I Quit My Job During the Worst Economic Crisis....

I just tucked in child number #2 and I feel sick to my stomach. Maybe it's because I just starting taking a new brand of birth control pill, but more likely it's because tomorrow morning I plan to tell the CEO of the nonprofit where I've worked for nine years that I'm leaving. This is an organization I've been with through five bosses, two pregnancies and maternity leaves, even a two-year stint telecommuting from another part of the country, as well as nearly a decade of professional development, or lack thereof. I feel weak and foggy-headed at the prospect of saying goodbye to this part of my life.

Then my husband comes home. He's calm, he's reassuring, and he's making sense. Believe it or not, he's encouraging me to quit my job as well. My excitement muscles its way back, overcoming the fear and uncertainty. I'm thinking clearly again: I'm launching a new phase of my life and now is the time.

Though the global economic situation says now is an insane time to quit my job, my personal and family situation says that the time is now. I know very well that am extremely privileged to be able to take this risk. I've been working part-time since my daughter was born four years ago. And while working for a nonprofit has allowed me to give back to the world in some way, the temporary loss of my income won't be a huge blow to our monthly budget. I've loved working in the nonprofit community, but now want to produce something new. I have an idea of something that is missing, something that will make people happy, and I want to make it happen.

Your advice is:

a) Wait! Hang in there, mama, you're crazy to quit now. Life is uncertain and you have a good job!
b) You sound like your mind is made up, don't waste another year...or decade. Go for it!
c) Give it another month, earn the paycheck, but work on your business idea on the side (even if that means less time with the kids and husband).
d) I know better than to give other people advice on major life decisions.

And the correct answer is.... B. Yes, I quit. It wasn't an easy day, and I'm still feeling sick to my stomach...but it turns out it actually is because of this new pill I'm taking! Some colleagues are sad, some are probably envious that I was able to get out (things have been bumpy of late), others are probably happy to see me go. I'm looking forward to having a relationship with some of these people that isn't based on work. In two weeks, I'll be out of the office and home at my desk, in my small NY apartment, with only me and an idea. Stay tuned...

Author: Gabrielle Sasson