what are people's thoughts on quitting a job without another one lined up?

20 Comments

1. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 25,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

   Part of your consideration needs to be financial - how long can you afford to be unemployed?

   Another option is to leave your current job for a "bridge" job - one that brings in some income while also freeing up some of your time for a job search. It's Christmas, so there are plenty of opportunities in industries that see a spike in customers at this time of year.

2. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachOctober 25,2021 at 4:10PM UTC

   It's fine to leave a job without another one lined up as long as you can financially make it work like Lesa mentioned. You'll also want to make sure you have good references from your current job to alleviate any concerns when interviewing for a new job. As a corporate recruiter, we see people leave their jobs to take personal time off or to think about their next career move all the time, but the key is to have a good reason for it and to be able to back-up your good performance with solid references. Or if you left on bad terms, be up front with what happened and what lessons you learned from the experience.

3. Georgene HuangOctober 25,2021 at 4:15PM UTC

   I completely agree!

4. Kassidy BecksteinOctober 25,2021 at 5:19PM UTC

   It depends on how much you have saved? And if you're looking for healthcare options other than Cobra please reach out :)

5. Joanne RosenOctober 25,2021 at 6:30PM UTC

   Start with a passive search. Get your resume updated and then move that information onto your LinkedIn profile. You can change your status there to show recruiters you are looking for new opportunities.

   If you need help updating your resume, or aren't sure how well it will do, please upload it for a FREE analysis at: www.analyticadvantagecc.com

   Cheers
   Joanne

6. kay JackOctober 25,2021 at 6:43PM UTC

   I agree with the responses that say if you can afford to do it or take an in between job-- go for it and leave . I dealt with looking for a new job while being defeated at your current . It's hard to get out of your head and think positive . My career coach that I worked with ( as part of my separation contract ) was amazing in helping me to see my value again . Best wishes

7. April ChuOctober 25,2021 at 7:57PM UTC

   Could you passively search for a job now (20-30 min/day)? On the flip side, i t sounds like you are ready for a sabbatical. I don't blame you after the last 2 years. If you can afford it, there is no shame to take a break and leave your job. My coworker just did it and feels anew. I have left a job before without something lined up. I was young and I was running on fumes from the job. I was able to quickly secure a role and only had about 2 weeks off. After that experience, I told myself I needed to be in a secure financial spot if I was going to attempt again. Pretty sure my luck would not come around for a second time so easily.

8. KelliOctober 26,2021 at 1:01AM UTC

   I think you can absolutely be intentional about finding a great new role while you're still employed. Oftentimes, actually it helps you get through the day and feel empowered (if you're going through the job search the right way). What are you thinking about doing in your next role?

9. LauraOctober 26,2021 at 1:22AM UTC

   Could you use leave to free up some time? A couple half-days a week or something?

10. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 2:20AM UTC

    I did this in my 20s but I have too much at stake now. I have to have money stacked or I have to have a job lined up.

11. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 2:58AM UTC

    A lot of people say not to quit a job without another one lined up, but let me tell you, it is a job seeker's market right now. Many people have recruiters contacting them on a near daily basis on LinkedIn, and chances are you've experienced this as well. However, a job hunt is a timing game, and just because recruiters are contacting you doesn't mean they are presenting you with roles that are the right fit for you, or that match your skillset. Sometimes they just need to reach out to as many people as they can to try to get enough candidates together to start the interview process. So, depending on your industry and your level of pay, a job search could be over quickly, or it could go on for 6-12 months, especially as folks go up the pay ladder. Some people say that a job search takes 1 month for every $10k in salary you earn. Outplacement firms will tell you that the average job search is taking about 5 months right now. So, the question to ask is, "Does my emergency fund cover at least 5 months of living expenses including healthcare?" "How much do temporary 30-60 day health plans cost?" Cobra is going to be your most expensive insurance option, which is why most people do not go with Cobra. You can also talk to a health insurance broker who will look at health plans for you. It may vary in different states, but in many states brokers do not charge a fee to the client because they get paid by the health insurance company to refer business over to the insurance company. A good broker will crunch the numbers and present you with 2-3 different health plans under different companies.

12. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 7:21AM UTC

    I did this exact thing recently (I am currently looking for my next job). But I was only comfortable doing so because I have quite a bit of financial cushion. I’d be feeling a little desperate 6 weeks in if I didn’t have savings. Hiring processes can be slow; be prepared for it to take longer than planned. Or be ready to take some part-time work temporarily. Lots of jobs out there right now.

    It’s been GREAT to get some rest, do some personal projects and have undivided attention on my job search. I didn’t realize how burned out I was until I had a break.

13. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 2:17PM UTC

    did you give yourself a timeline or plan before you made the jump? also, what are you doing insurance-wise for the interim if you don't mind me asking? thanks for responding!

14. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 7:21PM UTC

    I am on my husband’s insurance so I have the luxury of not worrying about that one. Although I’ve had insurance through the Affordable Care Act / healthcare.gov before and it was fine. (Don’t go even a day without some kind of coverage though!)

    I was at a natural stopping point with my job, after a big project completed, and I was exhausted. So I planned way ahead. We spent the previous 5 years paying off all debt and saving a big emergency fund, so I was in a good position to make the jump. Mainly I would say figure out what’s going to make you feel secure before you quit. Good luck!

15. AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

    I have never done this. I am glad that I persevered, stayed with the plan, while looking for a job. Believe me, I have a job that made me consider suicide, it was so toxic. I remember looking at the train tracks...thinking that I could just end it all.

    That "woke" me up. I was obviously miserable at my job, and started looking for anything. Even lower paying jobs. Within two months, I had a new job.

    In a way, that toxic experience helped me put my job in perspective. I have so much in my life, aside from my job. I was just letting it take over. I will never do that again.

16. Jackie RukaOctober 26,2021 at 3:27PM UTC

    I did it and it was the best decision I ever made! However, I had a plan in place and slowly worked my plan before exiting my career toward a new one.
    I now teach women how to gracefully leave her job and bridge to your next new chapter, addressing burnout is first and foremost, so that you are clear, vitalized and making smart moves not emotional moves.
    It's ofcourse better to look at your current role as a BRIDGE toward your next opportunity.
    I suggest pulling way back on what you can, delegate as much as you can, take advantage of any PTO, benefits (vacation time) and resources to leverage your plan. Protect your mental health.
    In addition, many women I coach are utilizing their talents, experience and knowledge online forming their own side business.
    If you need help, feel free to set up a complimentary consultation.

17. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:28AM UTC

    If you can afford it, it's a great way to decompress and rest and get into the right frame of mind before weighing your options and seeing things clearly.

    So many people are burned out and need to get to a positive place before starting a new job.

    If you are coming from a difficult or "toxic" work situation, you need to recover and heal so you don't drag that garbage with you to a new job.

18. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:29PM UTC

    It is great but totally understand being scared. If possible, take unpaid leave so you have the option to return it you don't find any in say 4-8 weeks. All depends on what you can afford.

19. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:48PM UTC

    I know a few people who are contemplating this. You may want to check the healthcare marketplace for health insurance. I have heard that is it isn't as expensive as COBRA--at least where I work.

20. AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:53PM UTC

    I quit my nonprofit part time job in April. I had finally had enough of a toxic environment. I did not have a job lined up, but I’d been looking. I started doing some freelance work - and it sucked, because it was like having a new boss each time, and no one ever pays on time. Thankfully though, a former coworker has connected me to a new company who is going to pay me what I’m worth and set me up for success, full-time! I start in January, when I finish up two contracts and my second grad school semester ends. I’m so excited. It will give me a quiet moment to reset and prepare for the next semester. And this just before I get married next fall! No lie, the time I was working for myself wasn’t easy or pretty, but it was better for my mental health to leave the other job.