16 Surprising Things People Said When I Finally Quit My Job

Quitting a job is a substantial life event and an impactful decision; when you tell people you’re leaving a job, the responses can be all over the board. It is not always an easy journey, and the reactions from family, friends, co-workers, and even total strangers may be shocking or diverse. When I quit my job, I expected people to be all concerned, asking me questions or just approve of what one has done right; the things that took me aback were the unexpected responses that lingered with me and caught me off guard.

“I Wish I Had The Courage To Do That”

One of the most unexpected responses I received was from my co-workers, who admired my decision, often saying, “I wish I dared to do the same!” I was taken aback by how many people felt entrapped in their work but lacked the conviction to make a move alike. This response made me realize that dissatisfaction with one’s job is more common and that many people silently desire change but are too afraid to take a step toward it once and for all.

“What Will You Do About Health Insurance?”

My health insurance was doubtless a salient concern in the form of another prominent reaction. People who hardly know you constantly ask this question since health insurance frequently depends on your job. It is somewhat surprising to me how vital health insurance becomes; many people consider it one of the most significant barriers to leaving a job. This response confirmed the importance of challenges many people face while trying to make a big lifestyle change, like quitting a job they dislike.

“You’ll Never Find Another Job Like That”

I didn’t expect to hear this one. It felt like some people were more worried about my job security than I was! This made me realize how many people see a stable job as the only path to happiness. While I get where they’re coming from, it reminded me that I want something that fits my life—even if it doesn’t seem as “secure” to others. Also, what seems like a perfect job to others may be the most toxic workplace for someone else. So, saying this without being in others’ shoes is useless and uncalled for.

“Are You Having A Midlife Crisis?”

There were also a couple of people who made up acquaintances and extended family whom I had not spoken to for ages who interpreted this decision as me having a midlife crisis. I was pretty surprised by their response since my effort in coming up with this critical decision seemed to be underrated. It made me think about the criteria we generally use to measure significant life changes, which we usually label impulsive. That made me ponder the unfairness of having a fresh start at a certain age for a simple thing, such as getting personal satisfaction.

“You Must Be Crazy”

Some people didn’t hold back and outright said, “You must be crazy!” Hearing it caught me by surprise, but it made me think about how leaving a stable job can seem shocking to others. While it wasn’t easy to hear, it also reminded me of how important it is to stay true to what makes me happy. Even if others don’t get it, choosing my own path felt like the best kind of “crazy” I could ever embrace.

“You Must Have Found Something Better”

The following reaction came out of left field; most people assumed I had gotten a newer, better job opportunity or moved to another state. The fact that this specific question stumped so many people illustrates just how ingrained the traditional career path is in society. That response made me think that no one ever anticipates a career move to be a stop down or sideways; it is always supposed to be an ascent, not an exit or a step back, to reassess priorities.

“Are You Sure?”

One of the most common responses I got was: “Are you sure about this? You might regret it.” It was news to me when I heard it, but now that I listened to how many were saying this about themselves, it sounded like a different tune. Showing me how much negative projections people place on each other when dealing with non-mainstream life choices due to their fears and insecurities. The reaction also confirmed the choice because I knew it was a thought-out one and not hiding in fear of something new.

“What Will You Do All Day?”

Then, some people expressed honest confusion, asking, “What could you do with all that time?” I was taken aback by that question, feeling almost as though work is the single most important or perhaps only meaningful way to spend our time. It also made me realize how our identities and everyday lives are heavily tied to our work. This response nudged me to reflect on how I want to spend my time and became more mindful of filling the hours post-job with mainly purpose or joy.

“You Are So Lucky!”

Amazingly, I got several “You’re so lucky!” responses. I was surprised because it framed my choice as an issue of luck rather than decision and effort. It taught me a lesson regarding how varied people’s opinions on financial independence and career choices can be. While I recognize that not all people are equally fortunate nor have the same resources, it still felt like the chance had nothing to do with my choice — everything in my life until this point was meticulously planned for after careful consideration before even being verbalized.

“Do You Regret It Yet?”

Not long after I quit, a few people asked, “So, do you regret it yet?” It came as a surprise because, for some reason, it presumed that I would miss my old job or the sense of security attached to it. It emphasized how many people anticipate despair and ambiguity with remorse. The blowback was an opportunity to reconfirm my resolve that regardless of how tough the changeover was, it still was sure to be the right choice.

“I Didn’t Think You Would Actually Do It”

Another surprising reaction revealed itself when friends and colleagues told me they were skeptical, saying, “I didn’t know if you would actually do it.” I was alarmed by this reaction, as it made me realize how much people expect talk of making a significant change in life to be mere rhetoric. Such a response only taught me about the gap between what people say they want to do and then actually doing them; it inspired me even more to have a getting-things-done attitude towards my plans and getting them done.

“Can You Afford To Do That?”

Many people tossed off an offhand but sensible of all questions: “Wait, how are you going to pay bills after this?” Most frequently, that was the response from those who prioritized financial security over doing what they wanted. One of the most surprising parts was how many people read “I quit my job” as financially irresponsible—like I just decided without any prior plan and thought over. I realized that this response made me aware of having a financial basis and a well-thought-out plan before making such a considerable change.

“You’re Brave”

The last and the most unexpected reply was relatively brief, “You are brave.” I felt pretty astonished by this reaction because I did not think I was brave while making this decision; I just knew that I had to quit to maintain my health. That response made me think about the different ways courage shows up for people and that breaking free from something you have known for a long time takes tenacious defiance in some eyes, though I had to frame it as a decision in my best interest.

“I Am Jealous”

The one response caught me completely off-guard: “Oh my God, I’m Jealous.” I never thought my decision would prompt some people to be envious as they felt trapped in their jobs. It was a reminder that so many are unfulfilled by their work but can not risk changing track due to financial responsibilities and the fear or uncertainty of being outside their comfort zone. I felt grateful to be in a place to make this decision, and I was reassured by my adherence to choosing personal happiness instead of listening to societal standards.

“Are You Planning to Travel Now?”

A lot of people quit their jobs because they travel, and of course, many had this in mind when I left the corporate world. While planning to travel is exciting, it surprised me to think that quitting my job instantly made people think that I was going on vacation. It was also quite sad to realize how people think that we can only travel when we have any sort of freedom, such as after we resign.

“You’re Going to Get Bored”

Many people warned me with certainty that after quitting my job, I’d be getting bored all day without a routine. Honestly, this question didn’t make me angry. Instead, it made me realize how we are so conditioned to our jobs that we think working eight hours a day is the only way to keep ourselves engaged and our lives fulfilled. I felt like many of us think that there is no life outside of the corporate world. It helped me think about how I want to enjoy my life and make it more meaningful when I’m not working.

Leaving my job was the most significant decision I made, and seriously, as diverse were all the surprising responses. They ranged from admiration and envy to concern and disbelief — but they showed me a lot about how people think of jobs, risk, and personal ambition. They also highlighted the confusing fears and insecurities that keep most of us from making such choices. Although the road was not free of obstacles, quitting turned out to be a choice I needed to make, and all the reactions made me believe in meeting myself anywhere down the line and following my path.

More For You

Quitting a job is never easy. Some people leave jobs because they want to take a break, while some quit because of unfavorable conditions such as micromanagement.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.