How to Tell Your Latino Parents You’re Quitting Your Job
If there is anything latinos are known for, it’s their incredible work ethic and I saw this firsthand from my dad. Sixteen years ago, my parents, brother, and I arrived in the United States with nothing, but a few suitcases and savings. My dad began working intense hours at an overnight factory to put food on our table and I distinctly remember him walking around the neighborhood looking for salvageable items that we could reuse in our tiny, one bedroom apartment. After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
Through the years, I witnessed his endless sacrifices and hard work, and I knew I had a duty to repay him in my own way. After graduating college, I accepted a full-time job as a paralegal at a large Hispanic law firm. I ran to my dad with the news after receiving the call with the offer and seeing the pride in his eyes made me that much more excited about the opportunity.
However, after working there for several years, I realized that it wasn’t the same anymore. The combination of a three hour commute, stress, and health issues no longer made my dad glow with pride — instead, my job had become a nightmare that was no longer worth it. Although I knew it was time for me to leave my position, all I could think about was, “How on Earth am I going to tell my hard working dad, whose callos on his hands got me where I am today, that I plan on quitting my job?”
While it wasn’t easy, these tips helped me break the news to my parents and get through this rough patch.
1. Make sure quitting is the right choice.
Before you make the decision to leave tu trabajo (or in this case, tell your parents), make sure it’s the right choice for you. While I knew it was the correct path to take, I recommend first looking at all your pros and cons. If the cons outweigh the pros, chica, it’s may be time to leave.
2. Plan ahead.
The first thing your parents will ask you is, “¿Por qué?” Instead of letting the question catch you off guard, write down all the reasons why you’ve decided to leave your job and how it’s negatively impacting your life. Understanding your thought process will make it easier for them to come to terms with this change. And of course, also be prepared for all the other preguntas they may have.
3. No, I’m not vaga!
If you’re planning on quitting your job, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to keep moving forward with a plan. Whether you immediately start applying for a new job or you decide to come up with your own business idea, it’s important to continue working toward new goals.
4. Be prepared for criticism.
Let’s face it, criticism is inevitable. Padres latinos only want what’s best for you, so chances are you’ll see and feel some disappointment coming from them. There may be head shaking, some crying, and maybe mocos involved, but that’s okay. You have to mentally prepare yourself for all those things and just know that this reaction is coming from a loving place that isn’t meant to do any harm.
5. The world is not over!
If your parents start speaking like it’s the end of the world, remind them about the work ethic that they instilled in you. It’s essential to let them know that although quitting your job isn’t ideal, you’re still committed to your goals. Yes, you might be closing a chapter of your life, but it’s really like turning an ending into another beginning.