True Life: I quit my job without a backup plan

Back in June I started working at American Honda Finance Corporation, a job I didn't really want but at the time needed. I was 18 days out of college when I was presented with the opportunity and eager to start working as I was in the prime of my post graduation blues. 

A few months into the company, I realized I hated everything about Honda. The values, the philosophy,  the way everyone walked around pretending that the job itself wasn't complete bullshit, the fake smiles, the constant ass kissing in order to get promoted and moved around, and lets not forget to mention the way they treated us. Although I hated my job, I stayed-- for a many reasons. I didn't know where to look, I didn't want to take a pay cut, I had developed genuine friendships with a few people there, and I didn't know how much longer I'd be living in Charlotte. It made no sense for me to find a new job when I'd already put the idea of moving back to Atlanta in my head. Plus, there were two offices out in Atlanta so I figured my best bet was to suck it up, stay and transfer. And so I did. However changing locations did nothing but make me hate Honda even more. Which by the way, I didn't know was possible.

Now before I transferred to the Atlanta office, I contemplated quitting once a week. But after? It became a daily thought. Management at this office was a shit show. My bosses in my department were no older than 4 years my senior, and that alone tells you how it went. They were arrogant, snooty, sarcastic little fucks, oh and did I mention they were white? Now I don't have anything against white people, however, everyone knows how they get with their sense of entitlement. Oh and add some power in the equation too? My work environment became toxic, I dreaded going there, it started to place me in a funk-- the same funk I had living in Charlotte. Something had to give, I didn't move back to Atlanta to be in the same position I was in back in Charlotte. I knew I was the only person responsible for my happiness and only I had the power to change my circumstances.

I gave myself a time line, I told myself I had to be gone by the end of February. I figured that was more than enough time to find something new. I spent my breaks applying to jobs. I would wake up and apply to positions before, during and after work. I'm sure you're all wondering what exactly made me change my plan and quit damn near 6 weeks before schedule. One word; my managers-- that was two but you get the point. It was everything from the smart remarks, to the body language and tone of voice. I found myself holding my tongue a lot and just brushing things off. At some point I couldn't do it anymore, I politely addressed the situation and told them to watch their tone when speaking to me. After receiving a particularly degrading response from my boss, I flared my nostrils and eyed my calendar and thought to myself "Yup, January 16th looks like a great last day." 

So I did it, I quit my job. 

Granted I took a 30 minute break and thought this out. I even called my dad crying out of frustration. I weighed out my options, but it still had to be done. I felt unemotional and had plenty of valid reasons. Feelings over the last couple of months had been built up. And they were more than just your average 'I hate my job. thoughts. I returned to my desk, packed all my belongings and walked out. No explanation, no goodbye. Just left without warning. And it felt amazing.

As I drove home I cried-- a mixture of happy and angry tears. I was happy to be done with the place, I felt liberated, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. A few hours later I received a call telling me not to return the next day and to mail my ID badge in. I laughed and went about my day. It didn't take long for me to realize what I had just did. I quit my job, with nothing lined up to fall on. This wasn't college anymore where I was living in the dorms or even with my parents. I had real bills, real responsibilities and I knew I fucked up real badly. But it was too late. I had prepared emotionally but financially? I could've prepared a little more. I knew I'd be okay, but the question was for how long? How long could you go without a source of income before you slip into panic mode? 

Days after quitting, I discovered that I am a lot smarter and resourceful than I give myself credit sometimes. Here we are 6 days post me quitting and I've already had two interviews and been in contact with numerous companies-- some even in my field.

I found power in being strong enough to walk away from a situation that wasn't good for me and I respect myself for doing so. There's nothing more important than having a sense of self-respect. I wouldn't recommend anyone to do what I did, but in my case, for my sanity and well-being it needed to be done. However, I can and will say this, always evaluate the situation you're in and plan accordingly!