Anyone else feel like leaving a job before finding a new one can help you mentally look for one.

30 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 18,2026 at 4:58PM UTC

   Why are you posting this multiple times but not responding to folks who are interested? Seems cruel.

2. Changemaker828603March 18,2026 at 6:14PM UTC

   I agree. When I was 30, I had the motivation and energy to do both. Older, it is much tougher.

3. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 12:31PM UTC

   When I did this it was a long time ago before virtual interviews were a thing, but I just did not want to burn all my PTO or make excuses for it while I interviewed.

4. Michele DarleyMarch 19,2026 at 1:18PM UTC

   First, I did this, and it did help my mental health immensely. Second, your mental health is more important. Looking for a job while working a horrible one can be so stressful. I hear a lot of stories from people who are just burnt out from that aspect. If your job is awful, it’s OK to leave. That whole you have to have another job before you leave while it is helpful, your mental health is more important.

5. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 2:50PM UTC

   I've done it and it really helped. This was back in the day, but I ended up landing a much better role in a better company within a month.

6. GirlBossanova934974March 19,2026 at 3:50PM UTC

   In this poor job growth economy, this is a risky strategy. I have been in this situation a few times. I look for jobs before I go to work. I reply to recruiters after work. I get out a serious number of job applications on Sunday morning. Job applications are like water. You slowly fill up the bucket with applications, and then the recruiters arrive. If you have the right skills, the recruiters will find out quickly.

7. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 4:41PM UTC

   If it were me, I would find a way to power through by positive thinking and stay until you find something new. Plan a set time each day maximum 2 hours for your search one time slot in the AM and one at the end of the day. At work do the basics of your role but no more and don't work extra hours. Take your lunch breaks and remember that you may need references down the road from those you worked with there. The job searches at the moment in some cases are taking way longer than before and if you just quit with nothing the only one you hurt is yourself. That will make you even more edgy and stressed when interviewing. If you can work from home 1-2 days per week do it until you find that new role. Hang in there, as long as you know you are going to be somewhere better soon please mentally compartmentalize the current state of things and know it is only temporary till you go.

8. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 4:53PM UTC

   I'm so sorry that you are in this situation. I'm sure you are a very hard worker and very competent. However, you're considered a less competent outsider because you don't engage in dirty joke telling and three beers over lunch. I hope you find something better and less toxic.

9. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 5:00PM UTC

   Its aways been said that its better to not quit a job before you have something else lined up. However, at what cost to your mental health? So much of this depends on your personal situation. Do you have enough in savings so you could go three to six months or even longer without a paycheck before landing the right job? Do you have a spouse who could carry the financial load fore awhile? Unfortunately, if you quit, unemployment is likely off the table. Maybe you would want to consider doing something like Doordashing (I have a friend who actually makes pretty decent money doing this) or substitute teaching to get some income coming in during your search. In most states you need a bachelor's degree in anything to quality for subbing. Most schools have a shortage and offer flexibility. Unfortunately, if you're working 40 plus hours at a life draining job that you loathe, you have a steady paycheck but no energy to devote to job searching weekends and evenings.

10. AnonymousMarch 19,2026 at 5:04PM UTC

    Just a word of warning, especially in this job market, please make sure that you have enough money set aside to sustain you until you find something else. I know someone who did this and ended up homeless because after 8 months she was still unemployed. The "temp" jobs were short term and few and far between. The agency was unable to keep her employed full time and they had more workers than available jobs, so please be careful!

11. Nancy BauerMarch 19,2026 at 6:38PM UTC

    The current job market is really, really, really tough. AI has done a number on the search process. Companies can't plan given the crazy swings in the market and all of the insanity going on with the government. They are reluctant to hire, and many people are "job squatting," afraid to leave (for good reason.) I also found that even in today's market the old adage that it's easier to find a job when you have one still applies. Once you hit six months of unemployment people start questioning why you haven't landed. It's nuts.

