The Rationalization Fairy

Leaving a job you worked so very hard to get is, well, hard to do.

As miserable as you may be, the rationalization fairy whispers words of doubt to persuade you from taking another career path.  The most common ones are:

1) "You have worked too hard to let it all go"

You can't possibly quit!  Years of bad sitting posture and carpel tunnel-accelerating clicking should not have been in vain!  You worked hard in order to work harder (and earn some money), don't waste the efforts of your dystrophy-inducing days!

A very convincing argument.  It is fair to say that your efforts have led you to your current situation, but on the other hand your efforts have also led you to the realization that you cannot possible continue on this path of age acceleration!  All information and experience is transferable from one aspect of life to another.  In other words, skills and knowledge learned in one career are applicable in another career or job.  Half of all people with law degrees (at least in the US) are not lawyers, but the knowledge gained from law school in invaluable in other career paths and endeavors!

2) "You will not make enough money in (enter activity of choice)"

Mr./Mrs. Fairy's argument is once again, valid.  Before you embark on your new path, consider the income level needed to maintain a life-style of your choice.  To do this, determine your average living expenses per month (rent, food, insurance, gas/public transportation) and then add an extra 15% of that total for unforeseen incidentals.  Do not low-ball your cost per living.  It is better to have excess reserves/income than to be short on money every month!  Once you've calculated your cost of living, calculate how much you would make in your endeavor/new job.  Does it cover your monthly expenses?  If not, how long can you live off of your savings?  Determining a Plan B should you start running into financial problems is a MUST and will add the extra benefit of peace of mind.

If you are one of those people that love living lavishly then you might be out of luck.  For our extravagant livers (nothing wrong with it), see if you can come up with a side-business that could eventually replace your source of income so you can follow a path of freedom and exploration!

3) "If you quit, you will let your friends and family down"

Some family members and friends will go farther than simply not understanding.  They may not be accepting or supportive of your decision to quit your current job.  Depending on your relationship with them, take the time to explain your motivations and have them "see the light".  If you're not meeting the expectations they have of you, then perhaps they will eventually understand that happiness is better than a successful career of their choice.  You will be "successful" in the path you choose to take (with careful planning and realistic goal-setting).  Share your successes with them so that they may understand you better.  If all else fails you can tell them to screw themselves (but only if you have to).

Those of you with understanding friends and family: Rejoice!!  You're the lucky ones!  Share your thoughts, plans and ideas.  You'll get great, constructive feedback (except from the d-bag doomsayers) that will carry your plans on to new heights!

4) "You will FAIL!!"

"F" you fairy! You're an exaggerating b****.  (Enter expletive words of choice)!!!

But seriously, a well-thought, realistic plan with flexibility and a Plan B will ensure you do not fail.  If you succeed, congratulations!  If you do not meet your goals, take your exit strategy and learn from your experience.  Falling short of your goals is not failure unless you do not learn from it.

5, 6, 7....

Doubts and concerns will always be there.  Diffuse the stress these arguments create in your life by coming up with solutions to them.  Finding a solution and realizing the worst-case scenario is not ever as bad as we think it is will bring peace of mind and keep you regular.

The rationalization fairy is not your enemy, but the "con" side of your pro and con list.  Take the concerns and address them but do not over think them.  It is a waste of time and neurons to constantly stress over them.