My First Full-Time Position, and I’m Leaving 6 Months In

Your Corporate Black Girl

Nikki,


I just left my job because I was exhausted. The benefits were great, but the hours and the pay were ridiculous! I worked 10-hour shifts for the bare minimum. Yet, now that I’m leaving, I’m nervous about the next step. This is my first full-time position, and I’m leaving 6 months in. Any advice on how to get over imposter syndrome and power through job apps?

-Entry Level in Chicago, Illinois

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This is always a little bit tricky...

Dear Exhausted,


I have to ask... do you want to quit because this isn't a good opportunity for you or did you quit because you were tired of working so hard?

If the benefits were great and the pay was so good, did you utilize your benefits and take time off for yourself?  You've only been there for 6 months, so I have to wonder if you've really thought these next steps through, thoroughly. 

Wherever you go next, I think it's important to have workplace boundaries and by that, I mean, have office hours that are congruent with what works for you. If working 8-5 is what the office requires and that works for you, then do that. But you have to shut off at quitting time. 

If you don't set boundaries at work, the workplace will begin to take advantage of your constant availability and access. Go hard during your office hours and turn it all off at quitting time.

Since this was your first full-time position and it doesn't sound like you've lined up your next gig before quitting... make a mental note to always know where you're going before you give your notice.  You just don't want to get in the habit of leaving a job and not already having a new job to go to. You don't know how the job market will be once you take the leap and if you've got bills and things relying on your paycheck, then you're putting yourself into a bind to get out of something that could be a temporary feeling.

Also, I think it's important to know what your options are for taking time off at work. Make sure you're okay with the next company's time off policy and then make sure you're using those benefits. If you're exhausted, take time off but unless you're working in an environment that isn't a good fit for you, I wouldn't suggest quitting as the answer. Learn boundaries at work. You'll go further that way.

Good luck on your search,

Nikki Davis 

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NIKKI

Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life! 

Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com. 

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