It wasn’t a completely reckless decision, but it did take impulse to push me over the edge.  Now, five months later, how do I feel about it? Where has it left me?

Unemployed, yes. However, I have no regrets – neither about my decision nor about not making it sooner. Change happens when the time is right, when the alternative becomes unreasonable to accept.

When I resigned, my plan was to find another job. I believed in myself and knew I hadn’t put enough effort into searching while still employed. Balancing a full-time job meant my focus remained on my work, mostly, despite knowing that something desperately needed to change.

I realised that the ‘going nowhere’ work I was doing shouldn’t be my priority – my future aspirations should be.

‘Quiet quitting’ wasn’t an option for me; it was a misalignment of my values. That just wasn’t who I was.

At the time, I was angry and frustrated for many reasons, but I didn’t leave in a blaze of drama. I simply exited stage left, choosing to take control of my own career growth and finding purpose after leaving a job that no longer fulfilled me.

Quitting a job without another lined up was a leap into the unknown, but one that allowed me to gain career clarity.

What Next?

• I became more intentional about my future, choosing to upskill with a short course to refresh my expertise and add a recent, relevant qualification to my resume. I had already been researching options while still employed, so this wasn’t a rushed decision. I took the time to carefully consider where to invest my time and money to ensure meaningful growth.

• I accepted that work is work – and while career matters, it shouldn’t become everything, or too personal. If I wanted something truly personal, I needed to create it myself. So, I started applying my skills and knowledge, experimenting with techniques, and testing ideas. I built a website, planned content, and interviewed friends who were starting their own side hustles or on a similar journey of self-discovery and career transition.

• For the first time in a long time, I felt inspired again. Taking control of my future excited me, it gave me a reason to jump out of bed in the morning – something I thought I’d left behind some time ago.

• I maintained a routine, keeping “office hours” to stay disciplined. By 9am, I was at my computer, exploring the job market, considering what I could create, mapping out my next steps, and jotting down notes, plans, and ideas. It wasn’t always structured, but it kept me intentional and allowed me to build confidence and set goals.  

• I sought inspiration from others. Unemployment can be mentally challenging, and it’s easy to spiral. I reminded myself that I wasn’t the first to be in this position, and it wasn’t the first time I found myself between jobs either. I listened to inspiring talks from marketing and career experts to organizational psychologists and neuroscientists, which helped me gain clarity on what resonated with me and what didn’t.

The Job Market

The job market was quiet over the Christmas period, but by mid-January, things started picking up. I applied selectively, taking a strategic approach while I still had the financial flexibility to be discerning.

Navigating the job market is a self-development journey in itself. By regularly reviewing job listings and employer expectations, you gain a clear understanding of what truly appeals to you, what doesn’t, and the kind of organization you want to be part of. It quickly highlights gaps in your skills and expectations too, helping you identify areas for growth and alignment with the evolving job market.

Given the competitive nature of the job market in Australia, particularly in industries like marketing, securing an interview can take time. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate adaptability, digital proficiency, and a strong strategic mindset.

I didn’t approach job applications with a one-size-fits-all mindset.

Instead, each application was carefully tailored and thoughtfully considered. I viewed it as an opportunity to assess my interest in the role, reflecting on every requirement to ensure it was the right fit.

A month ago, I secured my first interview—one of roughly eight applications over the past six months. Now, as I prepare for the second round, I find myself more grounded, realistic, and assured about what I want and expect from my next role.

This process has helped me realize that I’m not just finding a job after resigning but moving closer to a position that aligns with my true values and career aspirations.

For me, this means working towards common goals, with likeminded people, as well as making the space in my life for my own personal creativity, development and growth. They don’t always have to be the same thing.

Clarity through Uncertainty

Looking back, I’m far less emotionally attached to how I felt right after leaving my job. Now, I can assess the situation with objectivity – and with that perspective, I can say that despite the uncertainty of the past five months, taking the leap into the unknown was the right choice.

Had I stayed solely for financial security, I’d be months behind in the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced. I would still be stuck in a cycle, waiting for others to decide what was important each day. I would still be following a rhythm that didn’t align with my values, spending more time navigating workplace dynamics than focusing on my own goals and well-being.

I’m not out of the recruitment woods yet, but taking the time to navigate this forest has given me clarity. It has helped me understand what truly matters, what I want, and – most importantly – that achieving it will take time, intentional action and daily focus.

If you feel the relentless pull to take a leap or step back, listen to yourself and trust it.

A break in your career or cv is not a bad thing. Quite frankly, as an employer, I’d be more concerned about someone who doesn’t have a gap in their resume, than someone who does.