    I strongly recommend hanging on as long as you can (or building a good savings cushion.) It took me over 9 months to find a new full-time role - it took my husband over 18, and he took part-time work because it was better than nothing. During my search I was able to find small contract jobs but nothing sustainable or lucrative enough. I did a temp retail job over the holidays, too - minimum wage.

    Ensure you can pay your bills for at least 8 - 12 months before jumping ship.

12. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 12:16PM UTC

    Normally, I would agree with everything you posted, but I think we can all agree that everything going on in today’s economy is anything but “normal.” Maybe this is the new normal? What I’ve found is that most people can barely afford to pay rent/mortgage and utilities, let alone create a savings cushion of almost one years salary. Am I the only one noticing this, or Is this reality for most people?

13. maria roseMarch 21,2026 at 12:48AM UTC

    No you are not the only one that noticed that wages don’t exactly match price increases-take the example that assumes that average middle income earning is $80,000/year as the reason for the current market value rent levels when in actuality eagles are much lower and it takes a 2 person earning household to pay market value rent housing costs. Yeah in an ideal world scenario, we all get paid proper wages in our ideal perfect jobs and have more than sufficient income to pay for our necessity costs and have ample funds left over to save money and impulse splurging spend. Don’t let your emotions control your actions if doing so affects your finances and leaves you with no money —it’s not that easy to get government benefits support to pay for your expenses.

14. Nancy BauerMarch 29,2026 at 6:16PM UTC

    You're 100% correct. I fear it's only going to get worse.

15. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmMarch 20,2026 at 12:58PM UTC

    One. After you leave don't wait too late. I left a job and thought I would take two or three months (I had it in the bank) off before I took another one. I should have started looking after the first month to month and a half because after I was "ready" to come back to working, it took another month and a half (that I was not all the way prepared for) to even begin to get offers.

16. SusanMarch 20,2026 at 1:23PM UTC

    I was in a toxic job for over 2 years. I do not recommend quitting with nothing lined up. The job market is the worst it has been in at least several decades according to some experts. Right now it can take 18 mos to 2 years to find a new job. I recommend hanging on but making a job search your priority keep your head down, do what is required and get through the workday. You at least have income. It is worse to not have money and lose everything. Be careful.

17. Yili GuMarch 20,2026 at 1:56PM UTC

    I was recently laid off. I recommend to consider your financial situation first before quitting in emotion. Having a job is good in the sense of having all the bills in plan.

18. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 2:58PM UTC

    I’ve had to do

    this before - I think it really depends on your industry, experience, etc. I’ve been out of work for a year to take care of my Dad - I sent out a few resumes during the holidays and got called for an interview on the first resume, then a 2nd company called me for an interview in Feb and I start next week.

    if the situation you’re in is toxic and you think you’ve got the resources to hold you for a little while, I’d say not to sacrifice your mental health. It only does more harm than good to stay in a bad environment. Your stress level will be greatly reduced and mentally, you can approach the search with a clear mind and fresh outlook.

    I wish you the very best of luck!

19. L DMarch 20,2026 at 6:07PM UTC

    Yes I left an extremely toxic job to save my mental health. I am still scar from that some years later. Yes the job market is tough but you will learn and adapt. I have had such tough time with job search like everyone else, but I don’t regret my decision to quit that terrible place.

    My advice for dealing with horrible boss, now that I think about it, make them fire you so at least you get unemployment, stop being nice or be the victim.

    People tell you to stay until you get a new job because they haven’t experience a toxic place enough to feel it.

20. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 7:56PM UTC

    I'm not sure forcing someone to fire her is the best way to go. The employer can contest it, proof will be needed, etc. That said, I did do this once - left a job without another lined up because like you, it had taken its toll on me. I was the worst version of myself and it was evident to everyone around me. It was a great learning experience for sure - about what I will and won't put up with, speaking up for myself, etc. And I was lucky in that, even though I made the decision to leave, they did not contest my unemployment claim.

21. Shannon TippitMarch 21,2026 at 3:54AM UTC

    Yes, I just quit my toxic job today with nothing lined up. I will have more time to look for jobs, take of myself mentally and physically. I will also have a better mindset going into interviews, not just "my jobs sucks, I need out."

