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Quit with no plan
I recently made the difficult decision to quit my job without a plan for a number of reasons:
1) it was the definition of a toxic work environment that caused the majority of employees to be unhappy.
2) burnout due to an unmanageable workload. The commitment to quantity over quality meant I had to work almost every evening, weekend and vacation days. Making it hard to even think about applying for another job.
I tried to raise my concerns to my manager but was basically told that if people are unhappy then they should leave.
I've taken a break to try to put myself back into a positive mindset and have starting to think about job searching. Even though I haven't even applied or started to interview I am concerned about how to answer the question "why did you leave your job?". I know you're not supposed to talk negatively about your previous employer. Has anyone got any thoughts or advice? Has anyone been in a similar position - how did you answer that question?
Authum Rowe
Yoga Teacher/Motivator
18
08/17/20 at 11:38PM UTC
TBH, congratulations girl!! I also just did the same thing. I believe being honest about why you left is the best answer. You don't have to get into any sticky details, be professional but also just let them know you take pride in your work conditions and your limitations. Answering that question truthfully not only shows you know how to stand up for yourself but you also know your worth. Wishing you all the best!
Krischelle-A Saura✅Certified Public Accountant ✅Choose to be happy
147
08/16/20 at 5:14AM UTC
I was once in your shoes. The day that I decided to take a break was the best decision I have ever made (before I joined my present company). I agree with their suggestions. Being honest is definitely important but you have to phrase it well. Also, during and after the short break I took, I made sure to make myself better by attending trainings and seminars to keep me upto date with the trends in the field I am in. The fact that I used up all my time working before, I was not able to allot time for my Continuous Professional Education. So when I finally had the time, I took a vacation and worked on my CPE. The hiring managers were impressed that I am regenerated, updated and they happily hired me. They even asked me to inform them if while onboard, I find trainings or seminars related to my career that I would like to take and they’d be happy to sponsor it. Honesty definitely worked wonders. All the best to you!!
Anonymous
08/15/20 at 8:22PM UTC
Congratulations on your next step! When interviewing and discussing this question--- the answer of "My skill set is no longer a fit the role" says plenty without saying much.
Miranda FairrowNewly Certified Project Manager
74
08/18/20 at 4:52AM UTC
I like this answer DeLisa! It says what needs to be said without saying anything. A good way to move quickly to the next interview question.
Sarah HassaineDirector of Diversity
137
08/14/20 at 1:53AM UTC
Good for you! I did the same thing! You will look back on this one day and note it as one of the best things you did for yourself ;)
Fizza SuhailMental health counselor
55
08/13/20 at 7:52AM UTC
All the power to you for taking this step! Congratulations! Now you know exactly what you do not want in a future employer. I agree with the comments above - tell the truth but frame it positively. See how potential employers respond to your answer. That should tell you a lot about whether it is going to be a good fit for you or not.
Pragathi BalasubramanianSenior PM
94
08/12/20 at 5:05AM UTC
I did exactly what you did last year! None of the interviewers have reacted negatively to me being honest about why I quit (they were the same reasons as yours). I used it to point out that I had a unique sense of clarity on what I wanted as a result of going through that. That being said, I'm not sure what they say behind closed doors. To me, it's a litmus test to check if I can trust the company enough to be honest with them.
Gwyn GaubatzUser-Obsessed Product Manager
45
08/12/20 at 12:37AM UTC
I agree with the folks above re: positive framing. Even though the personal toll of the bad job may have been a huge motivator for you, that's not what's most material in an interview. Regardless of whatever else was going on, that company wasn't the right place to continue growing your career - which is what you want to emphasize in the telling.
There must be some things you are hoping to get out of a job - growth opportunities in xyz, a certain type of responsibility or experience - bonus points if you can position things you weren't getting at the last job as things that are drawing you to the new opportunity you are interviewing for! I think it's fair to say you left when you identified that your current role wouldn't align with your longer-term career goals (of not being a burnt-out husk of an employee, but you don't need to say THAT part out loud), and you left to give yourself the time to appropriately focus on seeking out your next best step.
And if you decide to give yourself a bit of a break (which I strongly endorse if you can swing it!), frame it as a sabbatical - I just came off one, and whenever I said the "s" word the response would be playful jealousy, not scrutiny.
When interviewing, I found most recruiters just wanted to hear evidence that my career choices were intentional and strategic. Your goal should be to tell a story about the trajectory you are on, and simply illustrate that leaving your last job was a natural and intelligent choice moving you along this path towards their company and the opportunities they are offering.
Farah BajwaManager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
340
08/12/20 at 12:02AM UTC
A technique I was taught is as follows: 1, in a column list all of the things that made you leave. 2, in a column next to it, write the exact opposite statement of whatever was in column 1. 3, use column to to tell potential employers what you're looking for and that you left in search of that. So, myself for example, I invested time to self reflect and better understand what drives me and learned that company culture is a priority so I left to focus my attention and efforts on that!
FYI - the technique is a spin off of an exercise from a book called "what color is your parachute" by richard nelson bolles. I highly encourage everyone to read that!
Cassandra Stelter
113
08/11/20 at 10:32PM UTC
I would read your audience and tell the truth, but couched in the language of the company you're choosing to join and then turn it into how you see the job you're seeking as a positive step up.
Is creativity, self-direction, and agile deadlines a valued expectation at the new place? "My former company's work environment, was very static- I thrive on creativity and problem solving and I see you do, too."
Going somewhere conservative and traditional? "My previous position lacked the clear structure for career development that I value. I see in your program, you offer XYZ."
When confronted with the dreaded, "Why were you unemployed" question you should be honest, but again...present it in a market-forward way. "I dedicated myself to my work- I couldn't focus on a healthy and deliberate job search while providing the commitment necessary to do my job well."
Lucy SpencerConscious business consultant
49
08/11/20 at 9:44PM UTC
Well done for doing what was right for you. I've been in this position before. It's definitely a case of being honest whilst not sharing details that would negatively impact the previous company. You could say you learnt a lot from your previous role, and after having some time to recharge following it, you're now ready for your next challenge.
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