I Quit My Job Right Before COVID-19 Happened — Here’s What I Learned

It turns out it might have been both the worst and the best timing ever.

When I quit my job over four months ago, I definitely didn’t know that the situation in our country (and the world) would get this bad. We were fairly isolated where we lived at the time, and I wasn’t too concerned as I gave my two weeks’ notice. In fact, I was almost giddy, since I’d been aching to quit for months. I was stressed all the time, definitely burnt out, and like many others — felt overworked and underpaid.

My plan was already in place to move back to California with my boyfriend, and we’d begun preparations. I was of course aware of coronavirus, but at that point it wasn’t as widespread and most people didn’t think it was that serious. I certainly didn’t.

It was right at the point where I felt just slightly sketchy getting on a plane, but there were still tons of people travelling, and I told myself it was fine, because had a bandana to cover my nose and mouth in the airport if I felt I needed it.

We had planned to stay with my partner’s parents for a short time while we solidified our new place (we’d looked, but hadn’t signed any lease yet). When we touched down, we got a ride from the airport, showered immediately upon entering the house, put everything in the laundry, and began self-quarantine.

California went into official lockdown three days later.

Flash forward to months later and here we are, watching as the stay-at-home order once again goes into effect and we’re again faced with indefinite solitude and unemployment. It’s not the ideal situation, but I do feel very fortunate to be where I am.

The past few months have been a huge learning experience for me, to say the least, and as it turns out, quitting my job right before lockdown might have been both the worst and the best timing ever.

I had four main takeaways.

1. Forgive the cliché, but — perspective is everything.

Is the glass half-full, or is it half-empty?

Bright side of my situation: I’ve read more books and articles in three months than I have in the past three years. I’ve put much more time and effort into my blog, and quadrupled my following (I’d been neglecting it for months). I am lucky enough to be able to live with loved ones. I’ve saved money by not eating out or going to social events. I’ve been working on my book, and trying to publish an article on this platform almost every day.

Basically during quarantine, I have become a creativity machine, which feels amazing!

Dark side of my situation: I no longer have health insurance. I have very little money, and no steady stream of income. I still live with my in-laws, and their five dogs (definitely not a quiet house!). I have zero friends in my new town, because we’ve been inside for months and I haven’t had any opportunity to go meet people. Since I moved, I’ve spent virtually all my time with my boyfriend and his parents — and the dogs.

Because I quit my and wasn’t fired, and then moved to a new state, it’s been a struggle to try for unemployment benefits. I’ve applied to dozens of jobs, but it’s rough out there. No to mention that one of the people I live with is somewhat immunocompromised and I’m wary of bringing any germs into the house, if and when I do start working again.

So — I could wallow in all the gloomy aspects of my situation, but that’s not helping anybody. I did that for the first couple of weeks in lockdown, and all it got me were ten extra pounds and higher anxiety.

Instead, I’ve chosen to allow myself to feel my feelings, but don’t stop trying to move forward.

Having the time to write and create has honestly made this one of the most inspired and productive times of my life.

That may sound crazy, but I’ve had a lot of feelings during these past few months — and lockdown has given me the opportunity to put them into written words and share them with the world.

2. It’s 100% okay to ask for help.

In fact, sometimes it’s the healthiest option!

I told my boyfriend at the beginning of lockdown I would probably need more support than usual, because I knew my anxiety was kicking up a notch. He’s been amazing.

I asked my best friend if we could video chat a couple times a week for virtual happy hour, and she’s been awesome too. Another friend and I have sent letters back and forth.

So instead of constantly turning to unhealthy feel-better-quick solutions — like binge drinking, stress eating, or watching ten hours of Netflix a day for weeks on end — I managed to turn to people I knew cared about me. (Don’t get me wrong — I still have the occasional Netflix binge!). But I tried to set myself up for success early on because I knew it might get worse, and I didn’t want to start down a dark path of wallowing in self-pity.

The point is that in this time of self-isolation, make sure you’re staying connected with other people, and don’t get too far down the rabbit hole of your own life — especially if it’s not going the way you want it to.

3. Finding things to look forward to can be life-changing.

The future can look pretty bleak sometimes, when you’re looking at everything that’s going wrong.

It helps to find or create things that make you more optimistic about the future — whether it’s something small like sending letters back and forth to your best friend, or bigger like planning a trip for next year (or farther) when things settle down.

When I planned a trip, I didn’t actually buy the tickets yet, but I planned everything else and got excited about the activities I would do. Researching and planning out a trip or vacation is one of my favorite things to do and literally leaves me feeling giddy with excitement, knowing I’m going to make this happen — even if I can’t set an exact date yet.

4. Being unemployed reminds you to stay humble.

It gives you a swift little kick that serves as a reminder that you may not be as cool as you think you are.

You’re just like everyone else, reminiscing about the way life used to be, trying to stay strong in the present, and probably at least to some extent, worrying about the future.

It’s also really made me think about all the other unemployed people all over the country and the world, and how many of them have it much worse than I do. I may not love living with the in-laws and five noisy dogs all the time, but I’m extremely fortunate, and extremely grateful.

I’m safe, I’m healthy, and I’m loved. Unfortunately a lot of people can’t say the same.

I probably should have had a little more foresight before going through with my plan to move right as this whole thing began, but I don’t regret it. It may not have been ideal timing in many ways, but I knew we had family here and that somehow we would be okay. I’m thankful that I had that option.

And along with the many challenges, quarantine and unemployment life have actually given me a lot of great things, as well.

It’s been a reminder to live in the present, and make the most of the moments. It’s been a reminder to always pay attention to your savings. And it’s a constant reminder to stay humble, work on yourself, and cherish the ones you love.

Because honestly, this may be cliché too but it’s probably the most accurate thing I’ve ever learned — you never know what tomorrow will bring.

So keep writing, keep smiling, hug a loved one if you can and if not, give them a call.

The world will eventually heal, and we’ll do it together.

© Samantha Blake 2020