5 Things People Who Just Quit Need to Know About the Job Search Right Now

The day I quit my bad job was the best day of my life. But it was also the scariest day of my life. 

I remember thinking: Did I make a huge mistake? What if it takes me a year to find another job? Will anyone want to hire me?

True, I was leaving a toxic work environment, a micromanaging supervisor, as well as a job I pretty much couldn’t stand. However, I couldn’t shake that icky feeling that was swelling inside my stomach: did I just make a giant mistake?

If you just quit your job (or maybe you’re just thinking about quitting), here are five things you need to know about the job search right now:

1. You WILL find another job. 

Try not to catastrophize and panic. Deep breaths! Take it one day at a time and focus on what you can control. 

Although the pandemic has caused much chaos, one thing remains certain: there are millions of open jobs right now and employers are scrambling to fill them.

What does that mean for you as a candidate: YOU are in the driver’s seat. 

2. Tis the season for networking. 

While you’re enjoying that cup of eggnog by the fire with family or coworkers, why not drop in the conversation that you’re in the market for a new job opportunity?

It’s a small world, and you never know where your next job lead could come from. Sure, your cousin Larry might be a little on the eccentric side, but maybe he has a connection to someone working in your dream company and he would be more than happy to introduce you!

3. Seasonal jobs can turn into regular jobs. 

What better way to curb the holiday chaos than rolling up your sleeves and getting a temporary job? Customer service, retail, and financial services are just several of the industries hiring this holiday season. 

Best case scenario: you prove yourself and the temporary position turns into a full-time gig. 

Worst case scenario: it doesn’t turn into your dream job. However, you’ve made some money, networked with some interesting folks, and acquired new experience and skills that you can market on your resume!

4. You’re in a great position to negotiate.

This continues to be a job seeker’s market. However, you need to be prepared to ask for what you want and need versus assuming your dream job will magically appear inside your Christmas stocking. 

Figure out your job “can’t live without.” In other words, what are your deal-breakers when it comes to your next position? Be honest with yourself. Also, be prepared to ask very specific questions in the interview process to make sure you will actually get all of your job must-haves before accepting an offer. 

Do you want to work 100% remotely, or are you willing to work partially from home? What about salary? How much money do you need to make? This will prepare you for those salary questions you’ll be asked.

5. There’s less competition. 

During the month of December, most job seekers will put their search on the back burner during the holiday season. However, you, the savvy job seeker, can take full advantage and focus instead on updating your resume and LinkedIn profile before the 2023 hiring frenzy kicks off in January.

This holiday season you might be tempted to put on your fuzzy socks and watch that Lifetime marathon you’ve been dreaming about all year. However, I would recommend using this downtime instead (at least part of it) to get a jump start on your job search!

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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

Lee Cristina Beaser is a career coach and certified professional resume writer (CPRW). She is the founder of The Career Counter, where she empowers women to find happiness and fulfillment in their careers. For tips and tools to help you change careers or jobs or return to work after a career pause, click here. 

What’s your no. 1 piece of advice for people on the job search right now? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss'ers!