My thoughts during my 1 month notice period

And so, I've resigned.

When my colleagues knew, many were shocked, given how stable I was at work (or how I seem to be). Some said they expected it, since I was still young. Some said they were shocked, yet expected it. Whatever it is, I've come to realise a few things during my notice period and I'm here to share my thoughts.

Everyone is dying to leave this place

During the past few weeks, I received varied comments from people. The most common comment I heard was - you must be happy to get out of this place. Hearing this comment, made me very unhappy. It actually reflects how the person feels about this place. 

There are some who said they are envious that I'm leaving. I asked - can't you do the same? And then, they started rattling on things like they have too much work piled on them to leave, they have too much responsibilities on hand... that it got me thinking...aren't these just excuses? Which brings me to the next point...

It takes courage to leave.

Everyone is dying to leave this place, but nobody has the courage to leave.

My colleagues are envious that I'm leaving because I am no longer tied down by the work here, that I can relax because I don't need to care about the work here anymore. But I retorted that I'm still not relaxed given the amount of work I have. In fact, my boss was still assigning me work. I can't clear leave until I finish handing over my work. And lastly, while I will no longer be tied down by the work here, I will still be tied down in my next job. There is no escape as long as I continue working....

My parting words to them were - don't envy. Do the same if you want to leave.

Honestly, there is no point grumbling day in and out at work. Take action if you find that you are stuck, or you are no longer working. 

The boss wants to keep you, only for his/her selfish reasons

I've colleagues coming up to ask me if the big boss tried to retain me. The honest answer was - not really. Actually, they would have expected the answer. The boss is known for lacking care and compassion. Career development? You wish. All the bosses want is for you to be by their side to be their minions. If the minion is down, they'd just hire another one. In fact, I didn't get much blessings from the boss. Subtle cold water more like it. But whatever was said, affirms my decision to leave.

Career decision is mine to make. Trust your heart. If all fails, take heart that you've tried

Honestly, I am afraid. Afraid that I can't adapt into the new environment. After all, I've been used to the culture in my organisation since I graduated. But, I thought to myself that there is no better time to leave than now. I am still young. If all things fail, find another job and start anew.

I know it's not easy finding a job when you are much older. You have much more liabilities and risks. My older colleagues all shared the same thing - if they were a few years younger, they'd leave the organisation. But at their age, they are not keen to take on changes, and they know that their high pay makes them uncompetitive. I'll probably face such crossroads when I'm older, but I'll leave such worries in the future.

For now, I am glad that I am taking charge of my own career journey, because nobody will make the choice for me.

So goodbye to my organisation and colleagues. Maybe we will meet again