I quit my job

 

I quit my job. I worked for a year in customer service at one of the world's largest online travel agencies. When I started the job in April 2020, the coronavirus changed our normal life. The unexpected misfortune made everything in my life extra difficult. 

Leaving there in 1 year was not something I expected. Long story short, I decided to quit for the sake of my mental health. The customer service role had a serious impact on it during the pandemic when it was not easy for me to switch off after work and stuck in my tiny apartment alone. My role was basically to handle issues and complaints from worldwide customers and accommodations over the phone or in writing. They talked in any kind of way. I felt overwhelmed, pressured, humiliated, scared and worthless by their disrespectful words and attitudes. Many other things also hit hard on me, which I ended up going to the psychosomatic department to take medication. My body told me that this was not right to tolerate the job while sacrificing my health. It was daunting. 

Having said that, I felt miserable about leaving in 1 year. To me it seemed to prove that I am not tough enough, I am spoiled and not mature who just give up than facing the matter. I was scared to be judged like I deviated from what society expects us too. 

But the experience definitely taught me things worth taking notes in this blog. My colleagues, friends, boyfriend and family helped me think positively as I should not be pessimistic about my decision but look for the next best things. 

My colleagues 

One of the best things about working at the company was that I could work with nice people. They taught me strong work ethics and attitudes - the spirit of 'work hard, stay humble and be kind'. I didn't even know what's like to go into the 'real' work world and be a responsible adult until I started to work there. It was my first proper job after university. They took the time to break things down to the easiest level I could understand and answer any simple questions. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to see them in person due to the work-from-home environment all the time, but I was lucky to have met such role models. 

After telling them I would leave, our team gave me a sweet message card. That made my heart warm, and I couldn't help but cry. They said that they knew my struggles and which is why I should be proud of myself for doing the best in these difficult time. They encouraged me to believe in my capability and be confident in whichever direction I move forward in next. I do appreciate their kind wishes and support. 

My friends

My friends reminded me that life is too short and we should follow what we really want without worrying about what others might think. When I told that I would leave Tokyo and quit the job to my close friends on the Instagram story, I was honestly scared because they, especially my Japanese friends, might see me as spoiled and weak. Since the lifetime employment model remains pretty common in Japanese society, there is a bias toward job mobility. Quitting a job in a short period is often worked as a disadvantage of future career options.  

But they are happy for me to pursue what I really want. They said I am brave to make such a decision and reassured me that they are by my side always. I am so thankful for them. I realise it's my own life and whatever others say, no one else can take responsibilities for it. Regarding this, I would like to leave a quote by Viktor Frankl: 

“The last of the human freedoms: to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. And there were always choices to make. Every day, every hour, offered the opportunity to make a decision, a decision which determined whether you would or would not submit to those powers which threatened to rob you of your very self, your inner freedom; which determined whether or not you become the plaything to circumstance, renouncing freedom and dignity...”

Boyfriend

Throughout the time I worked at the company, he was always the person I talked to about everything I went through on a daily basis. He's been there as the best supporter. The first thing I heard from him after telling him about my decision to quit was that he is proud of me. He knows how much I struggled at work as well as in deciding to finally quit, so these words mean a lot to me. 

My family

They respect my decision and never blamed me for quitting the job and coming back to my parents home. One of the best things about quitting the job at this time is that I've got time to spend with them before I move to the UK. Knowing that they love me wherever or whatever I do gives me so much confidence to move forward as well as a strong will to make them feel proud of me in the near future. 

These are what I have experienced in leaving the job in 1 year. I am still taking medication for my mental well-being, but I can handle stress better now by having all the experiences and acknowledging that I didn't fail but gained more opportunities to grow for the future. 

By drawing my favourite quote from Bible, I would like to conclude the blog post. 

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

1 Corinthians 10:13

I will always pray and ask God for help and thank Him for sending me people who give me a hand to endure and overcome the difficulties. 

Thanks for reading <3