Things to Consider Before Quitting Your Job

If you're miserable at your current job then you're probably desperate for a change. However, it's important to have some sort of exit strategy when you're involved with a job that you don't like. Quitting your job on the spot without some sort of plan can be a mistake and will force you to find another position that you probably won't like because you simply need a paycheck. Often times, employees quit their job because they are not favorable of the environment or people that surround them throughout the day and it doesn't necessarily deal with the work itself. There are helpful steps you can take to help decide whether or not you should quit your current position and seek something else. Here are just a few of those steps:

Divide everything into two columns.

Take out a sheet of paper and divide it right down the middle into two columns. On one side label it as "Likes" and the other side as "Dislikes." Begin the process of filling out the columns with things that you like about the job, while others that are bothersome. No matter how big or small the item is you need to list it here. For instance, if there is a particular co-worker that annoys you, list it in the "Dislikes" category.

Evaluate the list.

Start off by looking in the Dislikes column and evaluate each item. Begin to cross out any item that is temporary in nature. In using my example earlier, if you don't particularly like a specific employee then maybe a change of office location or floor could solve your problem. You could also consider transferring within the company to a different position that fits more of what you want than leaving. Many companies prefer to hire within from a list of employees that have credibility and experience with the company. If most of your problems are temporary and do have easy solutions then you should maybe reconsider not quitting your job. There are other options available.

In order to quit your job, you must consider all options and be sure that your present situation is intolerable. Keep in mind that other companies may have the same problems your current company does and it may not be worth your time to quit.

Consider the future.

After reviewing your Dislikes column, is there anything on that list you expect to change or get better in the future? On your Likes column, you should have also listed the growth potential at your current job. For instance, if you have the opportunity to be promoted or transferred to another position at any time then can you hold on long enough to make that change? By staying you could be opening the door for something you really want later on, so does that benefit outweigh your dislikes? Job security and the opportunity for promotion are two very important aspects of every job, and if you have that at your current position then maybe your situation will be better in the near future.

Start planning for the change.

If you've considered all options and there is no doubt you must leave your position, then I recommend start saving as much money as you can throughout the job-search period. Build up your sick and vacation days so that you can take time off to go on other job interviews. I also recommend not quitting your job until you have found something else. The reason being is that once you are on the job hunt you may find out other companies have the same problems and maybe your situation isn't bad after all. But it's important to have your bank account full and ready in case you have to quit suddenly and live off of savings for a while.

Revamp your resume and line up your contacts and references before you leave. It's best to talk with people you know about possible job openings in the area and to get your name and resume floating around the circuit. Find others that are also looking for jobs in your area and talk with them about the job market. It could be that the market is flooded with resumes and not many companies are hiring. If that's the case, maybe it's best you wait.

If you're in a situation where you must quit while you're on the job search, then I recommend finding a temporary part-time job at night to have the substantial income to pay your bills. You may need the money and references to tied you over between jobs. It will take the pressure off of you and you'll have the freedom during the day to research and go on interviews.

Can you afford quitting?
Though I've spoken briefly about the financial aspects of quitting, I wanted to spend more time making you think about the magnitude of it. Be sure that you can afford to quit your job. If you can't make it at least six months on your savings then you shouldn't quit until you reach that safety net. Quitting on a whim can be a mistake, both financially and emotionally. After all, what's worse: Going to work everyday at a job you don't like or not being able to afford your mortgage? Financial pressures are much heavier than that associated with the job you don't like, so be prepared to cut the expenses and live lightly during your search months.

Those are just a few things you need to consider before quitting your job. It's best to think that a change in career is a great experience and that you learned something from your job. Never feel like you're leaving a job without something or else you'll feel like you've wasted a few years of your life. Good luck and be sure to weigh all of your options before you decide.