Is it ACTUALLY detrimental to leave a job without having another one lined up?

Anonymous

June 18,2023 at 5:33AM UTC

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Is it ACTUALLY detrimental to leave a job without having another one lined up? I know it's ill advised, but if you have funds to hold you for a few months and a "proper plan", how bad is it for your resume and career opportunities to leave a job before securing another? Also, at what point do you throw in the towel to do so?

I've been vacillating for the past couple of years on if I should leave or tough out my "new" job... that I've had for a couple of years, hoping for things to improve. The job itself has changed from IT support to other IT related tasks that ultimately is no longer the position I want to be in. It's almost impossible to see what future growth opportunities might be available for this position. As it stands, it looks like none, its just a potential for new skills. Presently every day is a, "We're good today, but tomorrow isn't promised" type feeling, which is definitely an odd feeling on its own. I've been trying for a new job since I got this one, but workplace stress is leaving me exhausted and struggling. (Dare I say, I've started up therapy and meds that don't work, all this stuff that I didn't need with previous jobs. I haven't accepted yet whether this job is the source of these problems or not.)

I'd like to take some time to myself to relax, recollect, study and develop skills and direct my career path. In my head it sounds like a great idea and a solid plan. But I'm terrified of what reality would look like if I'm unable to get that job. (Kind of like, "If I couldn't then, what makes me think I can now"). I'm just worried that this is a simple matter of needing to toughen up for the sake of career. But being miserable isn't really worth it.

Sorry for the book, but I'd love to see some opinions on leaving your job without having something behind it ready.

Thank you for the place to post and your thoughts!

