Just Quit: April Inspiration

I had an article planned about what executive coaching even is, etc., but then I got distracted building a brand strategy diagnostic tool for some reason, so that article will have to wait. However, the monthly quit inspiration cannot wait; quitting is too important.

This month, we’re exploring what happens after you quit; what you throw your energy into, how you gain momentum, how you establish connections once you’ve abandoned the system you’re familiar with. These writers all have inspiring stories of how a little audacity can make things happen, from shooting your shot every Wednesday, to ditching your corporate career for a portfolio one, to starting a poem club.

With that, please enjoy this month’s batch of quit-spiration, intended to make you want to ditch that in pursuit of something better/more fulfilling/more lucrative/more fun.

“I’ve been shooting my shot ever since I quit my job in 2019 and decided to take charge of my life. Some people look at the connections I’ve made … and assume there’s an excessive strategy or system behind it all. But the most effective things in life are simple, not complex. They are elegant, not elaborate.” Anna Mack’s “Shoot Your Shot Wednesday” (SYSW) ritual recently went viral (I saw it on TikTok before I even saw it on Substack. Who knew so much could be possible if you just take a chance, reach out to people to see what happens, and stay intentional about it. If you’re going to quit or happen to be shy, you need the SYSW in your toolbox to make things happen.

“This isn’t about rejecting ambition, or the stability of corporate. It’s about choosing which game you’re playing.” Have y’all heard about this “low status/high income” revelation? It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that careers like content creation are out-earning traditionally higher status careers that may also require multiple degrees and years of experience. Mia McGrath of Frugal Chic shares her own story of trading in her title for content creation, building wealth, building freedom. Make sure to read if you’d like to enjoy a nice perspective shift.

“I started this project half on a whim and half because I’ve been thinking about it for years.” If you’re looking for which direction to go towards, maybe start pursuing that project you’ve been meaning to take on for years. Brittany Wilder of Floundering Forever shares the account of how she took her Poem Club from a whim to a full-time job. I wish I had a business idea that required a high-powered paper-folding machine.

“Instead of elevating hustle culture on a bunch of apps or freelance gigs, a Portfolio Careerist embraces the whole self, and reflects a balance of life, passion, money, and skills.” You had me at balance. If you’re tempted to quit, then not get another job, please familiarize yourself with Shaina Anderson’s overview of portfolio careers, what they are, and why they might be a great fit for you if you’re a generalist. Not sure if you’re a generalist? She’ll tell you all about that too.

“This isn’t to say I haven’t received a thousand (or more?) ‘no’ emails in my life, I just try not to let it stop me.” Phoebe Dodds of Connection Pending explores the idea of Luck = Preparation + Opportunity + Action that has been gaining popularity lately. I love her take on “increasing your surface area for luck,” something that I was bad at when I was a freshly minted quitter, and have embraced more as I’ve settled into the freelance/portfolio era of my career. Phoebe always has lots of useful tips and inspiration to help you expand your luck through connection.

Thanks for reading and supporting Just Work. Learn about my fractional brand advisory services and executive coaching; let’s get you feeling better at work.

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