On Quitting My Job

IMG_1496

Last week I was in Lisbon for work.

IMG_0812

Well, one day for work. I went the weekend before and walked around before I had to get my game face on.

IMG_0818

This is my last business trip for my current job. I put in my notice last week.

IMG_0831

They say changing jobs is as traumatic as losing a loved one or getting a divorce.

IMG_0819

I’ve never had either of those things happen to me, so I have nothing to compare this to.

IMG_0836

Lisbon is a good place to walk around and ruminate.

IMG_0841

The city is basically a series of hills, installed to allow it to view itself.

IMG_0851

Even the locals look impressed.

IMG_0861

For about 300 years, the Portuguese were a major European power.

IMG_0856

Profitable pillaging, royalty in the tabloids, franchises in Asia, Africa, the Middle East.

IMG_0874

At the time, Portuguese people must have thought it would go on forever. Conquest, expansion, power, wealth. Just follow the trend line from past to present to future.

IMG_0875

Then in 1755 an earthquake shook Lisbon to the ground.

IMG_0878

The empire never quite recovered. While Lisbon rebuilt itself, it lost its colonies to resistance, competition, neglect.

IMG_1527

Now, for all its charms, Portugal is a minor power, alone, its former colonies still speaking its language, but no longer singing its anthems.

IMG_0895

I was in Portugal to have meetings, shake hands.

IMG_0901

Knowing it would be the last time didn’t make me do it any different.

IMG_0943

‘Looking forward to working together’, I would say, realizing later I was lying. 

IMG_0941

My boss asked me why I was leaving, and I told him ‘I think I’ll be happier doing something else’.

IMG_0903

and he said, ‘You’re young enough for that to be a good reason. But just.’

IMG_0919

I’ve got a bunch of projects lined up, but nothing permanent.

IMG_0953

When I tell people I quit, the first thing they say is ‘You’ll be fine!’

IMG_0962

I think that’s true. This weekend, looking outward from Portugal, it sometimes felt true too.

IMG_0967

I’m not afraid for my future, or of it. I just wonder if that’s what you think right up until the ground starts to shake.

4 Comments

Filed under Personal, Pictures, Travel, Work

4 responses to “On Quitting My Job

  1. This was a very engaging way to tell your story. Good luck on your next venture.

  2. Always love your photos and posts! Maybe you will move back to Denmark for your next venture? haha

  3. You know how when you’re seeking an answer it’s like the universe will keep shoving it into your face?
    I’ve been pondering whether to take a year to write next year, and this post, amongst many, is one more contribution to make me decide to do it.
    Thanks.

  4. > My boss asked me why I was leaving, and I told him ‘I think I’ll be happier doing something else’, and he said, ‘You’re young enough for that to be a good reason. But just.’

    Aside from maybe taking a job to better support a family, isn’t that about the best reason for anyone, at any age?