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AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 7:45AM UTC
Just be careful - hopefully you have family to help in case you don't find something within a few months. I took this risk (for my mental wellbeing!) and I paid dearly for it. I thought I could do consulting work while looking but the market slowed considerably. While I was willing to do work I was overqualified for, no one wanted to hire me to do that. I suppose, in short, I would recommend that you don't take the risk. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 11:03AM UTC
2nd-ing this reply - "Just be careful." I also thought I'd be able to rely on consulting work, which I'd already been doing part-time. It took me almost three years to find another job, and I had to (re)start at entry level after leaving a mid-level job. Having to rebuild my career put me behind in my career growth and income.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 12:42PM UTC
I agree, if you can keep your job keep it.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 12:39PM UTC
I’d say keep the job you have until you get another one so that you don’t have to deplete your funds. Perhaps take a vacation where you are or leave of absence. I loved my old job. I took 3 weeks off!
Cindy GloverJune 18,2023 at 2:26PM UTC
to me as a hiring manager, it tells me you’re financially responsible and I admire that
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
Only YOU can answer this question. Your mental health is more important if you are willing to take the "leap of faith" and have an adequate nest egg.
Before deciding, however, it might be good to sit down 1:1 with management and have them outline what they see as a career path in your current position. Explain to them what and where you want to be in the next 2-3 years to see if they can agree to help you make it happen. If not, you are just treading water, but you might drown as soon as your mental health runs out. I hope you can tell when someone is only telling you what you want to hear rather than taking everything as gospel. If you feel it necessary, see if you can have them document the plan in writing so you have something to fall back on.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 3:18PM UTC
Easier to get a job when you have a job
Exception: pandemic. Lost mine as many did.
During the extended period I was home, I took the time to complete several professional exams (7) and courses to supplement. I knew what I wanted pre-pandemic so, sadly, Covid was a lucky break on that regard.
When I returned to interviews after hearing it was official that my furlough turned to layoff, I told my employer my accomplishments
Paid off
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 4:07PM UTC
Depends. You have to factor in how much $ you have saved to pay bills while off and looking, what to do for health insurance and medical treatments/bills (if you don't have a spouse who can put you on their insurance)...I could go on but those are the big things.
Lisa MarieJune 18,2023 at 10:11PM UTC
Based on the fact that many situations cause people to leave the working world, a break in work is no longer necessarily detrimental to your resume.
It is detrimental to your way of life based on finances. If you believe you have enough finances to tide you over until you land your next best opportunity, go for it.
Good luck as you move forward.
AnonymousJune 18,2023 at 10:48PM UTC
I would not recommend. I relocated with enough salary for a year. Took a new job and they didn’t tell me they were letting me go until 9 months later. Instead of them telling me on the front end. I would have selected another job. Also, the money I set aside had I bend thinking I would not want to have used that money just to take some time off work.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 3:16AM UTC
Battling the same dilemma now, because of the stress I am in. I don't have enough time to properly look for another job and every day here just brings more misery. But I have children and we need the health insurance. However my mental health is not good. I started applying here and there just so I don't feel totally useless and lost, but it is hard
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 11:01AM UTC
Very well stated.it took me 7 months to find a job. Quiet quitting is good advice. Hang in there but detach and search hard for something else. If you can avoid draining your savings that is best but I understand the need to leave.
Megan LeasherJune 19,2023 at 12:06PM UTC
I did it. Actually, I am still in the in-between. It was scary but it was the best decision for me. The decision gave me space and time to rest, refresh, and regroup. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 12:38PM UTC
No! It is not at all. I've done it several times. You can be a freelancer or a consultant or take a course or teach one during your breaks - or just take time off. You don't need to explain anything to anyone.
Zeecil KimmelJune 19,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
I think the state of your Mental Health should be your #1 priority. If you need to take time off to present yourself in the best possible way that is what will get you the job. Going on interviews smelling of desperation will not get you the job or it will get companies to lowball you. I was working at a job and I was very unhappy. All my interviews went nowhere. When I calmed down, re-evaluated my worth, and decided I am going to take off from the job search I got an offer - and negotiated for a better salary coming from a good, healthy place.
Best of Luck to you.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 1:01PM UTC
Speaking from my own experience, it will be a setback for your career and finances if you can’t get back soon enough. I would say do it if you can deal with the outcome, so outweigh the pros and cons. I left my job in January, traveled overseas for two months and visited my elders. Searching for a job now has been daunting, but healthy for my emotional health and happiness. I managed to get unemployment benefits, first time in 30 years of consistent employment. I am an empty nester with emergency funds. Hope this help!
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 1:08PM UTC
Maybe you should look into taking a medical leave and during that time you can do some intensive therapy and look for other opportunities. It’s a way to test the waters without as much risk.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 8:14PM UTC
I have done this myself and I found it was a great compromise for my situation (very poor mental health while working at a toxic law firm, leaving me with zero energy to pursue other opportunities outside of that). If you have the benefit of short-term disability, your employer will pay a portion of your regular salary for the allotted amount of time based on your policy (mine was 60% of regular salary for 3 months). That way, you can still have some income while focusing on improving your health and applying for other positions if you gain the energy to do so. It will also be covered under your current medical insurance through your employer. Be aware, however, that this option requires medical proof so you will need to submit documentation (not to your boss or anything, but likely a third party company that handles your employer’s disability benefits) from your doctor in order to obtain approval for STD. You may also have to submit documentation of what you are doing to address your disability during that time; for example, I attended an intensive therapy program M-F during the 3 months I took. While it was time consuming (6-8 hours per day, like a full-time job), it was NOWHERE near as stressful as work was. It allowed me enough time to heal a bit, regroup, and make a sensible plan for my future (which did not involve that firm, may I add!).
Just remember: your health comes first, and there are always options. If you find that taking leave or quitting now is the best option for you, there will be ways to overcome the stigma surrounding a resume gap. Best of luck to you as you navigate this difficult decision.
Sarah BordersJune 19,2023 at 1:21PM UTC
”It is easier to get a job when you have a job already.” This statement may be true, but it does not necessarily follow that getting a job when you don’t have one is difficult. You seem thoughtful, organized, and extremely self-aware.
At the most, all you have to be able to do is explain why you left your last job and, for future opportunities, explain the gap (if it ends up being significant) in your resume. Prioritizing your mental health is ALWAYS a reasonable explanation, and believe me, you don’t want to work for a company where that isn’t reasonable. Trust your gut on this one.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 2:22PM UTC
Given the way the tech job market is right now, I agree with other posters it might be a safer bet to take FMLA or disability leave rather than quitting outright. If you have enough money to not need to work for a year or more, then you might be able to swing it.
Margo P.June 19,2023 at 3:47PM UTC
I’ve done it.
