If you dread going to work everyday and are miserable in your current position, then you may be desperate for a job change. Though you may fantasize about quitting your job and getting away from your boss, you need to think through this decision before walking out the door. If you don’t have some kind of exit strategy, quitting your job on the spot can lead to larger consequences such as having to take a job you dislike just as much in order to pay your rent. It’s essential to weigh all the pros and cons of quitting, and here are a few tips to help you do so.
Divide everything into two columns.
Take out a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side list all the things you like about your job. On the other, list all the things you find bothersome. No matter how big or small the problem, list it so that you can realistically consider all the pros and cons of your current job.
Evaluate.
Read through your list and cross off all the items that are temporary, such as a negative coworker or a difficult process that could potentially be changed. This will help you determine whether it’s the people you’re working with or the company as a whole you dislike. If it’s just the team you’re working with, you may want to look into if being transferred to a different department is a possibility rather than leaving the company completely. Many companies prefer to hire within when positions open up rather than go through the entire hiring process. If most of your problems are temporary, then you may want to consider not quitting but looking into other options instead.
Think about the future.
Review your dislikes column and determine if there is anything on the list that you predict will get better in the future. Is there growth potential at your current job? If you think there’s a possibility of being promoted soon, it may be worth it to suffer in your current position just a little longer. You could open the doors for a position you really want later on. If you don’t foresee any growth opportunity, then leaving may be the best decision.
Consider your finances.
The most important thing to consider before deciding to walkout on a job is your financial situation. Can you really afford to quit your job? Experts recommend that if you can’t make it at least six months on your savings (especially in today’s job market), then you shouldn’t quit your job. Quitting on a whim can be a huge financial mistake. It’s better to go to a job you hate everyday than to be without a job and not able to pay your rent or mortgage.
If you’re in a position that you must quit your job before securing another position, you should at least find a temporary part-time job so that you still have some source of income and no resume gaps.
Prepare for a change.
After considering all your options you may have decided that you still want to quit your job. Start looking for a new job and begin saving your money before you actually quit. Use your sick and vacation days to take time off to go on interviews. This will remove some of the financial pressure and give you flexibility to go on interviews. Revamp your resume and line up contacts and references before you leave. If you do need to leave before securing another job, at least you’ll have a little bit of savings to tie you over.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary job while on the job search or a full-time opportunity for your next career move, let the experienced recruiters at BOS Staffing help. We guide job seekers through every step of the hiring process, from application to offer, and help them access the hidden job market – the jobs that never get posted. Contact us today and we’ll work together until we find a job that’s the perfect fit for you.
