We spoke to Gurgîn Bakircioglu, activist and influencer, about when he decided to quit his job and dedicate his time to making a better world.
When and why did you decide to “climate quit”?
I decided to “climate quit” back in 2016. Even though my path wasn’t fully clear at the time, I knew I wanted to do something bigger with my life than just working it away as a radio host at Swedish Radio. I quickly found myself drawn to the climate issue when I researched what the greatest challenges of our time were, searching for a meaningful context beyond just jobism.
Describe a specific moment when you realized that you needed to do something else with your life.
I realized it while lying on my brother’s mattress in an unfurnished room, trying to read Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Because everyone learns something from The Alchemist. Except me. I wasn’t receptive to anything but bad thoughts, and there was this wobbly desk lamp that had a life of its own. Every time I adjusted it, I had about 30 seconds before I’d have to fix it again. This went on, and the lamp quietly gnawed at me, just like all my other problems. It became a low-intensity battle until I broke down. The lamp triggered me and pushed me over the edge. I cried like a kid.
You know those moments when you finally see the bigger picture? I was 31, sleeping on a mattress in my brother’s room, the only companion willing to share that space with me was the mother of depression. The room had no furniture; it was pure “newly dumped guy” Feng Shui. I loved my job but hated the workplace and the obligation of being there.
I didn’t know what I was doing or what I wanted from life. I was George Costanza. I sold and donated everything I owned, clueless about minimalism. I bought a camper van, knowing nothing about being location-independent. I quit my job, unaware I could live on so little.
Finally, I couldn’t reconcile my conscience any longer and became vegan. Through that, I discovered the climate issue and its connection to justice. It was the best decision of my life: breaking free from the grip of employers, avoiding endless commutes, and joining forces with people to focus on meaningful change instead of chasing the next apartment, the next sofa, or another empty weekend getaway.
How does it feel now since you changed your path?
It feels incredibly meaningful, especially in these times when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction. As an advocate, I know that, no matter what happens politically, at the end of my life, I’ll be able to smile on my deathbed and say, “I gave them hell.”
I built my life around making it harder for them to profit and pushing against their harmful policies.
What’s your advice to others who want to climate quit?
I tend to be radical when I realize something needs to change—I do everything all at once, ripping off the Band-Aid to get started immediately. But I understand that most people need small windows, gradual steps, and encouragement. When I find something I’m convinced is right for people, animals, and nature, and it aligns with the research, I dedicate months to learning everything about it.
My advice? Take it step by step, but once you’re ready, commit fully and build your life around the change.