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9 Comments

Ask IH: Should I quit my job?

I'm working for a German automobile corporate in Spain as a project leader. I'm 29, I've studied electronic engineering, I don't have kids, and I'm not married. What I do at my current job all day is emails, spreadsheets, power points, and some electronic testing. I've been working there for already five years, and I've been climbing the ladder as much as I managed. I also work on the afternoons on a side project that is making close to $100/m

However, my day job is draining all my energy in a way that I am grumpy from Sunday night to Saturday morning. I wake up at 6:20, commute 45 minutes, work 8h, commute 45 minutes, arrive home at 18:00 and then I try to squeeze time for my side project, going to the gym, making groceries, hang out with my gf, etc. I probably push around 10h/week to the project. The worst part of it is getting home exhausted in a way that it's impossible for me to do any work done. It makes me feel miserable, depressed, and tied. I could create more value just by myself.
During my office hours, my energy levels are, and the atmosphere at work is pleasant. Also, my salary is above the Spanish average, but nothing special, my uni friends are also making similar numbers.

My gut is telling me to quit my job and work for my products. I have enough savings to survive for five years. I don't think about going nomad or any of these hippie trends. I'm focused on building a business and feel accomplished by something I've done with my hands.

My biggest fears are:
- To not stick to a schedule/routine once I am solo.
- People's and family opinion.
- Failing and losing motivation.

Should I quit my job and work on my stuff or search for another position that would give more motivation?

#ask-ih

  1. 1

    You should, especially if you've got the savings to last for five years.

  2. 1
    1. Yes if you're feeling this meh about everything, and have for awhile, you should change something. It's hard to remember when you're in the slog, but work (whether indie or for an employer) can be fun, exciting, challenging, and something you are energized by.
    2. If you really have 5 years of savings, you'll be fine. Double check your math. Make a spreadsheet based on your current burn all-in. Show it to your gf and have her double check the math.
    3. "- To not stick to a schedule/routine once I am solo." - Honestly this is a valid concern. But you can mitigate the risk of this by dropping down to part-time at your job. Especially if you're going to quit anyway, just try to do this first. If your employer reallly won't work with you on that, quit. But having taken this leap of faith before, just know that easing your way into it (and out of the paycheck) is really wise. It's tempting to just take the leap of faith / pull the band-aid off, but you can't undo that. Talk to your boss about the possibility and you'll at least feel like the ball is in motion, but without the all-or-nothingness of an "I quit".
  3. 1

    Ask yourself In 10 years times, will I regret leaving my job or will I regret staying in my job?

    You have backup money, no one is relying on you and you have a qualification. The risks appear to be quite low.

    I left my job 8 months ago with not an even a launched product. It's been the best 8 months of my working career so far. Having less money is not fun, if you value freedom over money then it's still better.

    To not stick to a schedule/routine once I am solo.
    Personally, seeing my savings drying definitely gave me a huge boost.

    People's and family opinion.
    That's when you see who is worth your time and attention. Surrounding myself with positive people and cut loose the others has been beneficial.

    Failing and losing motivation.
    If my app fails, I will have to find a new job. I am convinced I'll have way more to share than the other applicants. I wouldn't see it as an end, I'll try again.

    🚀

  4. 1

    Can you get your work to let you only work 4 days?

    Is it your commute that is taking your energy? Can you move closer to work?

    When you back is against the wall, sometimes you go after ideas or products that are not the best but you have to make money so you make it work.

    I quit my job and did side projects and tried ideas for 8 months. I had a year of savings. I eventually found a job marketing for a startup. I got this job because of what I had been doing for my side projects.

    So instead of quitting your job, you could just get another job that you enjoy more?

    In the end it is your decision but find out what is taking your energy. Is it really your job? Or something else. Good luck!

  5. 1

    Dude you already about to quit anyway. It’s clear in your message. 5years savings? Seriously do not worry, go with your gut and just enjoy it!

    Try to get a better lifestyle out of it too. Your commute and routine sucks. Quit and be in control

    You won’t fit the norm of your friends you’ll have more time, also you’ll have a few projects on the go over time “hopefully”.

    Take the leap of faith!

  6. 1

    and say goodbye to your GF. or she will help you overcome all the bad days and then you marry her.

  7. 1
    • To not stick to a schedule/routine once I am solo.
    • People's and family opinion.
    • Failing and losing motivation.

    God, you're really ready to do it.
    You also need to add 'having a long time along with your head'.
    And 'normal people will not understand the reason why you'll do it - so you'll have conflicts with them'

    Again, the best motivation for me is - each day I'm doing what I want to do. I really don't push myself to work. it's my lifestyle. Arthur, 30 years - 3 years without money, 2 years building code, 80% of friends gone. So if i can do it - you can make it as well.

  8. 1

    I don't have kids, and I'm not married
    Yes

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