Sure, my parents werent happy with my move, I had no savingsandI had no clue where to live in Chicago, but that was all part of the experience, in my opinion. I grew up with extremely strict parents, and after 23 years of breaking every barrier possible, they still deal with my crazy decisions somehow.

I knew, once I got settled here, theyd realize this would make me happy. After a couple of months of working, I would build upsome savings, and living in Chicago wouldno longerbe a huge stress. As long as I can afford a place, I can figure out better options after living in the city for a few months.

So here I was, accepting an offer for a startup publication in Chicago. I packed everything, drove the 13 hours and I was beyond excited, to say the least. I had graduated and within a month, I not only receiveda job offer, but I was now living in the third largest city in America. Hows that for a life change?

The morning of my first day of big-girl world, I walked in, prepared to take on anytasks thrown at me. My boss explained my assignments, and within a few hours, I had completed everything and was hungry to take on more.

By day two and day three, I realized I hadthe same exact assignments. I kept asking questions, trying to get better insight on things, only to find myself getting nowhere.

My colleagues didnt care that I was new. They didnt care to help me. I figured the stagnancy I feltwas likely becauseit was my first job. As the week went by, however, I realized this would be the routineevery day at this company.

What was initially discussed inmy offer about work-life, my responsibilities, etc., was not my current reality. To (hopefully) get some reassurance, I decided to talk to my boss about how Iwas feeling.

To my surprise, I was told to simplycontinue with the tasks given and thatit would be a while before I saw any real growth, given the current position I was in.

I understood the company was a startup, so it wasnt exactly perfect, but what was I really getting myself into?

I just didnt feel comfortable in the situation. Though,when I talked to my loved ones, they assured me I was feeling this way becauseits only my first job or because its different from college.

But when I get a gut instinct that something isnt right for me, I usually follow it. For years, Id gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable in positions, but this was different. It wasnt that I was uncomfortable, it genuinely just didnt feel right to me.

So I quit.

Yes, I quit. All that effort in packing and moving for nothing, you say? No, it wasnt all for nothing.

Honestly, I feel like this was meant to be. Through this experience, I realized what I wanted in a job, and I learned not tolet anyone take me or my talent for granted.

Sure, I may be new to the workforce, with very little experience, but just like anyone else, I did have some talent to bring to the table.

The minute I quit and walked out, I called my parents, I spoke with my boyfriend and I told my roommates. And unsurprisingly, they were alldisappointed in me.

To them, this was so impracticalandstupid. The lecture I got for this was intense, of course, but I didnt let it hurt me. If anything, it didthe opposite. Itmotivated and guided me to work fora position that was right for me, where I knew what I was getting myself into.

Fast forward seven months, and I now work at a law firm, write as a freelancer, volunteer as a tutor for disabled, young adults and take photos around the city for small gigs. And most importantly,Im happy.

Not only am I getting the best experience out of a city, but Im going with the flowand learning with the people I meet everyday.

For anyone whosays Im dumb for what I did, youre entitled to your opinion. But if being dumb led me to my happiness, I would argue and say itmakes me pretty smart.