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.
The Impact of Work Environment on Well-being
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.
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.
The Courage to Choose Yourself
Resigning from her job was a tough decision, 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.
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.
The Neuroscience of Quitting
From a neuroscience perspective, chronic work stress can go haywire. Constant exposure to stressors like unrealistic deadlines, a hostile boss, or an overbearing workload keeps our stress hormones—mainly cortisol—elevated for extended periods.
This chronic stress negatively affects brain areas such as:
- The prefrontal cortex: responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation
- The hippocampus: crucial for memory and learning
When we take a bold step like my friend did, our brain experiences 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.
Moreover, quitting a toxic job and pursuing a more fulfilling path stimulates the brain’s reward system. Dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction—is activated when we take steps that align with our personal values and long-term goals.
A Toast to Your Future Self
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.