I knew my job wasn't the right fit for me. It still took me a year to quit.

The author knew she needed to quit her job, and her husband was supportive.

Courtesy of Kate Oczypok My people-pleasing tendencies kept me in a job that wasn't the right fit for too long.

I prefer more structure and feedback than I was getting, and needed a change.

After quitting, family and friends have said I seem lighter and happier.

As the oldest of five children, I've always seen things through.

I've been the responsible one, the one who gets it done, and, most importantly, a self-imposed people-pleaser .

These are just a few of the reasons it was so hard to quit a job that I devoted a decade to.

As a freelance writer , it's sometimes hard to find work, let alone steady work.

I knew I could count on this position, but I also knew my mental health was being affected by it.

There was less structure than what I preferred, and it just wasn't a good fit for me or the way I prefer to work, which includes plenty of routine, organization, and feedback.

It took me some time to come to a decision I stuck it out for a while, constantly weighing whether to quit or stay.

Staying meant a consistent income, continuing to contribute to my household, and having financial security (or as much as freelancing can give!).

Quitting meant no financial security , and given my people-pleasing nature, I was terrified of leaving my other coworkers.

I was even more scared of what future employers would think about my decision.