22. Faith FlaglerMarch 21,2026 at 11:04PM UTC

    I have never been able to get a job while employed. I think I just looked too tired and stressed. I would rest up after a lay-off, or if I just quit and then it was easy to get a new job.

23. Kelly McCoyMarch 22,2026 at 12:29PM UTC

    The job market right now is VOLATILE. If you have the means to be out of work for a year or more, then, by all means, protect your sanity. But if you're not prepared to be without a job for an extended period of time, I'd try to stick it out.

24. AnonymousMarch 22,2026 at 1:37PM UTC

    I have felt like this and recommend you try as hard as possible to secure your next position before you leap. The job market is tough right now.

    I get it--I've been there with a garbage owner who is one of the most if not the most obnoxious and unpleasant person I've ever worked for. It took a toll on my mental health and I wish I had been better about job searching (she let me go).

    At the very least, try to find some sort of stable income to get you through this patch--there's no way to know how long it will last. Good luck!!!

25. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 11:51AM UTC

    Can you try FMLA? Take time off due to stress/anxiety - get a doctor's note? And then reassess your situation?

26. Yvette SimpsonMarch 23,2026 at 1:43PM UTC

    I am in the boat , ℹ mentally and physically exhausted as patient care tech … I work on a heavy floor and you get no support. It’s like you are set up to fail running around trying to answer all the call bells .. when some nurses are no help , but they want you to help them . I wanted to quit so bad … but then you have bills and FMLA takes time if you were only at your job a short time . But if I was you I would definitely look into FMLA everyone has it on my unit and trust me they use it immensely.

27. Jackie RukaMarch 23,2026 at 10:22PM UTC

    I left a corporate position, completely fried and working 60 hour work weeks without another position in place. I managed to save and did get short term disability then unemployment. This was helpful for about a year. My journey was not typical and maneuvered the system to make it work for me. It took 6 months of a new nutrition plan, and whole new health routine to overcome the burnout and damaged adrenals. Best thing I ever did! I really did not want to go back into the same grind so I started a business for women to thrive based on her knowledge where she learns to make $8100 a month. I make my own hours and truly enjoy helping women thrive!

28. AnonymousMarch 25,2026 at 12:48PM UTC

    That’s the problem with getting so stressed out that you cannot see straight. IMHO leaving a job now without another job is CRAZY! You think working in a toxic environment is bad, the world of job hunting is brutal and you’re not gettting paid! You are burnt out and you can do something about that and still get paid. First take a week off and relax go

    to a spa , camp, go away with a friend etc. during the time off plan another FUN day off for each month. After you’ve cleared your head update your resume and start sending it out. Take care of you first.

29. AnonymousMarch 31,2026 at 10:09AM UTC

    In today’s job market, I recommend staying in your current job until you find something else. It’s dog eat dog out there and a lot of careers have been dismantled due to AI. If you’ve got the means to quit now, and you can survive, that’s great, but in my experience recently, people I know personally who resigned, are still out of work. They’ve almost depleted savings and are tapping into their retirement. If you’re in the experienced age bracket, like me, be prepared for ageism. Age discrimination is rampant and most can’t retire because who can afford it in this horrible economy? It’s also on the rise of AI and greedy leaders at different companies/organizations. They want it all so RIFs are happening.

    There is a light at the end of the tunnel, AI isn’t as efficient as they thought it would be so they’re having to rehire the masses. My experience in HR is long and varied, so I’ve seen all of these changes over the last 10 years.

30. AnonymousApril 4,2026 at 10:30AM UTC

    I have done both. Before the job market got where it is now, I saw the number of jobs posted un my field and took a leap of faith and quit where I wasn't being utilized. It worked out as I had a new role in 2 months.

    In this job market I would not do that now.

    Prior to that, I was at a job where I felt stuck and hated my boss. Literally our entire team left within months of her taking over. I stayed and kept looking and during that time was able to secure an internal transfer which saved my career and was a blessing.

    Hang in there and see if your current company will send you to networking events or something.