Why I quit

By Kasey Simpson

Call it the great resignation, regaining my life after kids or mid(ish) life crisis, but I’ve quit my job.

I’m a mum of three. With three under five, my life is as chaotic as it sounds. I am that mum walking the streets of the Illawarra juggling two toddlers and a baby, begging for non-judgemental eyes. I grew up in Wollongong, and spent 10 years living in Sydney. Once I was pregnant, it was difficult to resist the beach life for our growing family so we nested in Northern Illawarra.

After the birth of baby number three, it was my time. I sorted out my dream job: became part of the senior team of a creative agency in Sydney, working with the biggest brands on a global stage.

Mums really can have it all. But, do I want it?

Lean in. Climb the corporate ladder. Shatter the glass ceiling. You’ve heard it all. It wasn’t a sudden feeling. It came over time. A rejection of the pressure. As parents, we have enough of that. More responsibility? No, thank you.

Covid shifted things. The first lockdown was terrifying, but it also felt like a novelty. The mama bear adrenaline rush kept me going. However, the second was tough. The tiredness set in. I just needed to make it till Christmas and a relaxing break would reinvigorate me and put me back on track. But it didn’t. I had the Sunday night blues going into the new year, and it didn’t go away. Was it Covid? Postpartum depression? Was I just not cut out for a fast-paced professional life? Regardless, something had to change. My priorities had changed. Acknowledging my privilege to do so, I quit with no real plans for the future.

I am the cliche. I am part of the great resignation. Making room for more time for family, my mental health, the washing, and my community. Did I mention the washing?

I’ve been reading the warnings coming from the US about the mass exodus from traditional workplaces. The dictionary definition of resignation is “acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable”. For me, I did come to accept something that felt inevitable, but it wasn’t undesirable. It was liberating.

Although it does feel strange to be a part of a statistic and a global movement, my feelings are true. They’re real and genuine and most importantly, feel right. Wish me luck.

My favourite spots

Kasey shares three places where she likes to spend time with the kids:

1. Loaf, Stanwell Park

Staff are friendly, the food is delicious and I can have five minutes of peace as the kids terrorise the park.

2. Madden Falls, Darkes Forest

It’s definitely a white-knuckle parenting moment, but safely away from the drop, it’s hours of fun in the sun.

3. Coledale Markets, Coledale

Bargain vintage buys for the kids’ wardrobes, tasty local food and midday shoegaze sessions.