Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

This is my last week at my current job. Am I nervous? Yes. Am I changing my mind? No.

 

Right now I have a really great job. The kind of job that most people would kill for. You see, I work for the federal government. It offers security, stability, and great benefits. So then why am I leaving?

 

I want more.

 

Just because society says having a good 9-5 job is necessary to be a proper “adult,” doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options out there.

 

Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

 

In the last couple of years, I’ve finally started realizing what it is that I want to do with my life. Part of that means establishing and reaching little goals along the way. One of those goals is to become location independent. That means not being chained to a desk five days a week.

 

Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

 

Now I’m not saying that I’m going to sell all of my stuff and travel from place to place. The debate of whether I should do that or not has gone back and forth in my head for awhile. But like I’ve said in previous posts, I just don’t think that lifestyle is for me. I like my stuff. I like having a home and bed to come home to. So essentially, I want to have a home base that I can travel back and forth to.

 

Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

 

A couple of months ago, I found out through a friend about a private company that was looking to hire someone to help them with data research. The great thing about this job? Most days I would be able to do my work from home. After some talks, submitting a resume, and an interview… I was offered the position.

 

Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

 

For most people, going from a government job to a private company is just plain silly. What about the years I’ve put in towards retirement? What about the benefits I’ll lose? What if the company tanks? These are all things I’ve considered. But at the end of the day, this new opportunity feels like a step in the right direction.

 

Buddy The Traveling Monkey Why I Quit My 9-To-5 Job

 

Some people won’t understand my decision. Some may even judge me. But that’s ok. I know I’m doing what’s best for me and taking the baby steps towards reaching my many goals.

 

Have you ever made a career choice that was scary or that others didn’t agree with? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂

 

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36 Comments

  1. Danny Fiasco says:

    Congrats Vick! I’m super proud of your choice and hope this brings you closer to achieving your goals.

  2. I don’t judge you at all, perhaps because I recently made a big career change as well. Best of luck!!!

  3. Leaving the regular grind was the best thing I ever did. I was actually a teacher for over 8 years, and worked at restaurants and retail off and on since I was 18. When my daughter was born over 4 years ago, I decided I wanted to become a SAHM. And then I got into blogging and found my calling. These days my blog income is more than paying the bills, plus I get to work from home or anywhere else I want to for that matter…. well, as long as there is WiFi, lol. 😉

    1. lol That’s so great Carrie! I’m so happy it has worked out well for you. You’re an inspiration and I hope to follow in your footsteps! 😀

  4. It’s a year since I decided to quit the rat race in the UK. We sold up most of our things but kept our home – we rent it out when we’re away and use it when we’re home – so far it pays for itself which is fab!

    I worked hard to get my qualifications so am actually popping home to do to a few weeks work and keep up to date but I decided when and where and having that freedom is exactly what I craved in a 9-5. I don’t miss the chains that a ‘secure’ government job brings!!

    Enjoy wherever your travels take you – home or away! I hope your new job goes well 🙂

    1. Thank you Victoria, I appreciate your kind words! 🙂

  5. Cool! Great you follow your heart 🙂 There are as many ways to handle with a situation like this as there are people. I graduated from theatre academy a few years ago. People told me so many times I would never make money as an artist, I am always surprised when I do. And I always think: if I am not going to make money anyways, let’s just do what I love 😉 Makes a good life so far 😀

  6. My entire career has been full of choices others probably wouldn’t understand, but following my passion to travel and write about it has been so fulfilling professionally and personally. You know what is best for you. In modern language, you do you, girlfriend!

  7. Congrats! It sounds like a great job. I also agree with having a home base. For me, my want is to be in control of when and where I work more than specifically being location independent. Maybe it’s the same but just how I think about it. Keep posting about how it all goes since I’m hoping to make a change to freelancing by the end of the year. Definitely scary but worth it!

  8. First of all, congratulations on taking this huge step. I’m sure everything will work out just fine for you! One must follow the dreams.

    Answering your question. My big decision was to move abroad. Changing countries is never easy but it was actually much nicer than anticipated. I still work full-time but with a lot of flexibility which allows me to travel quite a lot.

    Cheers!

    1. Thank you Hugo! And I’m glad your move has worked out so well for you. Safe travels!

  9. Congratulations!! What a big leap of faith. I did the same thing a year and a half ago and although there are ups and downs, there is no comparison to the freedom of being location independent. Good luck!!!

  10. Congratulations!! So happy for you – if there’s one thing I’ve come to realize it’s that reality is negotiable and it’s totally fine to break from society’s norms if that’s what’s going to make you happy.

    So excited for you!

  11. Congrats! Breaking out of the typical 9-5 mold is a huge step. Being location independent, making traveling and just living life easier is such a great move. Enjoy the new work life!

  12. Your new job sounds perfect! I’m in a similar position to where you were – wonderful government job with great benefits, but really wanting to be location independent and eventually be my own boss! Like you, I also am not keen to get rid of my things (read: shoe collection), and want to keep our base and travel to and from there. Congratulations on making that step! Here’s hoping I can follow in your footsteps soon enough!

    1. So you understand!! Thank you Kim, I hope you’re able to take that next step soon. 😀

  13. Life isn’t what someone else says it is. As long as you can put food on the table and are happy with your lifestyle it shouldn’t matter. Why waste the majority of a life on a job you don’t want.

  14. Congrats on finding a job that will help you live the lifestyle you want. Corporate money means nothing if you don’t feel like you are living an enriched life. I wish you every success and good on you for making the move to change your life 🙂

  15. Congratulations on your choice of career, if there’s an opportunity for work and combination to travel to satisfy your wanderlust. Why not? Go for it and enjoy!

  16. April Simmons says:

    I applaud you…follow your dreams!!!

  17. Great post. I too am tired of the 9-5 rat race. Working on getting out, but sadly it’s slow. However I will keep going because I want to have the freedom to travel and not have to worry about what an employee will say about it. Congrats and best of luck!!!

    1. Thank you Samantha! Keep working at it, I’m sure you’ll get where you want to be.

  18. Good Luck! I really hope you find your happiness. I have a crazy retail schedule I work full time and I can’t wait to step towards the right direction for myself too 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂

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