Impromptu Discussion: Job Satisfaction and Career Decisions

Introduction

• Speaker is wearing a 'Hazy Nelson' t-shirt
• Video is impromptu; sparked by a morning discussion with a colleague, Fei Wu
• Topic: Is it better to get fired or to quit when the job isn't right?

Initial Advice on Job Dissatisfaction

• Traditional advice: Stay in the job and perform well until you find a new one
• Goal: Leave on your own terms, not under the stigma of being fired

Critique of Traditional Advice

• Staying in the job takes a mental and physical toll
  • Mind and body are still engaged in the current job
  • Makes it harder to focus on the job search
• People often don't commit enough time to finding a new job
• End up living in comparison to the bad job

Personal Anecdote

• Speaker followed the traditional advice at one point in life
• Planned to stick it out and leave on own terms
• Company had different plans and terminated speaker's employment
• Outcome: Turned out to be beneficial
  • Forced commitment to finding what truly wanted
  • Career advanced faster after being fired

Conclusion

• Being 'safe' has its benefits but also comes at a cost
• Important to weigh the cost of staying in an unsatisfactory job