It’s already 2026, and life has been moving fast. If you’ve been following along, you know I left my role as a Marketing Executive back in December. Since then, I’ve been through that weird middle ground and have been trying to find something different but still rooted in the marketing skills I’m confident in.
For most people, quitting without a backup plan feels reckless. We’re taught that we can’t face tomorrow without stability. I get that, and honestly, I think about it too. But here I am. It might not be what you’re used to hearing, but I’ve walked away from two different roles recently, and I wanted to share the real story behind those choices with you.
The First Leap: Learning to Spot the Red Flags
In early February, I joined a company focused on connecting expats with local Balinese culture, everything from making canang to releasing turtles. Coming from a hospitality and nightlife background, I had such high hopes. Moving into a space that valued community and impact sounded like a dream come true, especially since I love exploring the island and connecting with locals.
Then came the first day. It wasn’t exactly what was promised in the interview. Instead of a proper office, I arrived at a villa with no AC in one of the rooms and people working on the floor.
The atmosphere felt off immediately. During a 5 PM meeting, I watched the owner scold the COO in front of everyone. It was humiliating to watch and felt completely disrespectful. By the second day, I went to an introductory meeting at a cafe with the owner, but I could barely focus because his hygiene was so overwhelming.
Between the lack of professional space, at one point, we were literally standing at a kitchen counter for a KPI meeting because there was nowhere to sit. Plus the heat, smoke from a nearby rice field fire, and the toxic communication, I felt empty. While driving home, I realized this wasn’t it. I reached out to a contact at a hotel who had previously offered me a role, accepted their offer, and sent an immediate resignation. Even when they threatened me with penalties for leaving after two days, I knew I had to ignore the noise and move on. Standing up for yourself is a non-negotiable.
The Second Leap: Choosing Sanity Over a CV
Sometimes we try to “fix” a mistake by jumping straight into the next thing, only to realize it’s still not the right fit. That was my second lesson of 2026.
On paper, the hotel role looked perfect, but the red flags started appearing quickly. The handover was nonexistent; the person previously handling the tasks was distant and dismissive. Beyond that, the office culture was fractured. Team members would show up whenever they pleased, making coordination nearly impossible.
Then there was the micromanagement. The owner would spend entire days hovering over the graphic designer, revising things to her personal taste rather than a strategic one. We ended up promoting a Valentine’s Day event just two days in advance because of the design delays, yet the expectations for ticket sales remained unrealistically high.
The final straw was the misalignment at the top. The owner and the GM were never on the same page, leaving the staff to be drowned in the confusion. I realized then that “toughing it out” for the sake of a CV isn’t worth it. Money is important, but not at the cost of your sanity.
So, What Now?
Right now, I’m focusing on me. I’m pouring my energy into my volunteering at Rumah Belajar Sentir and my Master’s studies at LSPR. I’m still looking for work, but I’m being much more selective.
Some might see these decisions as hasty or risky. But from where I’m standing, it’s saving me from long-term misery. I chose myself over “good money” because I’ve realized that a paycheck doesn’t guarantee a healthy environment. Quitting isn’t failing; for me, it’s a redirection.
Have you ever walked away from something that looked great on the surface but didn’t feel right for you?
One response
What a thoughtful story!
It’s like we are living with a gamble. There are many job opportunities around, but it still doesn’t guarantee peace of mind. Sometimes it just depends on what we choose and what we need to sacrifice.