Feeling stuck at work? Try these 4 steps before quitting your job

I used to think I needed a new job.

But I actually needed a hobby.

Here’s what I mean:

When something’s missing from your job, it’s easy to think the job itself is broken.

But sometimes, the job is fine.

You’re just expecting it to meet every single one of your needs.

Purpose. Joy. Challenge. Community. Growth. Creativity. Balance. Motivation. Freedom.

That’s a tall order for a paycheck.

You wouldn’t expect your spouse to meet every single one of your needs, right?

I love Jon.

But I don’t expect him to love the same indie music I do and listen to every podcast I like and go dissect every decision like I do.

That’s why I have other outlets:

Friends who get it.

Hobbies that light me up.

And solo walks, playlists, and pickleball.

Same goes for your job.

If you feel stuck or bored or a little off…

…it doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit.

Sometimes, it means you need to round out your life.

The Problem

We expect our job to be our everything.

And when it’s not?

We start fantasizing about quitting it all to open a flower shop in Vermont.

But what if you just need to take a flower-arranging class?

The thing you’re craving might not be a new career move.

It might be a creative outlet.

The Big Small Thing

Before you daydream about quitting, try this instead:

1. Write down 3 things you used to love doing.

Hobbies you had as a kid. In college. Before life got so full.

What made you feel creative, playful, alive?

The answer might not be a new job. It might be rediscovering an old spark.

2. Google local options or online classes.

Photography, tap dance, pottery, piano, tennis, screenwriting, gardening, improv — you name it.

(Fun fact: I once got my pilot’s license through a Google benefit. Best money I never spent.)

3. Schedule it like a meeting.

Don’t wait for “someday.” Pick one. Put it on your calendar this week.

Make it just as non-negotiable as your team’s stand-up.

4. Optional: Check your company’s education or wellness benefits.

Many companies will reimburse part of the cost for creative or wellness classes.

At Google, I used mine for tap dancing in NYC. Twice a week. Zero regrets.

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

You don’t always need a new career to feel new energy.

Sometimes you just need something that’s yours.

A joyful little corner of your week that doesn’t require a promotion, a raise, or a resignation letter.

Just your curiosity — and a calendar reminder 🙂