In 2016 I made a heartfelt and difficult decision to resign from an organization and position I loved.

Antonia Calzetti

December 8,2021 at 3:07PM UTC

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In 2016 I made a heartfelt and difficult decision to resign from an organization and position I loved. It wasn't an overnight decision. It came over many months of deliberation. I wasn't growing, there was no room for advancement and I wanted to learn something new. It was time to spread my wings. It was time for a change. I took the leap believing that something was on the other side - something that was going to advance me in a different way. I thought, did I make a huge mistake? Scared and excited at that same time, but needed.

As we head into the new year, many things have changed since 2020. Mass resignations have been one of them. If you recently quit your job (or maybe you’re toying with it), here are six things you need to know about the job search right now:

1. Take advantage of December. Use the holiday downtime it to overhaul your resume, and your LinkedIn profile. As tempting as a Netflix indulge sounds, use this time because come January, things are going to heat up.

2. You WILL find another job. Don't panic. Take it one day at a time and focus on what you need to do in 24 hour shifts. Employers are filling millions of positions. You have the skillset. Breathe.

3. Seasonal positions are a plenty. This is your opportunity to get yourself out there. Showcase your experience and it may end up transitioning from seasonal temp to full-time.

4. NEVER settle. If there is a flag, listen to your gut. Don't take the 1st opportunity. Know your options.

5. Network, network, network.

6. We are in a jobseekers market. Use it to negotiate and know your deal-breakers for your next position.

Quitting a job is not for everyone and I'm only suggesting the possibility if you are able to do it or are being beaten down in toxicity everyday.

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AnonymousDecember 8,2021 at 3:56PM UTC
These are such beautiful reminders, and I believe many of our community members need to hear this! Thank you for sharing. And the point that this is a jobseeker's market is so important, use it to your advantage!
AnonymousDecember 8,2021 at 4:53PM UTC
You are so right. I love to stay positive and open and to keep growing. Thanks for the list.
AnonymousDecember 8,2021 at 5:16PM UTC
Thank you for the list and the encouragement. I am facing the same you did, not growing and no room for advancements. I know, I have plenty of transferrable skills and have been applying but without any success. Your post just gave me a boost to continue.
Lynn HolmgrenDecember 9,2021 at 2:35PM UTC
Applying is a dark hole…. network network network
Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.December 8,2021 at 5:31PM UTC
i love this entire post. thank you for sharing
Natalie KordaDecember 9,2021 at 1:47PM UTC
This is just what we need to hear. Thank you!
Fabiola SeguelDecember 9,2021 at 1:57PM UTC
thank you!
AnonymousDecember 9,2021 at 2:27PM UTC
Seeing posts such as this is great timing for me. I'm in the process of leaving current organization (mutual decision...taking this job was a bit of a mistake) and panicking because I don't have anything lined up yet.
Antonia CalzettiDecember 9,2021 at 8:35PM UTC
It is anxiety inducing. I get it. But you will find something. One day at a time. Keep your focus.
Saquonna DuncanDecember 13,2021 at 12:51PM UTC
I am in the same position but just remember that jobs are out there. I pray a lot and remember that I’ve always persevered before.
Jennifer BierdsDecember 9,2021 at 2:41PM UTC
Thank you for sharing this, my last day is the 16th ?
Antonia CalzettiDecember 9,2021 at 8:32PM UTC
Congratulations! On to bigger and better Jennifer!
Saquonna DuncanDecember 13,2021 at 12:52PM UTC
Congratulations!!!
Ashli JDecember 9,2021 at 3:17PM UTC
Thank you for this! I was in the service for 11 years and separated and went right back to working for the military as a civilian. I don’t feel like I’ve grown since I’ve held onto something that has comforted me since I was 18. The current position I am in definitely makes me realize that I need to move on and experience the world. I have not had that at all.
Antonia CalzettiDecember 9,2021 at 8:34PM UTC
Firstly, thank you for your service.
Being comfortable is why we don't move. It's fear of what actually may happen, right? You need to step out of the comfort zone to grow. If you need any support, please reach out.
Kathryn BuerDecember 10,2021 at 1:19PM UTC
Have you checked out anything with the defense companies?
Xu JocelynDecember 10,2021 at 1:01PM UTC
I‘m a fresh student who works as an internship currently and the job Im doing is not really what I want so I would like to give a change as well but the thing is it seems a bit hard to find a good job, I also submitted a few of my applications but yet to be accepted. I think in first-tier cities of China, there are many job opportunities for students and sometimes the pay is not well so this is one of the reasons I find it hard to land a good job. Personally speaking, I would like to work in mega cities as well cuz I like its fast pace and advanced technology out there. I want more challenges, I want more excellent ppl to be around me, I want a more well-organized company which provides benefits for me. However, my contract of internship wont finish until in June next year, so I have to wait more than half a year.
Karin KegelDecember 10,2021 at 2:58PM UTC
Beaten down by toxicity is one of the most cited reasons for leaving a job.
One would have thought that CEO's etc would wake up to that fact and yet,they promote totally unsuitable people by dint of being a golfing buddy. When those unsuitable people turn out to be toxic, the management protects them and people who suffer under their incompetence, laziness lying, bullying and general toxic behaviour are treated like dirt for daring to complain. Go figure!
It's a truly crazy world at work
AnonymousDecember 12,2021 at 1:46PM UTC
Exactly what I just went through. This person was protected because they were an "unpaid" employee. Meaning they were a "volunteer" and a board member. It was brutal.
I was literally told if it was a choice between them and me… It would not be me.
How disgusting, right?
It gets better… This is a nonprofit that prides itself on its social action and helping people people who need help. It's quite the opposite and it is all about appearances for them.
When I had to take family leave for a month, they took their chance and fired me a week before I was supposed to come back. I was only gone 3 weeks. Coincidence, I think not.
However, to quote Hamilton.. "I am not giving away my shot" and I'm going to take advantage of the programs that are available to me to switch paths.
I'm beginning to breathe again.
FGB userDecember 13,2021 at 7:23PM UTC
I have experienced this so many times, it is true! But eventually people will leave and who will they be left with, gold buddies who do not care about the organization's mission who just use it as a place that gives them a pay check without moving the business forward? Such orgs will implode.
Ramona d'ViolaDecember 10,2021 at 5:43PM UTC
#4
AnonymousDecember 13,2021 at 12:54PM UTC
My stress level went down once I decided to resign and sent my letter to my manager. It was a hard decision and I prayed about it alot, discussed with husband and therapist. Finally just took the plunge and may have a new job lined up after reaching out to a recruiter and the hiring manager the day after I turned in my resignation?