This is an anonymous post from an Elpha member.

What did you do after quitting your job?

Brittany106·Jun 03, 2021

I recently left my job as for quite some time I had completely lost interest in it and was bored working on it. I am now trying to explore career options by taking some courses in community colleges that interest me. To be honest, I am not sure how far they will lead me but I don't know what else to do. I am curious if you ever have been in this situation what did you do? If you haven't been but still have some suggestions for me on how to navigate during these times please do let me know. Thanks in advance!

S9·Jun 03, 2021

I have been in those situations, and here's what I wish I would have done. Take classes, sit in the sun, go to all the fun places I didn't have time for, read the books I wanted to read but didn't, do weird and wonderful things (a pottery class, take-up baking, calligraphy - literally anything!) Your next job will come, and a mentor recommended that I take a long walk and think about the things that I would want to get out of bed in the morning for and build a career around that, irrespective of if you think you're good at them or not, which is what I did. Basically, I would have told myself to enjoy my time and see how new opportunities and interests help me evolve as a person. Good luck!

teresaman·Jun 03, 2021

Absolutely love the advice of "do weird and wonderful things"! It's a way to give yourself the space and time to do the things that seem unconventional / pointless, but so often they are very replenishing :)

Iynna·Jun 03, 2021

I agree with Sada here on enjoying this time for ME time but I will caveat by saying that I am assuming your financial situation allows you to do all of that. Where are you in your career ie. how much experience do you already have under your belt? You could also pick some freelancing work if you have specific expertise, or babysitting, as stuff reopen (assuming you're in the US), parents are in need of that service (I've seen it where I live)Also, what are your interests and/or things you love most (not professionally but generally)? I'd explore that and do nothing but things that bring joy. It will really help you clear your mind, boost your happiness & productivity. I'd also try to explore the reason why you got bored of the previous role as this will undoubtedly teach you about yourself.

amandamulder·Jun 04, 2021

Hi @brittany106 ! I hear you! And agree with @sadafr to do weird and wonderful things!I quit my job 6 years ago, I had no idea what to do next but knew it wasn't for me. I tried, it was a dream job, and still didn't feel fulfilled. I took mini-courses, saw career coaches, and then on one date a guy told me he bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok. It inspired me.. wait - why keep looking for more jobs that won't fulfill me, why not follow my heart and go travel?!Now, of course, covid times makes it a lot more difficult to travel.But there are ways to go on field trips with creativemornings.comOr meet new people around the world on https://lunchclub.com/?invite_code=amandam29Then there is inward travel and meet yourself - which is what transformed my whole life when I bought a one-way ticket to Mexico.Instead of chasing the career, money, boyfriend, house... I found my peace within and from there lived an epic lifestyle :) Happy to chat further with you, love connecting with others via face-to-face real and honest chats!Take care,Amanda

KristineWagner·Jun 04, 2021

Hi Amanda, interesting story! Mine is similar except that I went to Mexico, then traveled the world, and am now back in Mexico with the lifestyle I want, but struggling to find a full time remote job (earning USD) that I can work from here. How are you financing your life in Mexico?

amandamulder·Jun 05, 2021

Hi Kristine! Oh nice! Back in Mexico :)I kept going back there too until Spain called me and now based here, grounded, partner, baby on the way!I did brand consulting for social entrepreneurs, healers and coaches for a while and then transitioned to the wellness field myself as I kept diving deeper within me. Organised a retreat for my QiGong master there (Tepoztlan) and then also did a work exchange at a retreat centre as a bodyworker to get myself by in Tulum. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I quit (even before that haha), I explored various options, talked with many people, and kept following my heart to what made me come alive. What do you enjoy doing, what are you good at AND what does the world need? Heard of ikigai? I find that once you get clear on who you are, your values and your interests you can create a bridge to a role or even your own business idea. Finding a job becomes easier as you can be more specific and your resume/cover letter exudes excitement because your heart is all in. :)

