Not everyone could understand where his advice was coming from.
The Duke of Sussex walked out from one of the most influential families in the world because he didn't feel joy in it anymore. Now, he is proud of people who are not afraid to leave their jobs if it no longer makes them happy.
Prince Harry quit his own job as a senior member of the British royal family in 2022, and during a recent interview with Fast Company magazine, the Duke of Sussex said that job resignations during the pandemic “aren’t all bad.” “In fact, it is a sign that with self-awareness comes the need for change,” the 37-year-old ex-royal said. “Many people around the world have been stuck in jobs that didn’t bring them joy, and now they’re putting their mental health and happiness first. This is something to be celebrated.”
In 2017 I quit a job that destroyed my mental health. It's one of the best decisions I ever made. I spoke to Prince Harry about his work as Chief Impact Officer at @BetterUp and why quitting is sometimes the right thing to do. https://t.co/b1VRyFaTaU
— Yasmin Gagne (@YasminGagne) December 6, 2021
He added that the number of people who left their job during the pandemic was simply impressive. “While on the surface it looks like these last couple of years brought all these issues to the foreground, the reality is these struggles and issues have been brewing for quite some time. We’re just at the beginning of the mental health awakening,” he said. “This work has never been more important because people are finally paying attention, and a big component of this mission is building awareness and continuing to pioneer the conversation.”
Several people took to Twitter to commend the prince for his outlook on putting mental health before work. “It’s good to quit anything that is affecting your mental health,” one person tweeted. “Well said Prince Harry. You have to take the first step sometimes and that means leaving,” a second person agreed.
“Totally Agree. Best to Walk away from Toxicity and an Environment you have no control over and resistance to Change. The Monarchy is one example,” added another.
Prince Harry says if you’re unhappy at work quit your job as it will be liberating. Helps if you have a £20m @netflix contract and live in a £15m mansion
— Andrew Pierce (@toryboypierce) December 7, 2021
However, his comments didn't do too well on social media where people commented on how easy it was for him to say something like this without really understanding the consequences. Many people cannot afford to quit their jobs due to financial constraints and responsibilities.
“So, multi-millionaire Prince Harry who has never held down a proper job in his life and has never had to worry about paying bills says quitting jobs brings joy and it’s actually good for ‘self-awareness.’ Couldn’t make it up, please someone, anyone, make it stop!” one person tweeted, while another added, “Imagine taking job advice from a literal prince.”
Prince Harry says to quit a job if it’s negatively affecting your mental health & I believe him becos he’s speaking 4rm experience.
— A M A R A (@cuteahmah) December 6, 2021
Just take a look at him & Meg.
see how they’re happy & flourishing ever since quitting UK & d RF.
Nothing beats a safe & nontoxic environment
“So, sitting on the top floor, or in a villa for 14 million, H will advise us to change jobs if the current one stresses us. When you need to feed your kids, pay the bills. You hurt your advice a lot and earn money from it. it's crazy that someone pays him for this call,” said a user.
“Ah thanks for the helpful advice H. I’ll tell my husband. He’ll love to hear this. Not sure the mortgage, gas & electricity, phone companies etc will be on board us not paying our bills. I’ll point them in your direction for some inspiration and zen vibes when they get arsey,” an angry woman commented.
References:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90702784/prince-harry-says-quitting-can-be-good-for-your-mental-health?
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Hannah McKay
