Leaving a Job Due To Burnout Without Another Offer?

21 Comments

1. Amy JeffreyDecember 8,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

   I am literally one step beyond you in the exact same scenario! I left my job on 11/4/22 without having anything concrete and due to extreme burnout, I decided to take at least one month off unless the dream job was offered...and it was! I took it and was so very, very happy when they told me my start date is Jan. 16, 2023! All in all, I literally took the leap of faith (but with enough money saved to carry me for at least 5 months if necessary) and I couldn't be happier. Also, the jobs I did interview for are also now calling me back with offers. I've been turning down superb offers left and right. I don't know where you are or what else is going on in the rest of America but it seems to me like this is truly a qualified candidate's market. I don't think you need to let anyone know about your end date with your current employer until you are asked when you can start! Or some other question to that effect. Do be very prepared when you get asked why you left, though. I don't think I have ever had even one interview in my whole 40 year career where that question was not asked! I feel for you and hope that you can take courage from my experience and get what YOU need!

2. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

   I love this! I am in a similar situation (left old job in May due to stress and very long hours). The last 6 months at the new job have been… not good. I am actually looking to change industries as the level of stress and long hours is rampant and I just can’t keep up after 20 years.

   Your story gives me hope and I am very happy for you!

3. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

   I completely understand and I am so sorry you are going through this.

   If I were you, I would assess my financial situation. Would I be able to sustain myself financially without this job for the next 3-6 months, or even a year ? I would also check in with some recruiters in my industry and work on getting additional leads. Are there opportunities to freelance until a full time offer comes along? I know that depends on the industry, just something to consider. My industry is heavy in freelance work, but I know not all are.

   Just some thoughts on what I would do, hope it helps a little. Sending you good vibes and hope you receive a better offer soon ❤️

4. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

   Whether you leave your job without a new offer in hand is something only you can decide (health, money, etc.).

   As far as the companies you are already interviewing with, I don't think you need to inform them. Maybe if you get a job offer, but otherwise, it's really none of their business.

5. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

   These are all very personal decisions and will impact your life and health for the foreseeable future.

   I would suggest you speak with your doctor, use your EAP if you have one, discuss your many decisions with your family and finally make a sustainable plan. What you don't want to do is compound your current situation with devastating financial stress and benefits shortage. Discuss things like PTO, leave of absence, disability and your current financial situation & savings.

   While you find yourself in a horrible mental health delimma you want to be as informed as possible so you don't create years of agony with the wrong decisions.

   Good luck. It's great you are prioritizing you mental health.

6. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

   You need structure and a plan. Quitting cold turkey is not what is recommended for burnout so I would get some therapy asap. Getting a couple of months of rest might be a bandaid but long term you need help and to form a strategy so you can actually recover.

7. AnonymousDecember 8,2022 at 2:55PM UTC

   Thank you all so much for your input so far (and so quickly!!)! I am so grateful for this community! I am reading all your messages and advice and support and taking the time to internalize them before making any decisions.

   Some additional information I wanted to include as they are recurring topics in the comments.

   1. I am in therapy and working on anxiety and mindfulness through CBT. Highly recommend!
   2. I am incredibly lucky to have a spouse who also works and who is able to financially support us. I am also covered under his benefits.

   My concern is mostly regarding negative stigma about job searching while unemployed. I don’t know how to communicate why I left my job without having another offer to any prospective employers and am considering staying just to avoid that stigma.

8. AnonymousDecember 9,2022 at 6:22AM UTC

   Never stay in a position just because of what tge alternative might look like.

   Now that you've shared your true situation, it's a no brainer.....leave for your mental health. You can afford the stigma if there turns out to be one.

9. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 3:29PM UTC

   Hi! My recommendation would be to give notice and leave since your situation allows for it. I left a job a little over a year ago for this same reason with no job lined up because I didn’t have time to even look for one due to the demands of my current one(regional sales manager overseeing a team, at least 80 hours a week of high-stress fast paced problem solving). I tried setting boundaries and refusing additional work, accounts etc. and all it did was anger and frustrate my leaders, thus creating a negative stigma surrounding my work ethic and commitment which just made it all worse. It became clear that there wasn’t a way for me to work there and prioritize my health, while also being able to keep the positive reputation needed for me to grow professionally there. I gave them ample notice, left, have spent the last year starting a side business, and am now out in the job market seeking “professional” work. I have run into my employment gap being an issue to be honest. However, I strongly feel that when the right opportunity for me appears, it won’t matter- because it will be the right fit regardless. I think companies who still look at gaps negatively are typically the ones where you are likely to be overworked and end up in the same situation again. And, long story short, even looking back with job search challenges in mind, I am still so thankful I valued myself enough to say enough was enough and leave. It’s the best thing I could’ve done for myself. You don’t need to give anyone a big explanation as to why you left, there are tons of answers- values weren’t aligned anymore, didn’t feel like you were growing, etc. just try to keep the reason as something positive you are seeking in your future job that can be offered by the hiring company. The right job will turn up. And, talk to your therapist about how to set boundaries from the beginning so you can try to prevent ending up here again. I hear you and understand- take the leap, you’ll be ok.

10. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:10PM UTC

    I had this worry while unemployed and found that I was never actually asked about why I left, except on those computerized online forms. In an interview, they're more likely to ask "why do you want this job" than "why did you leave the former job?"

    If you feel you have to come up with an answer anyway, there are many positive ways to frame an answer, like, "The previous position wasn't a good fit, but I didn't feel I could do my best work while looking for another job, so I took some time off to look for a job that's a better fit, and found this position, where I think I can be successful and make a contribution."

11. AnonymousDecember 9,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

    When reading this, it was like I was reading about myself. I'm so sorry you're going through a tough time. If you can swing it financially, protect your health and leave now. It's been a couple years since my experience, and some days it feels like I'm still recovering from the burnout, even though my new situation is far better. And no, you don't need to inform the companies you're interviewing with. I'm a hiring manager and knowing/not knowing would not change my view of your candidacy. Best of luck to you!

12. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

    I’m in the same boat almost to a T. I’ve been looking into short term disability to get some breathing space. Is that an option For you?

13. Karen LytleDecember 10,2022 at 1:55PM UTC

    Following

14. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 2:07PM UTC

    I left a job in August 2022 without having a new one to go to. I had no training, no support network, and what turned out to be no clear job duties... all combined with sporadic, wildly unrealistic expectations from my supervisor. I had never encountered anything like this in my entire career. For my own sanity, I resigned. I've been stating, when asked, that my past supervisor's values did not mesh with my own, hence, searching for new opportunities. I've been interviewing, and this week had a really nice offer. Please continue to take care of yourself. It is only my experience, but I have not felt stigmatized by job searching while unemployed. I hope you'll find that to be true for yourself as well.

15. AnonymousDecember 19,2022 at 3:19AM UTC

    I have a similar experience :) Hang in there, we'll find something soon !

16. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 2:09PM UTC

    Personally, I would seek out a therapist since it seems that your career path is high stress. I would do this while the insurance is still available, and tend to that need first.Your mental well being should be the main priority. This way a system is in place to prevent reaching burnout and figuring out boundaries. Also, it may be an underlying issue that is triggering some of the anxiety.Other companies don't need to know that you're leaving, it's fairly obvious if you're actively interviewing. If financially you'll be stable while unemployed, it may be a good time to step away. If finance is an issue, stay and cut your work load back slowly and set boundaries. Before assisting in another project ask yourself,* Will this lead to a promotion?* Will this benefit me?* Is this part of my contract?* Will this cycle end here?* Do I have time for this?* Will this bring me long term joy?Hope some of this helps and that you find your happiness!

    Edit:

    "My concern is mostly regarding negative stigma about job searching while unemployed. I don’t know how to communicate why I left my job without having another offer to any prospective employers and am considering staying just to avoid that stigma."

    Things change everyday, employers know that the job market is tough and that those looking for employment are the toughest workers out there.

    Don't worry about stigmas and how it looks to people who don't really matter in your life. That's creating an unnecessary stress/anxiety, unless those casting opinions will take on your finances, they don't have a say in your choices!

    A simple, "my time with X company came to an end due to my desire to seek growth in my career. I feel that company Y is where I can flourish by bringing a/b/c skills and position 1 is a great fit.".

    It's great that you're at CBT! It's a wonderful step to learning to cope and soothing! ?

17. Stephanie F, MSHRMDecember 10,2022 at 3:31PM UTC

    I had a former colleague resign without any job prospects. She has a spouse whose income allowed this temporarily and she still feels it was the best thing for her and her mental health. She is now in a new role and much happier after 3 months of leaving the other job. If you are set to survive financially for a minimum of 6 months and you feel this is best for you to regroup, destress, and decide the next best role while seeking other positions you should do what is best for you and your mental health.

18. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

    Your current burnout may be a kind of PTSD from the former position. I'm in a similar position, with inadequate training and lack of supervisory feedback. You will learn more and feel more relaxed about it all soon. It's not unusual for training to be inadequate. How many people in a position to train others have ever taken an education course?

19. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 7:39PM UTC

    Oh look, it me. Been in the same situation. Asked for feedback and additional training too. It eventually started and then stopped the next day. No one said anything, but kept complaining about performance over the next months. Had to find them again and ask what happened with the training because now I was getting laid off.

    Provided your supervisor is open to face to face communication (one of mine, different job, stayed holed up in his office and I was fifteen feet away.) be direct with your needs and boundaries. Document everything.

    If you can afford to, step back and take a break to heal. Talk to a therapist.

20. AnonymousDecember 10,2022 at 7:41PM UTC

    Can you look up information on your current job? I’m forever looking up different ways to de-escalate customers over the phone. It’s helped.

21. Lyn WelchDecember 10,2022 at 11:46PM UTC

    Please try to find something else before you quit. Please don't quit your job without having something lined up. You may also want to see your doctor, too, for advice on the physical symptoms you're enduring. You shouldn't go into a new job with a poor mental outlook. It's not fair to you or the new employer. Maybe try to push the companies you've interviewed with instead of assuming they won't fill the jobs until next year. A lot of companies are hiring. Amp up your applications and try to apply to at least 5 a day.