I just resigned from my job without another to go to.

20 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 23,2023 at 12:48AM UTC

   Just say it wasn't what you were promised when you were hired, and you didn't want to waste any more time. Do some volunteer work in the meantime to network and to show you're still working, just not for pay.

2. AnonymousMay 23,2023 at 1:02AM UTC

   And maybe a $10 class from Udemy in your career to show you want to continue to learn :)

3. AnonymousMay 23,2023 at 4:53AM UTC

   Agreed with the previous poster and perhaps mention although grateful for the opportunity to work at previous X company, the actual role/duties weren't what was promised at hiring and that after thoroughly thinking it through you have decided to move toward roles that are more in line with the different direction that you are taking.

   You can say that in the interim you have been doing volunteer work, consulting, etc.

4. Looking for a changeMay 23,2023 at 10:44AM UTC

   I actually did this. What I ended up was watching YouTube videos on examples of good reasons to leave a position. It’s unfortunate that we can’t say we left due to toxic boss.

5. AnonymousMay 23,2023 at 1:29PM UTC

   I'm sorry that it got that bad for you at your last job. You're not alone: Between the posts I read on this site and my own personal experiences, it's amazing that anyone shoes up to work at all, anymore. More and more people are going to start doing what you've done. There is a problem with toxicity in the workforce and it needs to be addressed. Your quality of life is more important than your job. Repeat that to yourself everyday.

6. Bonny FilandrinoMay 24,2023 at 12:18PM UTC

   I would say that you were ready to move on and you were not comfortable searching for another job while working, especially when interviewing could require making up excuses to take time off from your current position and your searching could distract from your work.

7. Audrey KirschMay 24,2023 at 5:01PM UTC

   I love this response! It will show any new employer that the OP is not one to look for options while still employed. Plus, it will let them know that she will let you know if the position is not working out so they will need to live up to her expectations.

8. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMay 24,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

   Less is more. Say that you will always speak well of all of your previous employers but this was not the positive work environment that you had hoped it would be. Do not use the words toxic, panic attacks, mental health etc. Let them know that you gave a two week notice so that you could focus on finding a new opportunity without causing hardship to the company you are leaving. You do not need to disclose how you were able to financially do this. Do not speak badly of that company.

9. BethBMay 24,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   I love the less is more approach.

10. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMay 24,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

    absolutely. Frankly they really don't care why you left if it is reasonable and what you can bring to their table.

11. AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

    They may not even ask. I did the same thing and if it ever comes up, I plan to say that I had a much broader skill set than the job required and I needed to explore other options. The reality is that I got cornered in the conference room over some jealous co workers who cooked up drama about me, my boss took that as an opportunity to bully me even more, and I just said no. I walked out on those losers. I did not even consider giving notice, that just seemed like the most pointless thing ever. Remember that the story in your head is more elaborate than what others see.

12. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMay 24,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    well not a problem until the new company decides to check references....I can tell you right now that very possible that walking out with no notice will be a deal breaker if you have put that company on your resume. The question of are you elegible for rehire and a big no on that will be a big no on future employment with a new company.

13. asmith13May 24,2023 at 9:13PM UTC

    I have never worked for a company that would reveal that someone quit without notice. Most companies stick to name, job title and dates of employment only when giving an employment verification or it is outsourced these days.

14. AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 1:15PM UTC

    Just keep it simple. Say the position was not a fit and be ready to describe the position and environment that you prefer.

15. AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 5:26PM UTC

    Simple, "I decided it wasn't fair to look for a new role while being paid by my former employer, I quit to focus full time on finding my next role. When the company mission and direction no longer aligned with my career aspirations I decided it was time to look for a company where XX was the main focus."

    In the XX section that is where you insert whatever motivated you to apply for that next role. Don't talk about your manager, keep it simple and make it be about the misalignment with your career needs and the company direction only. You got this!

16. AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 5:29PM UTC

    I left one of my jobs for similar reasons. When asked why, I keep it short and simple - my role was heading in a different direction, so I made the decision to leave and focus on finding a position that fits my interests and skillset. I can then shift into how the job I'm interviewing for is a good match and why (e.g., what skillset I bring, how I can help the company, etc.).

17. EszterMay 24,2023 at 5:40PM UTC

    I did something super similar--I was really really burned out, and I quit. If you're doing some re-training or more education, you could probably mention that!

18. AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 7:15PM UTC

    I did the same weeks ago and have had 6 first interviews with recruiters from different companies. I passed to the next round of interviews in all of them saying something along the lines of the previous answers + that you are looking for a company with values aligned with yours, and this is why I think [the company you are applying to] would be a match with my values from what I've read in your career sites and in other places like glassdoor. That keeps it tasteful and you are not speaking badly about your past employer but I think it does send the message to the recruiters that the previous place didn't treat employees well and that you value workplaces with positive and healthy cultures.

19. Farah BajwaMay 25,2023 at 4:20AM UTC

    Nowadays a gap in a resume isn't as big of a deal. I have a 23 month one from when I was laid off. I focused on online education and pivoting my career. You can do similar to tell them honestly you didn't feel like you were a good fit with the culture anymore. Fitting in is something just as important to a potential employer as it is an employee.

20. Dr. Sarah RatekinMay 25,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

    You don't have to explain it. You can simply say the usual generic stuff like "My professional goals and development journey took me on a different trajectory." I've quit jobs where the manager was a complete a$$hat before, and I don't say that in interviews, either. ;) It's all "need to know", and they don't need that info.