CNBC reported in January 2020 that Americans quit jobs at the fastest rate on record in 2019. When we recorded Queer Money® episode #11 in 2016, 80% of 20-somethings already want a new career.
What should job hoppers know before jumping ship? We talked about that with Brian Thompson of BT Financial.
You see, Brian had recently quit his job as a tax attorney to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). On this Queer Money®, Brian shared the steps he took to make this drastic change. Because while there are many similarities between tax law and CFPs, the barriers to entry (regulations, certifications, time, money) for each are high.
Brian shared how he methodically (and slowly) researched his mid-life career change and chipped away (slowly) at the steps to quit his former job. When a new career presented itself, Brian was ready to leap rather than stick with the familiar, “safe and secure”. Brian analyzed his and his husband, Ben’s, finances, employment situations and others to prepare. Brian shares how he, then, used his analysis to decide when and how to quit his job and take that leap.
Some might say that Brian’s lucky, but he wouldn’t put it that way. His decisions were hard and not without consequence not least of which scary. As the Stoic philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” That means that knowing and preparing for what we want is at least as important as the opportunity presenting itself. In fact, not preparing may mean we don’t see opportunities when they come our way.
Listen to this Queer Money® episode to get Brian’s four tips for quitting your job and starting the career (and life) you love.
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