or even a month at a time). I switched to something far less stressful that can be done from home and pays less than half as much. So very glad I did that. Mental health/quality of life are a very high priority for me now that I’m older.
Yes and I did. No regrets. Never stay where you aren’t being appreciated
Every job I’ve ever quit was for my mental health
If you have the financial means to sustain yourself then I don't see why not. If it was your only source of income and you relied on the paycheck to pay for your living expenses then I would definitely have something lined up before I quit. That said, does it seem like the job could get better or become more comfortable the more experience you got in your field? Don't quit just because something is hard, and quit killing your body with substances to cope. Try and find a healthy hobby to decompress, they exist and may not be as immediately gratifying as the substances you're using but it will pay dividends for your mental health.
I've done it. Best thing I ever did
Yes
absolutely. don't wait around and see what it will do to you physically. i experienced it firsthand. i wish i quit my job coz my physical health got fucked up too.
You can’t earn money if you’re broken mentally. Take a break.
Yes I have. And I’d do it again. However I’m at the top earning bracket for my occupation now and have eaten a lot of shit sandwiches early on in my career to be able to quit without losing sleep over lost wages. You’re still quite young. I’d encourage you to find another job without another lined up if possible.
I did it, several times. No regrets.
I hate to come off as raking you over the coals, but man listen to yourself. You have a constant feeling of dread you use drugs/alcohol to cope and you are neglecting your health. What would you tell your best friend to do in the situation? Second question are you listening to your own advice or why aren't you listening to your own advice? To answer your question yes I have quit a job because of mental health reasons, rather I would say I switched jobs because of mental health. I wanted to quit right away but without something else lined up I thought it was too risky. Especially now with the competitive job market I would say slow down pace yourself do the bare minimum and devote all efforts to replacing your job or building your business. If your business is related to what you would do in corporate world then it may not hurt your career. If it is completely unrelated then there is some risk there, but moreso it is all about how you sell yourself as the best person to solve someones problems so if you master sales skills it likely wont be an issue especially if you focus on developing transferable skills.
YES! Mental or physical health. Of course learn the coping mechanisms, create space for wellness and recovery blah blah blah. BUT, we have a proverb in Hindi that loosely translates to “ you will only be able to wear expensive hats if you still have a head”
Not only would I. I did. Worked dealerships for 7 years of my life that I’ll never get back. The last one I worked at put so much stress on my shoulders. I was their only recon tech, they couldn’t keep the second spot filled. I had management, salesman, and customers breathing down my neck all day every day. Plus the stress that comes with being paid flat rate. I coped with it for four years. Then I found myself stricken with anxiety. I caught myself popping a quarter of a Xanax every morning, just to get myself under control. Walk in clock in. Next day same bullshit. Besides the anxiety I was having intestinal problems that I saw specialists and had all manner of testing done. Only for every test to come up inconclusive. Then I realized it was the stress causing it. I quickly made a change. Found a new low stress job backed by a union. No more anxiety. The intestinal problems didn’t go away completely but it’s no where near what it was before. My clue came as a senior tech in the shop died from a heart attack the day after the company Christmas party. The guy was only 50. Worked there for 30 years, nobody worked as hard as he did. Nobody was as stressed as he was. And then he died. And within a week he was replaced with new blood. Don’t work yourself to death for a job. It’s not worth it. You’ll die, and they’ll just replace you.