Quitting a job can sound like the perfect solution to a bad day at work, but your uneasiness with your job might be more of a red flag of what’s missing in your life. Many times people leave a good-paying job thinking the “grass is greener” on the other side only to land on more of the same.
It could be that you are having a rough time at work; however, it helps to slow down and take a look at your options. Leaving your employer in an abrupt way might feel wonderful and for a few days you could be on cloud nine thinking this is the best decision, but reality will catch up, and if you don’t have a plan things could get a lot worse.
When you leave a job without having another one lined up, it could raise some issues during your job search and being prepared can help you avoid some of those awkward moments. Employers want to make good hiring decisions and when you leave a job it creates questions such as: Were you fired? Did you get along with your boss? How motivated are you to work? Are you difficult to please? Did you leave because conditions were such that anyone with a drive to succeed would leave?
People leave jobs for all kinds of reasons. A recent study confirms what most know: “People leave managers and not companies.” Most of the time people leave because they are unhappy, tired or burnt out without relief in sight. When an interviewer hears “you quit” it sounds as though they could be inheriting a problem.
Generally people can’t afford to quit their job without having a new one and before you leave it helps to have a plan of action to follow with the confidence needed to answer concerns once you are in the job market.
There are two impressions employers will remember about you outside of your contributions: The moment they decided to hire you and how you left. The last impression you give will be significant and if you leave without consideration you are apt to receive that in return when needing a reference.
Life is way too short to be miserable at work and there are some great reasons to leave and move on to better opportunities especially if you sense that staying longer would burn bridges or create unhealthy stress.
Should you quit before you have a new one lined up? The answers depend on your marketability and financial health. It is often easier to find a job when you have a job, but if your background and experience are in demand then landing a new job shouldn’t be that challenging. Besides that, you still need to have a reason for leaving that doesn’t scare employers and makes you appear difficult.
Practice your answers to the question, “why did you leave your job?” If you use reasons such as the work climate was too difficult, your department has high turnover, no supervision, or your boss was too demanding, it could send a perception of blame.
Instead be ready to talk about what you learned from the job that applies to the one you are discussing. Take ownership of your decision in a confident way being careful not to burn bridges. Your answer needs to be short and concise. Too much rambling can create trouble.
A cardinal job-search rule is to never bad mouth your employer no matter the circumstance. The reason you give can raise a red flag or create misunderstanding.
Would you leave a job before finding another one?
