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Is it crazy to quit my job without having one lined up?
I have been thinking (dreaming) about quitting my job for about a year now. It has come to an unhealthy state - I have been in contact with connections and they are slowly but steadily coming in. I also am getting my real estate license - I have three classes left until I can take the test.
I do have a savings to cover my rent / expenses and would work part-time while applying, my concern is my friends/family say never to leave a job without having one lined up. I'm not sure if I can wait a few more months / balance applying to jobs I would love while working my demanding hours.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 8:32PM UTC
How long could you go with your savings and part time work before you need to find another position? If it's up to a year, I'd say it's absolutely possible to leave and with the newly refreshed mindspace you will create, find your way into a better position. If not, save like crazy and trim expenses until you do, while making a plan for moving forward. At least you won't feel as trapped as you currently do - I've been there and it's a horrible feeling. There are always options out there, and it can ben very hard to see them when we are in a pit of despair in our current situation.
I did leave a position without a new one lined up since I was insanely burned out and literally couldn't. I had savings to tide me over for a year and used that time to rejuvenate my body and mind, and then move forward. People warned me not to - this narrative of never leaving until you have a 100% plan forward is so common as to be cliche. It's also quite soul crushing.
I described my "resume gap" as a self chosen mid career break and focused on all the positive things I did to reboot by creativity, energy, and focus, and framed these as benefits for future employers/clients, as I was ready to dive in and help them advance their goals with gusto.
Own your choices and don't operate out of fear. Do your best each day to learn something, help others, and ask for help where you need it. All the best to you.
Anonymous
11/03/20 at 2:07AM UTC
Thank you so much for replying! Did you find that it was hard for employers to understand your gap and was it hard to find a job after this?
Anonymous
11/03/20 at 4:58PM UTC
Yes, the issue of the "gap" will certainly come up and likely be a concern for employers. Before you leave a job, do take the time to evaluate what is going wrong at your current employer. Are there things you can learn and improve here or at your next job? Are there work culture elements you now know to look for in future employers? What might be the same or different in other companies? What skills can you build to give yourself more options moving forward? Ask others for feedback and try to get a clear sense of these issues. And always work to grow your network in the background. Also, if you do leave, do so on good terms - with notice, graciousness, and gratitude for the things you learned there (even the painful lessons can be useful).
Having said all that, one sort of positive thing about the pandemic (I realize this is odd to say) is that having a gap during this period of time is so common (and in most cases not attributable to any fault of the employee), that it might be a good time to take this break. If you have the resources to support yourself for a year or so, you can take the time to truly relax and recharge, and still have time to prepare to come back into the job market in a much more positive and productive state of mind. You can get your license and pick another skill or interest to pursue as well. You'll have time to work on your narrative for all the wonderful ways your time away renewed your energy and prepared you to be even better at your work.
It's not an easy decision, and should be given plenty of consideration. Ultimately you know what's best for you and must take steps to care for your personal and professional growth.
Pamela (Princess Amela) G. Johnson
AMPAS Screenwriting Studio EIC, Multi-Trade-Jill
29
10/29/20 at 4:20AM UTC
Can you use up your sick days to leave earlier? It is then a Pro-Con list for when & what will be comfortable enough for you ($-professional & emotional-spiritual wise)-a) before license exam asap; b) before licensing exam but closer to exam date; c) with prospective realty company lined up but before exam-for strong moral support & faster income (a stronger, safer position than 'no future employment plan/prospect established' presuming you are in good study space/position to focus positively & do well on exam); d) after exam passed and fully onboarded with license. Does this help?
Kim EarleyCompliance Consultant Victoria TX
12
10/29/20 at 3:42AM UTC
My biggest concern for you would be that the current job market is really tough. I am an experienced manager and have been out of work for fully 6 months. My current role is something I took a chance and suggested to the Owner of the company, and I'm very lucky that he took a chance on me, but it is still a contract position where I won't earn an income for 3 months, probably. My husband, who is highly experienced in a very technical field and is usually inundated with job offers has also been out of work for 6 months, and is taking on Ubereats and other part-time gigs. My daughter, who is still a student, but held a good full-time job for over a year is having difficulty even getting a call for interviews, much less hired. It's tough out there. If you have something currently, I'd strongly recommend that you spend your off-time and weekends looking, and wait until you have something lined up. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide!
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 1:46AM UTC
I actually did this once. Walked away from a job without having one lined up. The stress from the old job and how my boss treated his staff became unbearable. I did ubereats for a while to make ends meet while I searched for a job that was a better fit for me.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 1:35AM UTC
I am in the exact same predicament, I have lost income, lost my self confidence, and my employer refuses to investigate the reported stalking and intimidation. I spoke with an attorney about recovering lost wages and what exactly I am supposed to do. He gave me no definite answer, it seems there isn't anything anyone can do. I can't go back there, but I do not have another job lined up; concentrating on job applications with a positive outlook is nearly impossible after a day of harrassment.
Rachel SchreiberKey Account Manager
57
10/29/20 at 12:44AM UTC
I have been there and decided to stick it out, but I knew that my company was downsizing and there were talks around the office about the possibility that the company would accept voluntary layoffs with some sort of extended benefits and severance package. I would never advise someone to stay in a role that is unhealthy but if you can possibly negotiate some sort of separation deal from you company, that would be the best scenario. I'd say to try not to leave with nothing - even that its just a recommendation from your boss or another leader with whom you have connected. That will become valuable when you're interviewing and can mention that you left with accolades.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 12:21AM UTC
Hi Anonymous. Although I generally agree with your friends/ family’s sentiments, it depends. Why do you want to quit your job so badly? Is the job abusive or causing you issues with your mental health? If that’s the case I say if you have the means it’s better to go. If you just don’t like it I say yes it’s better to stick it out. Hope this helps.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 12:14AM UTC
I would agree with Kristen. I did this not too long ago. I left a VERY toxic workplace, thinking I would quickly land another role. I've been in the industry a long time and have a great resume/reputation. Turned out it took 9 months to find something. I went through almost all of my savings and ran up all of my credit cards. It was a different kind of stressful and it took about a year to dig out of debt. Still working to build my savings back up. Also, my HR friends say they same thing about looking for a job when you don't have one. Not viewed well for sure. Good luck! Hope you get out of there soon!
Kristen Rock Star Administrator
56
10/28/20 at 10:59PM UTC
Hi there... So sorry to hear of the stress you're experiencing. However, I have to agree with the advice you have received. It's always easier to find a job while you have one-even if you dislike the one you have. Additionally, it's not always easy to explain a gap in full time work history once you have that established. Most potential employers would be a little judgemental (even if they aren't supposed to be and even if they say they understand) if you explained that you left a position because it came to a unhealthy state. It would not inspire confidence. Try to stick it out while you up your search for something else. Good luck!
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