How to tell your boss you're quitting?
The story
i don’t even know why I’m so nervous after all these years, maybe because I’m 54 now and everything feels more fragile, even the things I thought I had figured out. I’ve been working in this company for more than 20 years, through restructurations, new managements, endless workflow updates and all the “as per our last email” nonsense that comes with corporate life. and now that I finally have something for myself, my little office at home, the massage table set up, the kinesiology charts pinned on the wall, my magnets sorted in a drawer like some kind of treasure chest, I’m scared stiff of telling my boss I’m quiting. Isn’t that stupid? after two decades of performance reviews, KPI check-ins, regular compliance training and being told I’m “a strong asset”, I should be able to say one simple thing: “I’m leaving.” But he likes the job I do, he always says it, sometimes I even think he relies too much on me. And he doesn’t believe in kinesiology at all, he once called it “that body energy thingy you see on TV” and laughed. So how do I bring this up without sounding like I’ve lost my mind, or like I’m running away from the whole production chain just to go hug crystals ✨?
The weirdest thing is, I’m not unsure about the choice itself. I’m ready. really ready. I’ve read so many books, done trainings, passed exams, practiced on friends, even did a few sessions with co-workers who were brave enough to let me test muscle responses on them. One of them told me, “Honestly, it kinda worked,” which is still my favorite feedback ever. I’ve been doing the logistics too, registering my activity, checking insurance requirements, planning the client intake forms, trying to figure out how to explain muscle testing without sounding like a witch. everything is in place, even the scent diffuser that smells like eucalyptus went crazy last night for some reason. And yet, I freeze every time I imagine the conversation with my boss. He’s not a bad guy, just very...pragmatick. “Evidence-based or nothing,” he told me once when we were talking about stress. I know he’ll look at me like I told him I’m leaving to go join a circus. Should I try small talk first? Should I just say it straight? have you ever had to quit a job when the person in charge thinks your next career is bogus; because that’s exactly my situation and I feel like I’m rehearsing a script that won’t sound right no matter what?
Another part of me still remembers the early days when I was doing data-entry and he was still learning the ropes himself. there was this one time, during a big audit, where I stayed until midnight to help clean up the regulatory documentatoin, and he told everyone the next day, “She saved our asses.” That stuck with me for years, maybe too much. maybe that’s why I feel like announcing my departure is like betraying some old unwriten pact. But I can’t spend the rest of my life worrying about whether someone else is disappointed because I want to follow my own path. I’ve spent over two decades dealing with supply chain anomalies, preparing monthly reports, making sure the backoffice processes don’t collapse over a missing signature, and honestly it’s enough. My body is tired. My shoulders are constantly tight. last winter, I kept thinking, “If I’m helping everyone else stay on track, who’s helping me?” That was the moment I knew something had to change, even if the change made no sens to anyone else. My sister even told me, “At your age, people slow down, not start new weird careers.” But I’m not slowing down, I’m redirecting. Isn’t that allowed?
So now I’m drafting the resignatoin letter, with typos everywhere because my hands are shaking like an idiot. I wrote, “Thank you for the opprotunity,” and didn’t even correct it yet. maybe it shows how human this all is. Maybe it’s fine. The real challenge is deciding whether to explain everything or keep it short. Do I say “I’m becoming a kinesiologist and magnetizer,” or do I just say “pursuing a personnal project”? I keep hearing his voice saying, “We need you in the Q3 cycle,” and I know the timing sucks, but if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it. life isn’t waiting for the perfect slot in the operational calendar; and neither am I. I keep thinking of that line from a book I read years ago: “Sometimes the door is open, but you have to be the one who walks through.” So maybe that’s what I’ll do. maybe I’ll sit down in his office, smile politely, and say, “I need to talk to you about something important.” And then I’ll just breathe and hope the world doesn’t fall appart. After all, if I can help clients align their energies, surely I can survive telling one man I’m moving on. Right?
Stories in the same category
Points of view
seriously, you will leave your current job to be a "kinesiologist"??? do you even already have some clients??
leaving a stable job for something like kinesiology sounds kinda risky, especially when your boss is clearly not buying it; are you sure this "personal project" will actually pay the bills?
walk up say "HEY IM OUTTA HERE" leave bada bing bada boom your out
ah ah, I love the idea ❤️
man, i totally get where you're coming from. it’s like you’ve been putting bricks on this same wall for so long, only to realize you’re ready to build a new one entirely. the fear of disappointing someone who once praised you is real, but remember, your journey is yours to choose. think about that time he said you saved everyone; maybe use that as a reminder that you can also save yourself by stepping into something that feels right for you now. and honestly, if you've got a knack for kinesiology, then go shine in it: pragmatic bosses aside! everything has its season, and this might just be yours to try something different 😌
you've been through a lot in your current job, no doubt, and it's clear you've put so much thought into this transition. whether kinesiology is widely accepted or not doesn’t really matter; what counts is that it speaks to you and makes you feel alive. the way i see it, life’s too short to stick with something just because others don’t understand your path. maybe breaking the news with confidence in your decision will help ease the tension. besides, having all the plans lined up like you do shows you're serious! your boss might surprise you with his response!
