'The Great Resignation' and Me: This Gen-Xer is Taking a Gap Year

This essay, originally published on TueNight — on Independence Day 2021 no less — details why, and how, I quit my corporate job managing a tech company’s marketing team to join ‘The Great Resignation.’

Now nearly two months into my so-called midlife gap year, I have no regrets. I initially had more productive aspirations for my summer—like starting a new podcast—but a few weeks ago I decided to stick with my other plan: take the summer off from any kind of work.

Getting off the 9-5 hamster wheel mindset took some adjustment, but I’m pleased to say I’ve gotten pretty good at just BEING more often, and thinking less so. Experiencing joy and gratitude daily, in varying doses. And I’m very pleased to say that I’ve complained hardly at all.

What I’ve been doing:

  • Walking

  • Journaling

  • Meditating

  • Cooking

  • Staying with friends in the Catskills and Shelter Island

  • Going to outdoor dance parties

  • Meeting friends and acquaintances for coffee

  • Reading books

  • Seeing art

  • Heading to Brighton Beach by myself to watch the sunset

  • Still scrolling on Instagram WAAAYYY TOOO MUCH

After Labor Day, I’ll get back to the work of podcast planning and life-shaping because I’m corny like that.

Dori Fern