Probably not advisable in most situations but sometimes it can be the best possible choice for getting out of a toxic atmosphere.
It’s always easier to find a job when you have a job. Not impossible though.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 4:26PM UTC
People say finding a job while having one is easier, but if you're in a toxic environment and it's affecting your health then it doesn't pay to stay. I just left a job three weeks ago without having a job to go to. I thought about it for a long time about whether or not to stay or go, I decided to go. It will be scary and hopefully you have enough savings to get you through, but sometimes we have to take a leap of faith for something bigger and better. That's what I know will happen to me and you have to think the same way. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do, just remember no one takes care of you except you.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 4:59PM UTC
Is staying detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing?
Once upon a time, I quit a job without having another lined up. Actually, fired off an email with my litany of complaints in response to an email that was the final straw. This job had taken a toll on me. It felt good to do it. It's a shame I had to do it, but at that point, saw no other options.
This morning, I met with an employee in a similar position. She's a new mom, stresses out, no relief in sight, was considering resigning. My advice to her was she needed to put herself first. She did put in her notice, nothing new lined up, but staying here much longer wasn't healthy for her.
Jayne TaylorJune 19,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
Leave your current job! Sounds as though you have stayed there unhappily for far too long. Sounds as though you have plenty of experience and if you can afford to leave asap then I think you should. I have left employment that soon turned disappointing and sour soon after starting and even though I struggled financially for a brief time things worked out. What is meant to be will be!
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 5:51PM UTC
You definitely want to put a gap between old and new if old has forced you into medicated therapy. Think about the market and your area of expertise, if it's not been affected by the tech downturn then quit. When prospective new employers interview you use the language. I wanted to focus full-time on my job search and don't feel comfy doing that on my employers dime. Since the role I was leaving was fairly stagnant I felt leaving my employer would not harm them and would instead help me to find where I want to be next that is more X,Y,Z (insert what was missing from there in here)
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 6:35PM UTC
I'm in the process of doing this right now. I've always had another job secured before I gave notice so this is my first time. I'm in a good position with a good amount of savings and I plan on starting my own thing. But I cannot imagine leaving my current (and toxic) job and going straight into another position elsewhere, I am burnt tf out. Since giving notice, I have felt lighter and starting to sleep a little better. I still have several weeks to work, but I am kind of remembering what I like about what I do. I am desperate for this pause, and if you can, sounds like you might be needing it too. Good luck!
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 6:39PM UTC
It's true. Life is shorter than we realize. When you have lost as many people as I have it becomes very clear.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 7:46PM UTC
I'm considering leaving my position by the fall, and if need be, without a job lined up. We're required to go to the office 3X a week, and it wouldn't be so bad if the commute wasn't so dreadful-- think dangerous interstate, poor public transportation options, and an employer who doesn't tell everyone to stay home even when there's terrible construction traffic or white-out conditions. I'm older, more tired from the stress of the job, and my kids are small and they need me a heck of a lot more than the company does. To top it all off, a lot of people still telework, so when I do go to the office, I'm often alone and do not even have to attend meetings in person. What's the point of putting myself through that lousy trip?
Julie EJune 19,2023 at 8:33PM UTC
Your job might be stressful but so is dipping into your savings every month to pay your bills, having to say no to things because if you're living off your savings you really should only be spending the bare minimum, watching your bank balance go down, having to pay for therapy out-of-pocket, etc. I would make a list of pros and cons and also a list of what you spend on everything and where you could make cuts and still be happy. Personally, I wouldn't do it because I'm deathly afraid of being broke. I've been there and it's not fun and has a whole new list of stresses. At least with your job you can leave your stresses at the end of the day. When you're broke, they're always there needling at your sanity.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 10:35PM UTC
I've been in jobs that are HORRIBLE.
What's worse? Living off savings, interviews I'm DESPERATE for - as well as the job associated with vs "better options"
Keep the job for now and look, work on getting yourself out of it
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 11:33PM UTC
Depends on what you do for a living. The market is such right now that people with 3-5 years experience have a lot of opportunities. More senior? Seems to take a bit more time to land. I left a job once with nothing lined up because it was making me physically sick, but I just "knew" I would be okay. Guess what? 2 weeks later I got a call and landed a much better job. Today, I have over 30 years experience. Jobs at an executive level aren't hanging on trees for me. I need to ensure I've got at least a year's salary in the bank if I lost my job or left, but using up those funds would stress me out.
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 12:15PM UTC
So much misery out there, I wish for better things for all. I don't understand as it often doesn't come from a sense of empowerment. Job gaps are less taken into consideration these days, just would say to focus on the good it was to bring forth to your next opportunity.
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 1:50PM UTC
If you’re under 40 I think you can get away with it. If you’re over 50 ageism makes it very ill advised.
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 2:48PM UTC
No IMO but it depends on what you consider detrimental. I'm in the process of leaving so here are my stats and reasoning if helpful. Toxic environment, minimal career growth, schedule inflexibility, excessive hours, misaligned values, rewarding poor behavior. I worked hard to draw many boundaries and keep my performance high. But honestly, I'm burnt out and finally decided it wasn't worth it anymore. I'm 50+, starting my own thing, no job lined up, some savings, need more control/autonomy, more time off, new challenges, and exploration. So I think many people would tell me I'm nuts for leaving what on paper looks like a great job! But I can tell you with full honesty and realization, I'd be nuts to stay. I decided in the end, it didn't need to make sense to anyone but me. I'm confident that I will prevail lol. I will always work in some capacity (even as I hit the high 60s and 70s) I believe because I genuinely like what I do, active mind, and all that. But I have to redefine what is important to me and how I go about things, so I must go. Good luck!
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 6:54PM UTC
Being 50+ having an incompetent manager and minimal opportunities for growth, I did the same analysis you described before leaving my job in January. My family and close friends criticized me for my decisions, but I did not allow them to instill their fears into me. There will always be "a job" out there but I am the priority. Well said!!!
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 10:19PM UTC
That's so good to hear! How have things been going for you?
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 1:28AM UTC
Previous poster here. I wish there were side roads I could take. The only options add on another 45 minutes and mean less time with my kids. I'm going to approach management about more telework or just being labeled "remote" as we do have a few people on staff who work a good distance away and are not required to show up often.
Kim PfeifferJune 21,2023 at 4:10PM UTC
If you're unemployed, they'll want to know why. Be prepared to answer that
Annetta MosesJune 25,2023 at 10:10PM UTC
I think a few factors are the amount of savings, your field and if your field has many vacancies or is in high demand, and your willingness to relocate to increase your potential jobs.
I have a friend who has been looking for 6 months and has not found a position.
If you decide to quit, think about what you can do to reduce your expenses e.g. get a roommate, or make some money e.g. delivery food for instalation.
Good luck with what you decide to do.