Quit Your Job without a New One?

If someone asked whether you would quit your job without a new one lined up, what would you respond? Most people would say the sensible answer is to snag a new position before you abandon your current one. In essence, you might find multiple reasons supporting that view and very few going against it.

I Quit! Now What?

Although throwing away a job you already have doesn’t usually make good sense, some people do it anyway. Why? Often it happens because you get fed up with conditions at work–maybe they’ve gone on too long or something has sparked too much frustration.

So you erupt with anger, despair, or other negative emotions and submit your resignation effective now.

Then you do your best to deal with the fallout, which could include several actions more or less at the same time:

• Get yourself out of the workplace as quickly and with as much dignity as you can.
• Calm down upset loved ones–spouses, kids, and others.
• Start looking for a new job.
• Consult a coach or counselor to figure out why this all happened–and how to keep it from happening again.
• Plan future job-related actions around a new “look before you leap” philosophy.

How Much & How Fast Do You Need a Job?

Unless you’re rich and only worked so you’d have something to do, you probably need a new job soon. How soon depends on whether you ever got around to building a financial-security cushion.

Your best choice: Don’t put yourself in the position of needing a job badly when you start looking for a new one. However, if you quit without a replacement job in sight, you won’t have much choice. Just take a deep breath and get started!

Keep in mind that needing a job fast puts you in a weak spot in job interviews and salary discussions with employers. As a result, you’ll have to work on keeping that need to yourself as much as you can.

The Best Time–and Way–to Quit Your Job

First, let’s state the obvious. Find your next job while you still have one! What’s more, don’t let emotion drive your timing. This is one case where your brain needs to take the driver’s seat.

Next, make a job search plan and put it into action. Weigh options carefully. Consult experts and those who will feel the impact of your choice.

Last, take these basic but key steps:

• Lay the groundwork for a well-managed exit before you announce your plan to your boss.
• Make sure your work is still top-notch–you want them to miss you when you leave.
• Line up potential references before heading out the door.

Now get on top of the job search process–and stay there!

P.S. If you need help pulling your job search together, let me know: 508-263-9454 or careermaster@asuccessfulcareer.com.