How To Quit Your Job

Why should you take my advice on how to quit your job? Because I'm a job-quitting expert, and my expertise has been gained through experience. I've quit many jobs in many industries. In fact, I can think of fifteen jobs that I've quit off the top of my head.

The most recent job I quit was at the Post Office. Don't let anyone tell you that you'll get used to the schedule of a vampire - you won't. Now it has been over two years since I've had a job. The real issue of course is, "How to quit your job and still pay the bills." Here are some ideas, based on experience.

Don't Think Like An Employee

Some employees are afraid of their employers, and feel dependent on them. Some even feel bitter or "trapped." But why think that way? Even if you stay at your present job twenty more years (there may be good reasons to), why not consider yourself a business owner, in the business of selling your labor? When you don't like the terms or price, you can negotiate a better deal or go elsewhere.

Working in management in a restaurant years ago, I told my customer (my employer) I could only work one day, down from five, because I had other plans for my time. Since they liked my work, they agreed. What if they hadn't? There were other jobs - there are always other opportunities. What if you decide to stay at a job a while? Fully accept that it is YOUR business decision, and you'll have no reason to feel bitter or "trapped."

When you think of yourself as a business owner, selling your labor, skills and knowledge, it opens your mind to the possibilities of better jobs, and even business or investing activities. This is an advantage of taking this perspective, but not the best reason to. The best reason is that you will feel free, and never feel dependent upon another.

Control And Reduce Your Expenses

It's easier to quit a job if your expenses are lower. It's not necessarily a problem of spending, but of having your fixed expenses too high. Actually, if you can support your basic lifestyle on virtually any job out there, you can feel free to live it up when you have a good job. Don't get into debt, or add too many financial obligations to your life, and when you quit that job, you're not in trouble. Just quickly cut out the excess.

Find a way to reduce the costs in very area of your life, while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. For example, if you are single, consider splitting the rent on an apartment instead of living alone. Buy foods on sale (only ones that you like) and you'll save on food. Turn down the thermostat when you are out. Group and route your errands to save miles in the car. Finally, probably the most important thing to do is to avoid consumer debt.

Money In The Bank

Have six months living expenses in the bank. It is one of the most important lessons in how to quit your job. Think it can't be done? You know there are people living on less income than you. Live like they do for a while, save the excess, and you'll always have a financial "cushion" that allows you to quit a job when you want. When you have income again, replenish this fund before you do anything else.

In my own life, I've rarely worked full-time jobs. I often took unpaid vacations for as long as five weeks at a time. I quit working altogether for months at a time. All of this was possible because I had low expenses, and money in the bank: freedom.

Other Sources Of Income

I used to rent rooms in my home for $80 per week - two or more at a time. You can do the math. I paid off the mortgage early, and lived for free for many years. I loaned money to friends who bought and sold cars, splitting the profits with them. I made and sold three hundred walking sticks one summer.

Watch for any opportunities for income. Have a country home? Collect a few hundred dollars each for boats or RVs to be seasonally stored on your land. If you have a hobby you enjoy, find a way to make it pay. Get a part time job just because it is interesting, but then set aside every penny from it as your how-to-quit-your-job fund.

Eventually, I decided I've had enough jobs. (Maybe one more, if it's interesting.) I started this internet business with a few hundred dollars, and now it pays more than any job I've ever had. My wife likes having me at home every day, and I like making money telling you how to quit your job.