When do you leave a job without having another one lined up?

16 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 12:37PM UTC

   When it’s impacting your mental and emotional health to the point your life is disrupted by it. Save all the money you can.

2. JYJApril 30,2025 at 1:14PM UTC

   Depends on your financial situation. I did this once because I couldn't take it anymore. The company was awful and the boss offered zero support. I could barely make it to the office every day. My mental and physical health (heart pain) started to suffer, but something inside me said I would be okay if I left. It was a very strong voice so I listened. I quit with nothing lined up & very little savings. 3 weeks later I got a call from a company I always wanted to work for. I think I'm alive today because I left that place.

3. Debra Crumb Debra CrumbApril 30,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

   sometimes you have to step out on faith and you did. Congratulations'

4. JYJMay 1,2025 at 1:16PM UTC

   Yes! I didn't realize it at the time, but those strong feelings of everything will be okay didn't originate from within me. Thank you!

5. Coach Jenn HassanApril 30,2025 at 3:46PM UTC

   It’s a deeply personal decision, but in my experience as a recruiter and coach, the answer is: when staying is hurting more than helping.

   If you're in a toxic environment that’s affecting your mental health or there's no growth in sight — it's valid to prioritize your well-being. Just make sure you have a financial safety net or a plan in place. Some people take the leap into freelancing or entrepreneurship while they search for their next role — and that can also open new doors.

   Your peace of mind is a powerful asset in any job search. ✨

6. OLIVIA JOHNSONApril 30,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

   Hi there!

   Good question! Lots to unpack here without the specifics as there are quite a few, if not many factors that can influence this kind of decision, i.e. financial situation, family obligations, where you are in the exploration process (do you already know what you want to pursue or is this the beginnings of exploring), etc.

   High level, I do think there are some clear indicators when it's time to go, so let's get those out there.

   IF you are in danger or a dangerous situation. If your life is on the line at work, this is a strong indication you need to walk away.
   IF your mental health is being impacted and any path that has been attempted to rectify has been hopeless. (Mental health has so many levels, but let's just say this is referencing the top of the charts or whatever your boundary is.)
   Compromising ethics, morals anything that is important to you or go against something you stand for.

   With those out the way, the rest is subjective and a tough spot to be in. It's almost like you wish there was something more drastic that would make the decision for you.

   Here are a few things I would suggest to try to sort it through.

   Pros and Cons list - This is an oldie but goodie. I would actually recommend doing two. One focused in on your current role and one for the venture you are looking to pursue.

   Risk Management - Risk in itself is not a bad thing. There is always a risk to every decision we make all day. The key here is making calculated risks. This means that you have identified what the risk are or could be and you proactively put some fail safes in place to try to prevent them. Now when you take the risk it's an informed decision. With this I would make a list of the risk, ask yourself "What's at stake here?" If I stay or If I go...

   Do you know enough - Research! Look into what could be next for you. This isn't something that has to take a long time either. Could be as short as a week depending on how dire the situation or swiftly you move. Explore your options, talk to people who have already done what you are trying to do (and don't just get the warm and fuzzy info, ask about the challenges, what went wrong and what they would do differently).

   These are just a few suggestions to kick things off that will most likely shed some light or revelation to what you are facing.

   The most important thing is to know that your gut is telling you something's wrong and you should honor and explore what's behind it.

   Hope this was helpful.

   Coach Olivia

7. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 4:35PM UTC

   When you get depressed.

8. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   Only leave if you are in danger. If you can't take it, find other ways to cope. Seek therapy and seek a new role. What is it you need that you are not getting? If the job is wearing you down, or you struggle performing because of the pressure, then you need to find a new job and realize that you may have to trade something for another. It could be less stress but less pay. I know no one that makes a high salary that is blissfully happy and doesn't feel stress. I've worked in high performing, high stress jobs and I survived as I can thrive in them. I took a lower paying job, less stress, more time off, but less take home pay. It sucks being broke, but you know what, there's freedom at 5pm. It's the way you look at it, and you must know there is no perfect job anywhere and all come with some amount of stress. If it's more than you can bare, I highly suggest therapy for you to get some coping skills.

9. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 9:01PM UTC

   For me, it was when the job I was in, the stress I was dealing with, was taking a toll on my health. I wasn't sleeping and if I did sleep, I was combative in my sleep. I was not a pleasant person to be around. I was unintentionally losing weight.

   That said, I would never put myself in that sort of position again. I learned a lot about myself and what I will and will not tolerate and things I should have realized were red flags before taking the job.

10. Cindy GloverMay 1,2025 at 12:11PM UTC

    When you’re depressed, short tempered and think of ways to qualify for short or even long term disability just to get away from the establishment and the toxic people…..

11. AnonymousMay 1,2025 at 12:28PM UTC

    When the stress from a toxic work environment has a negative effect on your physical and mental health. One of my first jobs, I had a boss who would be so abusive and call me an idiot to my face. In today’s world, he would have been out the door for the emotional abuse and maybe have a pending lawsuit for mental damages.

12. AnonymousMay 1,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

    I had a similar situation. I actually asked my manager to fire me so that I would have a chance to collect unemployment once the hearings were done. It all worked out in the end, I was much healthier once I recovered (about a month) from the work environment. I was able to find a contractor position until I was hired on full time. My husband and I made ends meet financially by cutting back on extra expenses. Mental health is so important.

13. AnonymousMay 1,2025 at 4:46PM UTC

    Ideally when you have FU money which precludes a healthy debt to asset ratio.

14. AnonymousMay 2,2025 at 4:24PM UTC

    If it is impacting your mental health, GET HELP before you quit. Start with EAP and then therapy. Promise yourself that after 3 months of therapy you will consider quitting. These responses are full of identification of mental health issues but once you quit you may not have the benefits and money to pay for therapy. If you are lucky enough to land a new role, you’ll be bringing baggage with you while adding the stress of a new job. Bad work situations can make you overly watchful and quick to go negative. Quiet quit and heal on their dime and then wave goodbye.

15. AnonymousMay 3,2025 at 4:32PM UTC

    I am in agreement with the suggestion to get help. Use your current EAP to reach out for help.

    I was so close to being fired right at the start of COVID. My attitude was in the toilet and I would have called my job a toxic environment. After starting counseling we determined that my job was the only place I could take out my frustrations and I took it too far.

    In the 3 months before COVID, my husband broke his kneecap and was unable to work or walk. This left me as his sole caregiver - helping him bathe, all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. That plus a full time job was more than exhausting. He received workers comp which was about 1/3 of his pay before so i was suddenly the breadwinner. The bills didn't stop. My grandkids stayed with us because our schools are top notch compared to the ones they were districted for. So I was responsible for 3 kids (including my biggest kid - husband) and it took a toll on me.

    I got help. I saw a counselor 2 times a week. It was a time where I was able to speak to someone without them telling me what they would do or how they would handle it. I didn't need that, I just needed to vent. I went on anti-anxiety and anti-depressants and within 3 weeks, I felt like a different person. I went and spoke to my boss and told them everything. I apologized for my behavior.

    I prayed for God to change the situation or change me.

    He changed me. Work because my refuge. When terrible at home thoughts would enter, I would change what I was doing to focus on another task. It worked. This past Thursday, I was given my 4th promotion since that time.

    It could very well be your place of employment but be sure it isn't outside reasons causing it.

16. AnonymousMay 5,2025 at 2:08PM UTC

    Uhhh never... not in this economy. But if you must... at least have 3-6 months of your salary saved up to get you through till you find another job.