Don’t quit your job for the wrong reasons
“I quit!”
Reading or writing it can be gratifying but saying it, especially to a boss who hasn’t been your ally, can be especially gratifying. But is it smart?
“Sometimes people leave their jobs for the wrong reasons and make grandiose exits without giving it enough thought,” says Anthony Blake, a career consultant in Seattle, Washington. “There are always reasons to leave one job for another — salary, benefits, recognition and career trajectory, among others — but quitting a job is a significant decision that will have real-life implications for your finances, your personal life and of course, your career.”
Blake suggests disgruntled employees think seriously about their options before they offer up a resignation. “There are so many factors to consider but in some ways, timing is overrated,” he says. “Some people feel like there’s a perfect time to quit and move on when in fact, they may not be considering all the negative possibilities.”
Since there are situations when it may not be advisable to quit your job, here are some scenarios to consider before resigning:
No plan: If you haven’t secured another job, you should probably delay quitting your current job until you do. Lacking alternative employment could majorly impact how you support yourself or your family. Also, quitting your job without a clear career plan or a new opportunity in sight can leave you in a state of uncertainty. Take time to assess your long-term career goals and research potential job prospects before making a move.
Cash flow or coverage issues:
If you don’t have sufficient savings or another source of income to maintain the basics during a job transition, it may not be the right time to quit. Instead, wait until you have some money in your savings account. Also, be sure to evaluate your current benefits, including health insurance and retirement funds. Make sure you have a plan in place to replace these benefits if you decide to quit.
Unresolved workplace issues:
Don’t go running for the door if you face unpleasant challenges at work, including a difficult manager, an excessive workload or lazy colleagues, try to resolve these issues through internal channels or by seeking guidance from HR. Quitting without attempting to resolve problems may lead to similar issues in your next job.
Lack of preparation: The game has probably changed a bit since you last looked for a job in your field so if you’re considering leaving your current job for something new, make sure you have the necessary skills and qualifications. If not, wait a bit while you brush up on the latest standards and practices to help improve your chances of success. You should also assess the job market to determine whether it’s a good time to make a career change. Some industries may be more open to new employees than others.