Some thoughts on quitting
Whoever said quitting was for losers clearly never met my best friend.
Just today she had the courage to walk away from a job that was chipping away at her sanity and health. And believe me, it's a decision worth celebrating!
You might be raising an eyebrow right now, but let me tell you why it's more than justified.
We never stop talking about the importance of a balanced diet or regular exercise, do we? Yet we often neglect the profound influence our work environment has on our overall well-being. My friend was trapped in a place where her core values were constantly being compromised, leading to a stark misalignment between her true self and the persona she wore at work.
Of course, the implications of stress on mental and physical health are well-documented. But it's high time we focus on the root cause – the work environment that breeds such stress. People perform best when they feel valued and respected. So, fostering a healthy work environment is key for both individual success and organisational growth.
Resigning from her job was a tough decision for my friend, especially without a backup plan. But she was tired of being a passenger in her own life. So, she embraced her fears, did her research, invested 400 hours in developing a new skill, and decided to switch lanes.
To me, that’s courage. To me, that's worth celebrating. Her decision to invest in herself, to change her circumstances, and to choose her future is inspiring.
I've met numerous women who found themselves in similar situations and decided to step up. They understand that they will reap what they sow. It might be a long journey, but their vision keeps them moving forward.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, if you need help setting your vision, I'm here to help you. Remember, this isn't about committing to a long-term coaching programme. Sometimes, it's about gaining clarity on who you are and where you want to be in the next few years.
Let's raise a toast to your future self, the one that you choose. Because in the grand scheme of things, there's no greater victory than choosing yourself, every single day.
The Science: what’s actually happening in your brain
As a passionate psychology and neuroscience student at King's College, I believe that understanding the intricacies of our behaviours and reactions adds a fascinating layer to our journey of self-discovery. Delving into the neural mechanisms behind our experiences not only enriches our understanding but also empowers us to make informed decisions for positive change. With a commitment to learning and sharing, I'm excited to bridge the gap between science and practical insights, offering you a deeper understanding of the fascinating world within and around us.
From a neuroscience perspective, the situation my friend found herself in can be related to our brain's stress response system. This system is designed to protect us in times of acute danger - it's the fight-or-flight response that has been keeping us safe for millennia. But when we're stuck in a chronically stressful work environment, this system can go haywire.
The constant exposure to stressors like unrealistic deadlines, a hostile boss, or an overbearing workload can keep our stress hormones, mainly cortisol, elevated for extended periods. This chronic stress negatively affects brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for our executive functions like decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. It also takes a toll on our hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and learning.
On the flip side, when we take a bold step like my friend did, our brain experiences a sort of relief, a de-escalation from this constant stress state. It's as if you've taken your foot off the gas pedal of your over-revving engine. It's a chance for the brain to recover and recalibrate.
Moreover, the act of quitting a toxic job and pursuing a more fulfilling path can stimulate the brain's reward system. This system, which involves dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, is activated when we take steps that align with our personal values and long-term goals.
So, in essence, by quitting a harmful situation and setting out towards a healthier future, my friend was not only choosing herself but also promoting a more balanced brain chemistry and better mental health.
Now, isn't that something worth celebrating?
