Pushing Limits for a Better Life

 When I finally came to the conclusion that I had to get out of my dysfunctional working environment, I thought the only way I could find a new job was to quit my current job. Everyone, from spouse to therapist told me “NO!” They said, “You can’t quit in this job market” and “It’s easier to get a job if you already have one.”

This frustrated me because more than anything, I wanted permission to quit my lousy job. So, I figured I would show everyone just how badly I wanted to leave, by pushing myself to my limits. But what happened was this – pushing myself brought results.

I did all my job hunting at 4:30 in the morning, Tuesday through Friday. This is when I worked on my resume, trolled job sites and sent my resume to anyone with employees.

I would leave for work at 7 a.m. to be at work by 8:30. After leaving work at 5:30 p.m., I’d head back to the freeway for another 1-1/2 hour commute. By the time I got home at 7 p.m., took care of family and household things, I’d be in bed by 9 p.m. and up again at 4:30.

I didn’t know it at the time but I was pushing myself to extreme limits.

I had an awful supervisor who was (for some odd reason) threatened by me and did everything in her power to bring me down. She set me up by posting my resume on our company server and emailed our director. That pushed me to the point where I thought, ‘why am I taking this?’

She also cost me money by not putting me in for our year-end bonus. In twelve years I always received a well-earned bonus because of my diligent and conscientious work ethic. I don't say that with conceit, but with humble honesty. And I have plenty of people in my professional network who would and have vouched for me.

Within two weeks of living this routine, I had a job interview and offer. I turned it down for various reasons. Then, within another month I had three offers on the table.

I walked out of my old job with my head held high and on to a great, new position as a marketing writer for a successful company.

Just goes to show you, that other people can push you to your limit and make your life hell. Or you can push yourself to your own limits, and make your life better.