Originally published June 12, 2013
On the hit show “The Office”, character Oscar Martinez describes his fascination with his boss’ quitting his job: “I love a good quitting story. It makes me feel like I have control over my own life. Gives me hope. Maybe I will have one of own someday.” There is something very liberating and fulfilling about hearing a colleague’s quitting story. Told well, it can even be quite motivating.
And there’s something validating about hearing someone you trained to replace you vent to you and something just as motivating about hearing a coworker describe reasons for quitting. It’s why we ask “why” so much when someone announces they’re leaving an employer. We crave validation and seek it in the answers we hear.
Friday night I entertained some friends at home, and conversation turned to the struggles of finding work in the current economy. I’m no stranger to these challenges, only recently obtaining work after a considerable sabbatical from industry. A former classmate opined about getting stuck in subpar jobs as a means of survival, and I know that story all too well also. It occurs to me that when we feel “stuck” in a job that way, hearing about someone being so bold as to quit in uncertain economic times is what inspires hope. There is an image of control when that happens, a message that the economy doesn’t control our ability to find work we want to do.
Two of my coworkers recently found other work where they feel they will be more fulfilled. The announcements served to restore belief that I don’t have to settle for less or to allow others’ devaluation of my skills and abilities be an influence over my self-confidence. Sad, because I love my colleagues, I love what I do, and I have great faith in the impact of my work there. Still, I know I can do – and have done – significantly better with renewed faith in my abilities. That’s the motivating power of a good quitting story.
Have you ever been motivated or inspired by a good quitting story? Share in comments.