hey, i totally get where you're coming from! leaving a job after so many years isn't easy, especially when you feel like someone’s counting on you. but here's the thing; it sounds like you've put in the work and really know what you're doing with this kinesiology gig. honestly, if it's something that makes your heart happy and body relaxed... that's worth a lot!! remember we spend too much time at work to not enjoy it, right? you’re not betraying anyone!! just prioritizing yourself for once. plus, it seems like you’ve planned it out well enough to make the transition smoother! maybe instead of stressing about his reaction too much, focus on how good it’ll feel to finally do what truly excites you!!! i think you'll surprise yourself with just how strong and prepared you actually are!!
It sounds like you're at a pivotal moment in your life, where following your passion becomes more important than staying in a comfortable yet unsatisfying position. 🌟
It sounds like you've put a lot of thought and effort into this new venture, which is commendable. However, it might be beneficial to approach the situation with your boss from a position of confidence rather than concern; after all, embracing kinesiological principles means you're in tune with yourself. While your boss may not understand kinesiology at first glance, perhaps framing it as an innovative health enhancement service could bridge some of the pragmatic gaps he perceives.
dude, you seriously gotta trust your gut on this one. ain't no shame in chasing what sets your heart on fire, even if others think it's "weird". plus, life’s way too short to be stuck in a cubicle waiting for the next email ping 😂. sure, it might feel like you're abandoning ship but sometimes you just outgrow things! the system or even people who can't see beyond their spreadsheets. you've put in the groundwork for this new path; sounds like now’s the time to leap before fear builds another cage around you. take that deep breath and remind yourself why you started..you've earned this shot at something bigger and more fulfilling!
doesn't seem to be a great idea...
Look, I get that you've been busting your chops at this company for ages and feel like you're leaving behind a legacy or some unwritten loyalty; but don't kid yourself: no one's gonna be there waving pom-poms for you. 🤷♂️ You’ve got everything lined up for this kinesiology gig, and if it makes you hop out of bed in the morning, then who cares what your boss thinks? Yeah, he'll probably think you're off your rocker at first, but are you living for his approval or yours? Just rip the band-aid off; he’ll find another “asset” while you get to live life on your terms!
While it's certainly a bold move to transition from a long-standing career into something more unconventional like kinesiology, consider this: every great innovation started off as someone's "weird idea." The hesitance you're facing is normal; change often challenges our comfort zones!!
it's evident you've invested a lot of time and energy into preparing for this new chapter, which shows your dedication and readiness to embrace change.
I don't get it, leaving a real job for that kind of "job"...
It seems you've meticulously prepared for this new chapter, and that's admirable! It may not be about how your boss reacts; rather it's about embracing the journey you're ready to embark on. You're setting a course towards something that resonates with you deeply: surely that outweighs any skepticism your boss might show? Just remember: evolution in one’s career isn’t betraying anyone... it’s growth and self-alignment;!!! 🌟 Take pride in what you've accomplished so far and where you're headed next!
Hey, I totally feel where you're coming from. It sounds like you're standing at a real crossroads here!! Just remember, stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy, but damn, it can be rewarding. If kinesiology makes you happy and excited about the future, then that’s what matters most! 🤗 Maybe approach your boss with confidence in your decision? show him how determined you are to make this work. Who knows? Maybe he'll see that spark in your eyes for something new and respect your leap into the unknown. You've got this!!!
just remember that you’ve earned the right to chase your dreams without needing anyone else’s validation, especially from someone who doesn’t get it. if he doesn't appreciate what kinesiology can bring to people's lives, that's his loss! not yours... it's your journey now!! throw caution out the window and let your passion guide you; there's no better compass than that!!!
why are you so worried about what your boss thinks? decades in one spot doesn't mean you're chained to it forever! think of how liberating it will be to wake up and actually get excited about your work... who gives a damn if he doesn’t believe in kinesiology, it's not his life.
good luck with your projects...
just leave..
sounds like you've really put in the groundwork for this transition, which shows how serious you're about it. remember, at 54 or any age, it isn't "stupid" to follow a passion that challenges conventional norms; it's courageous. when reflecting on your years of corporate drudgery and those long nights stuck at work, doesn’t it just make you more eager to embrace something fulfilling? embrace your decision with conviction! your boss’s skepticism is not your burden to bear.