[fourninjaturtles]

I don't really know why I'm posting this online other than I feel like I want to tell someone and I don't have anyone in my life to tell this to other than one friend.

I'm calling my employer in the morning and quitting my retail job of 16 years. I have enough in savings to live for 8 months. I'm 51, single, male, without a college education, and no job skills other than working retail all my life.

After taking a five-day weekend from work the thought of having to go back to my night shift stocking job is too much. Every time I go into that place I become sad and I just want to leave. I hate this boring, routine job. And there's nothing else to do with this store. First, second, or over night shifts are filled with the same awful people. One of the biggest things I dislike are most of my coworkers. They don't talk about anything other than getting drunk or stoned, gambling or sports. They gossip and backstab and complain. It's so bottom of the barrel I can't stand it. I feel like I'll die if I have to go back. I've tried distracting myself over the years with an mp3 player and music, books on tape, learning a new language, or podcasts. Nothing has changed. I still go home depressed and my brain is shut off.

I tried surrounding myself in my apartment with nice things. Went into debt doing it. Some nice prints, nice antiques, a couple pieces of comfortable furniture. That helps somewhat but I still have to go back to that crap environment and every time I take a step forward, after just one night of that place, it's a step back. I'm physically and mentally tired and I want off the carousel.

So, I'm taking a huge risk at my age by quitting. I need a few weeks or months to heal. A lifetime of working and this is all I accomplished, which is basically nothing. I'm so tired of working and giving it all away at the end of the week. Watching my body deteriorate from the work that's making someone else rich while I can't afford to buy good shoes for my aching feet and legs. For years eating comfort food to push down the sadness so I could get up and do it all over again to end up overweight. I stopped eating junk food a week ago and I feel so much better--like I can think clearly. And every part of me is screaming not to go back to that hellhole.

I've decided I betrayed myself long enough. If I go back to work tomorrow night I'll just go right back to the junk food and back to my zombie-like state until my next long weekend off. I'm going to either sink or swim. If I sink it's okay. But I won't allow myself to become homeless. I just know it's time to do something worthwhile, make a decision to get out there and do something I want to do for once or bring an end to this nonsense of working and never getting anywhere.

I do have one friend and I'll let her know I'm quitting. I'm sure she'll try to talk me out of it but I've made my decision. I hope to be happy whatever the outcome. Thank you.

[Thunder Bow]

Good for you, for taking care of yourself! Be Proud that you are willing to take the risk. You can and will find a better job, that you deserve!

[Skeezyks]

Congratulations on your decision! As it says in my Signature quote below: "Go to places that scare you." (such as quitting your job at age 51.) I wish you all the best from here on...

[*Laurie*]

From what you've described I fully support your decision to end your current job. Best to you.

[Wild Coyote]

Sometimes we just have to take a different path!
I hope this works out well for you!


WC

[YoucancallmeFlower]

Good for you!

And 51 isn't old, honey! Give yourself some kudos for courage!

You write like a man with intellect, a good education and clear
insight. Surely qualified for more than what you have been doing.

So treasure this time. Enjoy yourself and figure out what it is you want to do. If your friend won't support you, come back here. Looks like the
folks here think you are making a wise decision. Whatever you do
decide on, don't forget that you are bringing the invaluable asset of
a long, solid job history with you.

Maybe in a month or two you'll put your antiques and prints in storage
and join the Peace Corps or work on ranch in Montana or become a
tour guide at Stone Henge. One of my favorite jobs was working as a
recruiter at a fashion college in CA, and I truly just stumbled into it.

This could indeed be one of the great adventures of your life. Revel
in it. No doubt the universe is truly unfolding as it should.

Flower

[MickeyCheeky]

I wish you good luck with everything

[ShadowGX]

Retail really sucks. I only did it for about 5 years, but it drained the life out of me. Good on you for getting out of there!

My mom just finished her master's degree at the age of 58 while still being a mom and a wife. She's proven to me that you can do whatever you want, regardless of age. Might it be a bit more difficult? Sure, but you can do it. You don't have to go get a master's degree either, that's just what she wanted. You could maybe look into a trade skill or some sort of technical degree that would be cheaper or possibly offer paid training.

[avlady]

you still have time to go back to college too, if you want. take out a school loan and learn some new skills, then get a new job with those skills. good luck!!

[Devoted Butterfly]

Good for you! It takes courage to make changes in your life. You deserve happiness.
Go for it!

[*Laurie*]

I'm wondering what ever happened....