Today I quit my startup job. Things took a turn and I didn’t feel like my role was in line with my desires. Maybe too much Isaac Morehouse in my life. The two things that pushed me over the edge were:
1. Don’t do stuff you hate
2. If You Can’t Leave It Better Than You Found It, Don’t Work There
To expand
It wasn’t until the recent happenings at my firm that I realized how applicable “Don’t do stuff you hate” truly was. I love innovation. I love processes. I love helping clients. I had been put in a situation where everyday I was pulled far from my passion. It didn’t become a test of perseverance but a test of fending off boredom. Which leads me to my next point.
“If you can’t leave it better than you found it, don’t work there.” When I started I kicked ass. I took 25 hours of work a week down to 5. I took an 8 hour task down to 1. When I took it upon myself to develop a new on-boarding process we took paperwork from 9 forms to 1, 10-minute process. I was making it better. But it didn’t last. My progress stagnated, overburdened by work for two, done by one. I came to a point where I could no longer make my company better than when I found it.
You As a Startup
I am my own start up. If I’m no longer growing, I’m dead. The option to stay, get mundane tasks done, and collect a paycheck was there. My bosses know I’m more than capable of doing the job and would’ve kept me on if I wanted to. But that’s not growth.
I’ve worked my ass off on building my brand into something I’m proud of. The happenings at work were the only thing holding me back. I’m not quite sure my path going forward, but that doesn’t matter. Because I quit I can unleash my full potential. I have the freedom to pursue the potential I’ve already started unlocking.
Future Looking
My job was not all-for-not. I went from working in public accounting to developing private accounting knowledge. For four-months I was the sole accountant at a $20 million in revenue company. I accomplished a lot and learned far more than any education I could’ve asked for. I also confirmed my passion in building innovative accounting processes. This is my calling. I know I’ll do it and I know I’ll be great at it. I was even offered to do it part-time at the company I’m leaving. My book will continue to be written.
Quitting is Liberating
Sometimes quitting is the only option. It shouldn’t be frowned upon. It should be looked at as an opportunity to grow. I am not going to look back. Onward and upward. Remember my name for I Am a Lion.