I am ready to resign from my job today, I have officially checked out mentally but I have no back up job at the moment.

46 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 12:38PM UTC

   If you have financial support yourself, submit your notice.

   I took 6 weeks off after a toxic job, just started my dream job and my wife has said my attitude has been 180* different.

   If you can, quit your job now.

2. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:30PM UTC

   Thank you for the advice!

3. Christy K. HanthornOctober 28,2021 at 12:48PM UTC

   Personally, I wouldn't resign until I had interviews in place. I have a friend who did this recently, and now she's worried about eviction because she's out of money. She had a little nest egg, but then she had a health emergency, and there it went. Yes, mental health is important, but would you rather deal with this job a bit longer or run the risk of no money and ruined credit? I don't know your financial situation, but I'd be very careful.

4. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:42PM UTC

   Valid points made!

5. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:01PM UTC

   I don't have much advice except to say I'm right there with you.
   I'm doing the job fair today- I'd say get some help, get your resume updated (in my case removed 75% of the info, things have changed!). I'm spending time every day like it's my part-time job, finding a new place to be.
   I know this is hard when the stress has reduced you to nothing and worn you down- but we have to dig deep now to protect ourselves and our futures.
   Use your work now for your income, try to survive, stay strong- you're not alone. My plan is to use them like they used me for so long. Sad but true.
   Good luck, I wish us both the best!

6. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:33PM UTC

   Applying to jobs have become my part-time job as well. The stress is overwhelming, but you do make valid points. If there is no streamline of income, bills will not get paid. I wish you well on your job hunt, and hope that you will work at a place you truly enjoy and can grow! Best of luck to you as well!

7. colleenNovember 2,2021 at 6:48PM UTC

   Did you have any luck at the job fair? Was it online or in person? after 16 years i quit my job in retail. I was looking for another job before I quit but I couldn't find anything. I have some regrets about quitting before I got a new job but I can't take it back now. The last 3 months I have been looking like crazy for a job, no luck yet.

8. Gigi DevanneyOctober 28,2021 at 1:13PM UTC

   Get your butt in gear and get busy looking. Unless you are in a position to be jobless for a few months, you need to get things in order first.

9. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:17PM UTC

   Basic employment rule one: DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB UNLESS YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE WAITING IN THE WINGS! Usually when you apply for a job, they want a reference from your old employer. Legally, they can say nothing about your work habits, but most likely they will. What do you think your ex employer will say? Bite the bullet!! Start applying for jobs and quit when you have another one waiting.

10. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:57PM UTC

    I have been there before and recently. checked out mentally. Just work on your resume and search for another job. That is what I have been doing.

11. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:01PM UTC

    Why have you checked out mentally? This is an important question. But, overall, I would say never quit a job until you have another. It could take months to find the right job.

12. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:41PM UTC

    The work has become overwhelming to the point where you just shut down and become disinterested. I will take your advice, thank you!

13. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 2:57PM UTC

    I’m sorry you feel this way. I’ve been there. Just wanted to say that I hope you find something soon and start feeling better.

14. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 9:55PM UTC

    Hang in there and just know that we are all rooting for you!

    Stay safe and be blessed.

15. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:08PM UTC

    This is why everyone needs F-U savings. It's incredibly liberating. I don't have one now, but I did have one and at the time it worked well for me. Trying to build my reserves up again.

16. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:40PM UTC

    Valid point!

17. Sarah StantonOctober 28,2021 at 2:13PM UTC

    I am so there with you and I’m actually about to be on the other side and start my new job Nov. 8th. My advice like a lot of other ladies is to get down to business and start looking for another job before you quit. Let going into work and dealing with the crap be motivation to get the hell up out of there. Check over your resume and apply to jobs where you can get a sense of the culture there when you have a interview. I was mentally stressed and depressed with my last job and life is too uncertain for me to work at a place I’m not content with. I’m rooting for you!!!

18. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:40PM UTC

    Congrats to you on your new employment! Thank you so much for your feedback! I am constantly applying for new jobs day and night. Dealing with the nonsense at work has been my motivation to apply for other jobs. I've learned from my mistakes and will not make that error of dealing with an unnecessary stressful work environment. I wish you well in all of your endeavors!

19. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:37PM UTC

    Write an exit strategy and understand you finances so you understand timing, your ability to find work. You shouldn't base your decision solely on emotion. You should arm yourself with a thoughtful plan that supports your goals but is realistic so you don't make your situation worse by boxing yourself into a corner.

    If you need help, look into your company's EAP which could offer some mental health support as well as financial advice.

    Do your homework and arm yourself with a well considered strategy for success. Good Luck!!!!!!

20. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:44PM UTC

    Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

21. Ann Punkin PollardOctober 28,2021 at 2:44PM UTC

    I feel the same way at times, but don't have any back p plans.

22. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:48PM UTC

    There's an article on this site below on this very subject and a lot of content online. It's a personal decision that is very life altering.

23. NikkiOctober 28,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

    Can you take a vacation now and give yourself time away?

24. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 1:49AM UTC

    I have no days to use. Plus, I'm on a probationary period so I cannot take any time off until after December.

25. LauraOctober 28,2021 at 2:53PM UTC

    Does your workplace have EAP? If so, I would use it to get some perspective, make a plan, all that. I literally just did this yesterday and it was incredibly helpful for me.

26. Goalsetter244228October 28,2021 at 2:53PM UTC

    Wrong idea. It take to hva a job to find one. If you are not all in find someone to help you thrugh this. I will suggest to stay until you find a new job or move internally to another area in the company if it is ok

27. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:58PM UTC

    Contact a staffing agency and they will get you temporary work fast. You can build up your resume/new alliance/references that way.

28. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:11PM UTC

    Wow I can’t believe how many comments I’m reading from people telling you you’re “wrong” and that you need to find a new job while being burned out and miserable in this one. This tough love attitude/lack of compassion is why work culture can be so toxic. Imo I’m so sorry you’re going through this and can completely relate. If you can swing it financially you should take the time to look after yourself and regroup. It’s especially important to do that right now so that you choose your next job wisely and not out of frustration or desperation and so you can start the new role refreshed. Your judgement right now is probably not great because you’re struggling and that will affect your search. Keep in mind that people advising you to stay are likely miserable in their jobs but too afraid to put themselves first and jealous that you’re getting out and changing your circumstances. At the end of the day, even if it was once your dream job, it’s just a job and your mental health is too important. Take care.

29. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 2:56PM UTC

    I completely agree with you, but I also think a lot of people realistically can’t quit without lining up another job. Somewhere around half of Americans are one paycheck from homelessness.

    I would also encourage the OP to contact their EAP if it’s offered at their company.

30. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:14PM UTC

    Can you take a vacation or mental health break. As someone who is currently unemployed, not having success in getting hired, this will be more stressfull than being checked out.

31. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:20PM UTC

    It's easier to find a job while still employed versus the stress of having to find a job being unemployed. Take it from someone who's been there once, and I'm about to be there again in a couple of weeks due to a decision my employer made to mandate vaccines against people's rights and will. I surely would prefer to be employed while job searching, especially if it's by choice.

32. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:33PM UTC

    Find another position before resigning. I would wonder about an individual who leaves a position or is otherwise unemployed as to WHY behind their status.

    When you find another position, refrain from bad mouthing the former employer, management or your peers.

33. AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 10:26PM UTC

    It’s hard, isn’t it? I love my job to pieces but my bosses attitude lately has me at odds with how long I want to stay.

    I can’t be without a job, so quitting isn’t a luxury for me.

    Instead I have started to look. Quietly. Just knowing I have the power to find my own path has helped a bit with the anxiety. That and I pray my hard.

34. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 6:44AM UTC

    Girl you And me both

35. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 12:23PM UTC

    I am currently transitioning out of a role I took 4 months ago. Like you, I determined 2 months in that the role just didn’t seem right and “I wasn’t getting”. I believe we should feel challenged in the early days of a role but not completely defeated. If the last 2 years have not shown us anything, it is that life is precious, mental health should be protected and our happiness and being content with our work is important. Start pursuing consulting work and plan your exit strategy. Good luck!

36. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 12:50PM UTC

    Can you take some pto and take your mind off of work for a bit? Making a decision when feeling overwhelmed could become regretful. If after reflection and being relaxed rather than reactive to your current feeling, you still want to move on then do it. Maybe get your resume together and send it out to get a jump on where you might want to land.

37. Kelly MeigsOctober 29,2021 at 1:39PM UTC

    I agree with this post. Sometimes, you just need some space to get some perspective.

38. Beth FultonOctober 29,2021 at 3:03PM UTC

    Think this through

39. AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 11:28PM UTC

    Start looking for a new beginning.

40. Krischelle-A Saura-GalangOctober 30,2021 at 9:54AM UTC

    Write down your short/long term goals. This is my advice because I believe that if you know what you want then it will be easier for you to decide and plan how to achieve it. If you have saved enough to resign and work on your career development while looking for another job, then it sounds like a plan. But if you are resigning without a back up job, nor savings to get you through while waiting for your next job, then I must say that you have to think this through.

41. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 30,2021 at 12:08PM UTC

    This sounds so tough- it's been a few days since you posted so I don't know if you resigned or not. If not, here are some questions:

    1) Can you afford to be unemployed for several months?
    If so, prioritize your mental health and take the leap.
    If not, can you take leave? You mention "checked out mentally," this could be a sign of depression, for which your doctor may recommend a short-term disability or FMLA. Visit your doctor- if your employer has short-term disability this might be a great option.

    2) Do you know where you want to go? Identify your plan for next steps- training for a new field or just a new job? How do you plan to get there? If you can bear to continue working while you figure this out then do- as mentioned by others its better to be employed while looking, but it is by no means mandatory.

    In short, your health is important- your post hints at exhaustion and a decline in mental health -- take care of yourself in whatever way is going to make it better not worse.

42. AnonymousOctober 31,2021 at 3:27AM UTC

    1) After the insight provided in the comments, I decided not to resign and wait for a better opportunity. It would not be the best financial move to up and leave my job. As much as I need a break, I do have bills to pay. I am new to this job and cannot take leave for six months.
    2) I'm in the process of going back to school to switch career paths, so I do not anticipate a job change for another six months. I'm actively interviewing with a few employers, but I never get a call back. I have been aggressively applying to jobs daily, and have not given up faith.

    You have posed some valid questions that will play an integral role in my next step.

    Thank you so much, Susan! I appreciate your input!

43. AnonymousOctober 31,2021 at 8:21PM UTC

    I have been in your shoes and an EAP counselor told me that while the company doesn't care about me, why should I care about them? They get what they get out of you and you get what you get out of them. That means, money, insurance, a resume builder and whatever else they offer like free lunches, etc. Just see it like that and it makes it less upsetting to go in everyday.

44. Anita GetzOctober 30,2021 at 9:19PM UTC

    Do not resign until you have another job lined up.

45. Desiree WolfeOctober 30,2021 at 9:42PM UTC

    If you can financially afford it - meaning enough savings to get you through at least a couple of months then go for it. If you can’t then start putting yourself out there first, before quitting.

46. suzanneOctober 31,2021 at 6:01PM UTC

    Start looking for the position you want!! Don't forget how hard you worked to get where you are! There are other companies looking for talented people like you!