Has anyone ever dropped out of the corporate world and been better off?

Question

Ok for more details, did you ever work for a corporation, maybe doing well, maybe not so well, and just drop out to like start your own business, travel, goof off, slack, do heroine, work as a waiter, a cook, clean houses, anything so different from what you were doing? Did it work out good for you financially or no? Did it work out for you mentally or no? Tell me some stories, any and all are appreciated!

Answer 1

Meet Steady Eddie.

The corporate non-risk taker rises fast on the freshness of youth; an open mind, a pleasant demeanour and good looks will accelerate this rise.

His superiors are pleased to promote him since it reflects well on them.

The candidate reaches a platform of responsibility, not something to be treated lightly.

After all he is now a manager, albeit a junior one.

His salary rises in accordance with status, not ability, and he reaches board level.

It is now time to appoint a joint or deputy managing director. Our man is considered to be a good company man, but he is a bit dull. He doesn’t do anything for the image of the company.

There’s a very good young man in his department earning a third of his salary, who younger members of staff respond to.

Our man at forty is moved sideways, and at forty-seven he is out.

He didn’t reach the top of the ladder; he has fallen and there is no climbing back.

He’s finished, yet he has done nothing wrong.

That is the problem.
He’s Done Nothing Wrong.



Let’s Look At Reckless Erica.

As a youngster she doesn’t have the charm of the previous character.

Not the corporate type.

She’s irritating but enthusiastic and popping with daft ideas.

So they keep her on.

Most of her ideas are regarded as impractical, too adventurous or plain silly. But somewhere in the company someone picks up one of her wilder thoughts and promotes it. It gets noticed because it is different and fresh.

For the next three years she produces a series of unusable ideas. She becomes increasingly irritating and is fired.

Now the odd thing is that it is not as difficult for her to get a new job as she thought, because a number of people remember that rather good idea she produced three years ago. They prefer to gloss over the failures.

Her name on the payroll adds a bit of glamour to her new company.

But the same process happens again. Once more she is fired, but now there are two pieces of work that make her memorable.

She’s not just a one-off.

Her whole life is lived like this, a series of ups and downs, more downs than ups.

But when she reaches the age of forty she has a track record.

She has become a respected person.

Still reckless Erica, but more in demand than ever because she failed to conform.


Which would you rather be ?

Answer 2

I was a regional supervisor for a state agency. I supervised employees in 17 counties and had a very bright future and lots of responsibility. I was in the Human Services Division, a tremendous amount of stress. I became burnt out, became ill due to stress and just not taking anytime off. I finally was ready to "crack" and my husband and I decided if I could babysit a few kids in our home I could quit. I have been doing this for 18 months and it's very hard but so different. I make 1/4 of what I did and I have to deal with kids all day but I am so much healthier, more relaxed in the evenings and can sleep. I don't lay awake worrying about what tomorrow holds. I have a life again. I used to do nothing but come home and drop. I have agreed to do contract work for the state to train people one night a week for nine weeks at a time. They are paying great and it gives me a chance to keep up on my skills. No one would have ever guessed I would have left the position I was in. I went far fast because I lived that job. I don't regret leaving for a moment. I think it was the best thing for me, my family and my marriage. It's been tough at times adjusting to $ and other peoples kids but so much better than the alternative.

Answer 3

Uhh YEAH!! Plenty of times! Almost every single day. I want to drop EVERYTHING and go to Scotland. My brother is going to Spain soon, so I really could just leave with him! BQ: Dreams- The Cranberries BQ2: I just told you....haha Edit: Maybe I should expand more. I want to be a music journalist, therefore I have to travel. But I really just want to get out like now! I want to go see places and meet lots and lots of people. But I cant do anything yet because I'm so young. Can you see why I'm so frustrated most of the time? I hate living here because I know I'm stuck here for yet another 4 years. I dont know how much longer I can take! I've lived here for 10 years straight. So yeah, I would totally just drop EVERYTHING! I dont care about school, I'd drop it in an instant! Wow I sound really desperate :(

Answer 4

I use to work for Verizon Data Services and in 2003 they offered most employees $20,000 to quit, plus two weeks pay for every year they'd worked and medical and dental for the period they were paid. Many of my friends took the opportunity to start their own business and a few are now making more than they did at Verizon. One started the arcade he'd been dreaming about since he was a kid, but got bored after a few months and is now trying to get rehired. One went to a not for profit company and has been working for 1/3 the pay she was getting, but now is looking for a new high paying job. One used the money to learn about computer security and is now making big dollars working for a big computer company. All say they are happy that they took the money and left.

Go For It!

Answer 5

I think the secret is to live under your means. Don't need the flashiest car, the latest accessory. People get hooked by material possessions and things they can't afford and then they are stuck in miserable jobs they hate. If you didn't owe anyone any money, if you could afford your rent even working a minimum wage job, well, then suddenly your world opens up, doesn't it?