laurengrosso·Jun 07, 2021

I left my very toxic HR job in 2019, with the idea that I would travel, read some books, learn as much as I could about all sorts of interesting things, perhaps start my own business... and then if after 6 months I didn't feel like it was the way to go, I'd find something new. I did all of those things! And while I love setting my own hours, I'd decided owning my own business isn't for me, right now, and started looking for a new job - two weeks before we all had to quarantine! After 15 months of applying and interviewing, I *just* landed something wonderful! Throughout this job-hunting/quarantine time, I've:- joined lots of HR virtual events, to learn more about the future of HR; - taken courses through Coursera, Udemy & Linkedin; - become a certified scrum master and have become fascinated by agile leadership;- paid for group job coaching (and met some wonderful people!); - learned more about what career-direction I'd like to go in, and reached out to folks for informational interviews; - become more virtually social, despite being a bit awkward, and joined LunchClub;It has been a wild, fun/+ completely un-fun sometimes, exhausting ride. I'm more than happy to talk about my experience, and if you want to set up some time to chat just send me a DM :)

lauriewu·Jun 07, 2021

I took 3 long gap periods so far, 6mo-1yr. I can tell you that taking the time to heal, and emotionally grow has been the best use of time for me. I consumed a lot of "find your purpose, what's a good work environment" type of content, over the internet/books/podcasts. I colored/drew/painted/origami. I went archery. Skateboarded around the city. Make observations about the world and reflect on the world, as I don't get to when I'm executing on work. And DON'T FEEL guilty for not working on your career, if you enjoy yourself, whatever is that you did, you can translate that into recharging/transformed you for the next opportunity. If when interviewing with companies in the future makes you feel bad for taking time off for your self, those companies don't appreciate you as a whole person. Lastly, let your mind wonder :), if someone gave you a kind gesture, let your mind trust it as if you were a jolly golden retriever and smile back with with all the belief in the world :D and say thank you. That act, is very healing for the mind :) it chases lots of unfun feelings away. And actually rewires your brain the more you do it.

BetsyBarker·Jun 07, 2021

Volunteer work can change your life. Even once a week can add to your self-confidence. You might be surprised at the networking connections you can make with donors.Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul) has a video on making a vision board, and lots of other inspiring videos for free.

streats·Jun 16, 2021

I got fired from a toxic startup (was gonna leave anyway) in December 2019 and took it as a sign to really review what I wanted to do. Some things I explored for the months that followed:- completed “Introduction to UX & Accessible Design” on FutureLearn (free)- completed “Introduction to Game Design” on Coursera (free)- completed “Designing Strategy” by IDEO U (paid, ~£400 if I remember)- considered starting my own consultancy for startups to provide a range of bespoke/à la carte services and service “packages” on things that often get neglected in early stages like UX, legal compliance, content strategy, customer operations (I used what I learned in the Designing Strategy to explore different “strategies” for the business model)- completed the book “Who Are You?” which was full of reflection questions and prompts on topics ranging from childhood, work, relationships, community, etc. Basically a lot of learning and reflection which was a real privilege. A few years ago I took 6 months off work after moving back to my home country (again this was definitely a privilege), and during that time I:- read books (not something that comes to me easily)- went on bike rides - did some writing for fun (articles for a few online publications)- did some research for a friend’s company - did some pro bono market research for an accessibility startup- travelled (Japan and the Scottish Highlands - I live in London)So then too, trying a bunch of stuff that I usually didn’t have time for, without the pressure of it needing to be “productive” necessarily (but it could be, or could be enlightening). If you’re really contemplating a crossroads in life I can recommend the book “What Colour Is My Parachute”. It has a bunch of exercises that can be really insightful to understand your skills, opportunities, interests, and values when it comes to what you do with your life. It can be a bit intense but even just dipping in to a few exercises (I never finished the whole book) was really beneficial to me. Enjoy, and good luck!