I’ll admit it: I ignored the signs. With the benefit of hindsight, I stayed in corporate an entire project longer than I should have. In fact, one thing they don’t teach you in the boardroom is recognising when it’s time to quit your job in corporate.
So, if that nagging feeling has been bothering you for some time, this should help.
I’m sharing my story – and some real-world advice – for midlife women who feel stuck in the corporate world with a burning desire to fire off that resignation email and make their great escape.
Sign #1: Your corporate life all feels a bit pointless
Has your work started to feel a little mundane and – well – pointless?
In the early days of your corporate career, you were bowled over by the glossy perks of the job. The Audi, the business class flights, the juicy bonuses.
But now? You’ve realised that for all the perks, the work doesn’t light you up. And it makes a lot of sense. You’ve changed over the years, become more self-aware and matured in so many ways.
Like that relationship from your 20s that you outgrew over time, your work feels stressful at worst and boring at best – and you’ve totally lost interest in the job.
Sign #2: You lack purpose
Like you, when I embarked on my career in corporate finance I was fired up and full of ambition.
Climbing the corporate ladder felt like my calling in life – it all felt so exciting and my entire purpose was to win that next promotion and be first in line to lead the best projects.
However, I reached my early 40s and suddenly something shifted.
I felt like I was there to support and protect the wealth of shareholders – people I didn’t know. Faceless corporations, big pension funds – I was there to serve them. That’s what it all boiled down to, and I felt disconnected from it.
Was this really going to be my legacy? Or was I destined for something more purposeful?
This realisation was one of the most glaring signs it was time to leave.
Sign #3: Your life feels devoted to other people
Taking the previous point even further, I started to wonder if life was really supposed to be more about other people than myself.
I was giving so much of myself to this “thing” – it dominated conversations, impacted personal relationships, and shaped my self-esteem.
Have you ever felt that way in your current job?
You’re paid well and praised for your efforts (some of the time, at least…) but you’re coming to feel like everything you do is for someone else.
Where are YOU in all of this?
As a people pleaser, it didn’t matter before, but the more you learn about yourself the more you want to start putting yourself first, instead of living to serve others.
If that’s been on your mind lately, it may be time to reconsider your career and what else is out there for you when you start becoming your first priority.
Sign #4: Your corporate job doesn’t align with your values
If you’d asked me what my personal values were in my 20s, I’m not sure I would’ve had any.
But towards the end of my corporate career, I worked with a coach who asked me to define them.
One value that emerged – and started to really take centre stage for me – was freedom.
Needless to say, personal freedom wasn’t in abundance in my current role at that time, and I started to think it couldn’t be found in another job in the same industry or work environment.
I could’ve found a better work-life balance, but at that point, it didn’t feel like enough.
Have you ever felt that way?
I’d love to know what your personal values are and whether your current position aligns with them. If not, it’s time for a change.
And whether that means a new job or a complete pivot in life, step one towards a truly aligned lifestyle is to leave your job and pave the way for your next chapter in life.
Sign #5: It’s bad for your health
Ever feel like your job is bad for your health?
I used to think my private healthcare was a great perk of the job, until I realised that without the workplace stress, I didn’t need to see a doctor.
Both my physical health and mental wellbeing vastly improved after I quit my job and became self-employed.
As you know, a demanding career takes its toll on all areas of your life – so if you’re experiencing the physical and mental impact of stress, anxiety, and burnout, trust your instincts and listen to your body.
Bonus sign: You have a serious case of the green-eyed monster
At the moment, you’re probably wondering if it’s even acceptable to quit a job you’re paid well for. To many, it would be the dream job: so what are you complaining about?
But the unavoidable truth is that you get a serious case of jealousy when you hear of yet another woman your age leaving the rat race for a simpler life.
How does she have the nerve?
What was the breaking point that made her jack it all in?
Now, there’s no such thing as a bad emotion. So, while jealousy isn’t the nicest feeling, I like to reframe it as an opportunity to learn something about yourself.
Observe what’s coming up for you when you see the latest corporate counterpart living her best life outside of corporate.
Being envious of others doesn’t make you ungrateful for what you have and what you’ve achieved – two things can be true at the same time.
So, think of it as an opportune moment to take stock, adopt a positive, proactive mindset, listen to your gut and make a plan of your own to have a bit of what she’s having.
Time to leave your corporate job? Get support to transition into your next phase of life
There’s a lot of life left. What are you going to do with it?
If this blog has made you want to quit your job immediately (even if you don’t have a backup plan), I’m here to help steer you into the next phase of your life.
I specialise in coaching midlife women leaving corporate to explore a new life, whether you:
- Have a new job lined up but crave reassurance that you’re making the right move
- Need help finding a new opportunity that suits your lifestyle and values
- Want to have a career change and want guidance to make it happen
- Undervalue yourself and want to rebuild your self-esteem ahead of your next chapter
- Know it’s time to move on but haven’t got a clue what’s next for you!
Let’s start with a chat and take it from there – no pressure, no hard sell, just a “getting to know you” conversation and exploration of your current situation and the changes you’d like to make to design a life of fulfilment, joy, and purpose. Book your free discovery call with me.