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This is my first pandemic. My nonprofessional opinion is that it falls into the realm of “worst time in history” category. It makes everything prior to 2020 seem easy and simple. For example, in 2019 it would be quitting my job. The 2020 remix version is quitting my job during a pandemic.

Normally, a transition is cause for celebration, there was some of that, but there were also delays, unexpected stints in unemployment, and copious amounts of patience which is not my forte.

In the end, quitting my job during a pandemic wasn’t ideal but it was one of the best decisions of 2020. Mostly, because I received a financial boost.

Increased Payday

I quit a low paying job and began a not-quite-as-low paying job, which was a great way to fast track finances. Rarely do companies pay more for promoting internal staff which is why job transitions can lead to higher wages.

Many personal finance bloggers suggest job hopping every 2 years to maximize growth earnings and minimize stagnation.

If I would have stayed with my original gig, it would have taken years to match the new starting wages. I cut my losses because quitting doesn’t make me a quitter it makes me smarter.

A Purple Life is a category-5 expert who leveraged job hoping to obtain 6 figures by 27, “When I’m asked for advice on how to advance ones career in today’s world, my first nugget of wisdom is to have no loyalty (why should I when companies don’t?) and job hop to your heart’s content.”

Better Retirement Bennies

I was exposed to early retirement not too long ago, hence, I feel very fond of it.

My new gig was hitch with the federal government. Their extensive benefit package includes 2 retirement plans including a pensionish and 401kish package. Why get one when I can go bold and get two, I do love BOGOs.

My prior 4 years of military service gets a credited towards the pensionish vehicle so I need 16 years instead of the standard 20. That wasn’t an option at my prior gig.

Hazzah, intelligent decisions made at 17!

A Short & Scenic Commute

The average commute is 26 minutes.

My new commute is a slow, 15-minute drive on the most scenic road in town. This short drive hugs the curves of a river that is speckled with islands where the residents are cantankerous seagulls, pelicans, cormorants, and other water-obsessed birds.

With the top seed of 45 mph, it is certainly a win for savings and a win for incorporating beauty into the stare of my day. Not that this was a goal before, but it sounds delightful now!

Complimentary Fitness

I’m one of those weird humans who enjoys working out.

I didn’t start that way. In boot camp, I failed the first fitness test. It was equally embarrassing and exhausting. I remember running by a trash can and thinking, “Well, if I throw up, at least I get a break.”

Instead of allowing my snail-paced to dictate my fate and get the boot from boot camp, I found a girl who passed the run test. I asked her if I could run with her in a noncreepy way.

She accepted and it worked! She passed, I passed, and we all wanted to pass out.

A lifetime has passed since boot camp, fitness has turned from torture into delight.

I get an endorphin shot before and after a walk/run along the trails at work. My body is propelled with effort and perspiration which moves forward my thoughts too. Frequently, I discover new insights or solve problems.

At my new federal gig, 3 hours per week are devoted to working out. I get paid my hourly wage to get fit, so I don’t quit.

Best. Job. Ever!

Uniform Is the Best Form

My mother seemed delighted to remind me that I hated wearing a uniform when I was a kid.

As the world turned, I turned in childhood for adulthood. Somethings have changed; I no longer eat sugar by the handful, but uniforms are my favorite form.

I don’t particularly enjoy the box cut of a government uniform or their penchant for gunmetal grey, but I do appreciate not spending money on work clothes. In my mind, if they want me to look a certain way then they should pay for all that grey!

Subsidized Coffee

Of all the things, I get subsidized coffee too. It’s not quite free because I donate small amounts on an infrequent basis. Still, it is hot coffee that is available compliments of work.

Full disclosure: I have a hard time telling the difference between good and bad coffee because its more cream and honey than coffee but in the end, it’s just another way this position increases my income.

Quitting My Job during a Pandemic = Financial Win!

Quitting my job during a pandemic was not ideal. However, the opportunity was better financially for little and big reasons. I took a chance. The rewards were noticeable and, quite frankly, delightful.

When the world is experiencing a horror-filled roller coaster at a theme park called COVID-19, the best I can do is buckle in, look forward to the euphoric highs, scream when it’s scary, and hope for a smooth finish.