Calling it quits: When leaving your job is the right thing to do

Many Americans with full-time jobs say they daydream about leaving those jobs far behind. But giving up an unsatisfying career (and the paycheck with it) is not just a fantasy, say those who have experienced the joy of quitting. Tony Dokoupil talks with business and financial writers Seth Godin and Michelle Singletary, and with two people who left their jobs, and never looked back.

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[scottcasey]

That lady was spot on. We all have become expendable.

[MysticWolf]

"There's a difference between quitting and getting out of somewhere you don't belong."

[danieltice]

I quit my stressful, hectic, never going anywhere job after 10 years in Manhattan and moved to a small town 6 months ago. I have been happier and healthier in the past 6 months than I ever was in those 10 years.

[wiseguy]

Most people don't quit their job, They quit their boss

[Cmorrison]

“You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer...” but every person they put the spotlight on was a physician, executive and lawyer. Let’s hear how the people who walked away from their construction or teaching jobs faired.

[edyann]

My husband and I have our own shop. We're not rich but at least we don't have to deal with people bossing us around.

[JohnDeir]

It's not quitting, it's restart. Life is not mundane, it's about experiences.

[JadedJassy]

She is right. Employees don't owe their employers their entire life!

[ajaay]

In our current society, companies do not hesitate to let you go. And it should go both ways. There is no loyalty anymore. I think the "two weeks notice" is outdated as well. Companies don't give you a two week notice when they want to fire you.

[thebastardgift]

Leaving a job can sometimes extend the length and the  quality of one's life.

[callmecarmella]

I walked away from a dream job. Salary plus commission n the best health care package in the state. I was so proud of myself for getting this position. I quit after only 3/4 months. My supervisor was annoying. He thought I could be micro-managed... I fooled him. Life is too short to be miserable everyday. I went off the grid for almost 3 years. I now work in full time ministry helping young women overcome difficulties in life. I am so at peace with God, myself n the world. My heart goes out to people who go to work miserable everyday n are afraid to trust their instincts. Quitting takes a giant leap of faith. I’m grateful God gave me that. I am the happiest person alive. No job, position, company or organization that robs you of ur peace is worth it.

[leslieguerra]

I had to quick my job because of the toxicity and hostile work environment. No support from management. It was affecting my personal well being. Now im happier than ever. Great move.

[hawkman]

I “resigned” from my job of 7 years and career of 15 as I was overworked, underpaid, and grossly under appreciated. It was scary and took me a year and half to finally quit. My only regret is not doing so sooner. The American Dream is not what it once was and it is generally frowned upon to take your own path. My family and I are so glad we are on OUR path now.

[behindthespotlight]

I walked away from a job with NBC. I left Los Angeles. Moved to a seaside town on the Canadian border. Now produce an internet podcast heard all over the world. AND I found my way back to God. If your job is killing you QUIT.

[thischarmingmatthew]

This time I think that YouTube algorithm is giving me signs😭

[ruddiato]

It's called "having a peace of mind."

[RudieObias]

I really hated my last job and I was going to quit. However, the day I was going to quit was also the day I was fired. I was so happy to get fired instead. My former employer paid out a whole month of severance and I got all my unused vacation and time off. If I quit, I wouldn’t have gotten any of that and I still would’ve worked two more weeks. Instead I left right then and there. It was one of the best days of the year for me!

[Anthony-otvl]

I was miserable after 15 years of the same job. I just quit without having a new job. I survived and am much happier. People get too comfortable where they're at.

[kannyplay]

The people I know that that cannot quit their jobs is the healthcare issue. Imagine if we all had access to healthcare how differently our employers would have to treat us. City, county and government workers especially.

[robertphillips]

When I quit my job it was the greatest day of my life.