5 Tips to Quit Your Corporate Job: How a Former Office Employee is Now Leading a Global Ocean Expedition

The struggle to align one’s day job with their true passion is common in our work-centric society. We often dream about the possibility of making a living off a project that lights up our hearts and brings us true fulfillment. However, making that leap from a dream to actually making the move to quit your corporate job is where many of us find ourselves stuck, held back by the fear of the unknown and the comfort of stability.

Consider the inspiring story of Andi Cross, a seasoned growth strategist who had spent 15 years working with prominent names like Coca-Cola, Rolls-Royce, and Jamba Juice during her corporate journey. While she had succeeded in the corporate world, Andi deeply yearned for something more. She had a growing affinity for the ocean, and her passion for diving and exploring underwater wonders had taken hold of her soul.

In 2019, Andi made a bold decision that would change her life forever. She made the audacious switch, trading her office wear for scuba gear and venturing into the unknown. She left the familiar world of the C-suite behind and embarked on a remarkable journey, leading a global ocean expedition known as the “Edges of Earth.”

Andi’s relationship with the ocean was not lifelong. In fact, she had only learned to swim at the age of 30. However, her determination and passion drove her to overcome her fears and limitations. Five years later, she became a certified divemaster, equipped with the skills and knowledge to explore the depths of the sea.

Today, Andi stands at the helm of the “Edges of Earth” expedition, a monumental undertaking spanning two years and 50 destinations across the globe. The expedition aims to uncover the ocean’s hidden treasures and raise awareness about the pressing need for environmental conservation. Andi’s mission is to drive visibility and provide support to the unsung heroes—the individuals and organizations worldwide—who have dedicated themselves to preserving our planet’s most incredible natural wonders and species.

Andi’s journey is more than just a personal accomplishment; it is a powerful call to action for everyone who feels trapped behind a desk, constrained by a job that fails to align with their passion and purpose. She serves as an inspiration, providing a roadmap for those who yearn to break free and pursue their dreams.

Drawing from her own experiences, Andi outlined five critical steps that can help individuals navigate the challenging path of transitioning from a dissatisfying job to a fulfilling pursuit:

Define Your “Default Mode”

By delving into childhood passions and recognizing the skills and talents that others have praised us for, we can begin building a foundation for our future endeavors. This self-discovery bolsters confidence and reduces the feelings of imposter syndrome that often accompany such significant life changes.

Know Your Vision

Developing clarity about one’s vision is essential. However, ensuring that the vision aligns with a genuine need in the world is crucial. By validating the demand for our passion-driven projects, we can avoid building something that fails to gain traction or purpose.

Do Your Research

Once the vision is identified, embarking on a research journey becomes imperative. Understanding who else is pursuing similar goals, how to differentiate our vision, and identifying our intended audience allows us to craft a unique and impactful path forward.

Build a Plan

Armed with research and a clear vision, the next step is to draft a comprehensive plan. Andi advocates for the technique of “brain dumping,” which involves capturing all gut-instinct thoughts on paper and refining the plan with further research and data.

Talk to Others

To validate our plan and gain valuable insights, seeking guidance from those who have embarked on similar journeys or those whose opinions we trust is crucial. Engaging with others in our field and testing the market’s response helps us confirm the need for our vision and understand our audience from the early stages.

Leaping from an unfulfilling job to pursue one’s passion is no small feat. It requires deep introspection, thorough research, meticulous planning, and validation. Yet, as Andi’s story testifies, when done right, this transformative journey leads to personal fulfillment and has the potential to impact the world significantly.