Voluntarily quit my job last November. Was head of sales at a small manufacturer. Had a good department and good product. But owner was second generation who has a toxic personality and is in over her head. Finally had enough and did what I have advised people against all my life: quit with no job waiting.
Flash forward to January and I was hired as GM for another small manufacturer owned by a family in Europe. Three weeks in, I get a bomb dropped on me when I learn that the European parent company was having the US subsidiary borrow money under the subsidiary’s signature and then sending the funds to Europe - a big no no. I ended up leaving there when they wanted my to sign off on more borrowing.
So I decided I needed to slow things down. I spent the last several months helping with a very difficult situation as the result of my mother-in-law’s health. That is now resolved, but I’m really glad I was available to help. Back looking again and doing some consulting side work for the $.
I wouldn’t have left that first job 10-20 years ago because I couldn’t have afforded it. I can’t go forever not working full-time, but our finances are way different and therefore I could step away from a circumstance that was going to affect my mental health negatively.
Instead of looking for a payday now, I want a role with good people that I can excel in, but that I don’t have to live inside of 24/7. I don’t much care for titles anymore and I would take less pay for personal satisfaction and fulfillment. That toxic owner I worked for did me a huge favor by clearly showing me what is most important in my professional life.