We’ve all had those days when we’re ready to tell the boss where to stick it and storm out in a blaze of glory.
But before you go burning bridges, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking things through. (We’re in a cost of living crisis here, after all, and good jobs aren’t exactly easy to come by in most industries.) Quitting your job is a big decision that can have major consequences. Here are some important things to mull over before you hand in your notice.
1. You need to figure out if it’s the job or just a bad day.
Everyone has rubbish days at work, but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit. Take a hard look at whether your dissatisfaction is down to temporary frustrations or deeper issues with the job itself. If it’s just a rough patch, it might be worth sticking it out. But if you’re consistently miserable, it could be time to move on.
2. You should have a financial safety net in place.
Before you quit, make sure you’ve got enough savings to cover your expenses for at least a few months. The job market can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to end up in a financial pickle. Take a good look at your budget and make sure you can weather a period of unemployment if needed.
3. You need to consider your career trajectory.
Think about how quitting this job will affect your long-term career goals. Will it look like job-hopping on your CV? Or could it be a strategic move to advance your career? Consider how potential future employers might view this decision and whether it aligns with your professional aspirations.
4. You should check your contract for any legal implications.
Before you hand in your notice, review your employment contract. Look out for things like non-compete clauses, notice periods, or any obligations regarding company property or confidential information. You don’t want to land yourself in hot water by breaching your contract.
5. You need to think about your work relationships.
Consider how quitting might affect your professional network. Will you be burning bridges with colleagues or clients you might need in the future? It’s always best to leave on good terms if possible. Think about how you can maintain positive relationships even as you move on.
6. You should have a plan for health insurance and benefits.
Obviously we have the NHS, but these days, the service is on its knees and many people are going private. If your current job provides health insurance or other benefits, make sure you’ve got a plan for replacing these. Or, be prepared to moved back to the bottom of the lengthy waiting lists that exist in the service.
7. You need to consider the job market in your field.
Before you quit, do some research on the current job market in your industry. Are there plenty of opportunities out there, or is it a tough time to be job hunting? Understanding the landscape can help you make a more informed decision and potentially time your exit better.
8. You should think about your reasons for quitting.
Be honest with yourself about why you want to leave. Is it something that could potentially be resolved by talking to your manager or HR? Sometimes, issues that seem unfixable can actually be addressed if you communicate openly. Make sure you’re not quitting over something that could be resolved.
9. You need to have an exit strategy.
If you do decide to quit, have a plan in place. This includes knowing how you’ll handle the resignation conversation, what you’ll say to colleagues, and how you’ll tie up loose ends. A smooth exit can help maintain good relationships and secure positive references for the future.
10. You should consider the impact on your mental health.
Source: Unsplash While a toxic job can be detrimental to your mental health, unemployment can also be stressful. Think about how quitting might affect your overall well-being. If you’re quitting without another job lined up, do you have support systems in place to help you cope with the uncertainty?
11. You need to think about your work-life balance goals.
Source: Unsplash Consider whether quitting will help you achieve a better work-life balance. If that’s your goal, make sure your next move will actually address this issue. Sometimes, we assume a new job will automatically solve our problems, but it’s important to be realistic about what changes you’re looking for.
12. You should evaluate your skills and qualifications.
Source: Unsplash Before quitting, take stock of your skills and qualifications. Are you confident that you’re marketable in your field? If there are gaps in your skill set, it might be worth addressing these before you quit. Consider whether you need additional training or certifications to be competitive in your job search.
13. You need to consider the timing.
Timing can be crucial when quitting a job. Think about factors like upcoming projects, busy seasons in your industry, or personal events in your life. You don’t want to leave your team in the lurch during a critical time, and you also want to ensure you’re quitting at a time that’s advantageous for your own circumstances.
14. You should trust your gut feeling.
After considering all these factors, don’t forget to listen to your instincts. If you’ve done your homework and still feel strongly that it’s time to move on, trust that feeling. Sometimes, even if everything looks good on paper, your gut can tell you when it’s time for a change. Just make sure it’s your gut talking, not just a momentary frustration.
