About to quit my job without anything else lined up.

28 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 5:06AM UTC

   Do not leave your job until you have the appointment letter in hand. There are absolutely no jobs out there. If for health reasons then be aware that staying out of job shouldn't aggravate that

2. Rebecca ShalloeOctober 10,2023 at 7:26AM UTC

   Your family and your health are more important than killing yourself for your company's profits.

   I would suggest: join a temping agency. Have a frank discussion with your manager telling them you wish for more time for yourself/family (childhood is fleeting). Never mention your own tiredness or health issues, they will view you as a liability. If they are eager to keep you then renegotiate the role with fewer hours/improved conditions. Only accept if it's a great offer, they specifically allocate a chunk of your work to someone else and they are properly appreciating you. Otherwise give the notice your contract requires.

   Temping agencies are useful - allows you the inside view of a variety of workplaces. But only accept assignments that suit you.

   I'm sure your energy will return as you enjoy life and hang out with your toddler - their enthusiasm is infectious.

3. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 6:24PM UTC

   I recently left my job, it was not a great fit any longer and I kept trying to find new ways to reinvigorate the position. Exhausting. I left with no next job, my industry is dependent on freelancers and contractors, so this is my eventual plan. But I was so burnt out that I plan on taking at least 6 months off, I'm 3 months into it. It has been life-changing. Now, I was fortunate to be able to save a chunk of money, so that pressure isn't a reality right now. But I am radically changing my life, tackling some long-standing health issues (I'm starting to feel better recently) and will not be going back to the same grind as before. It is scary as heck but it is worth it in the end. I'm really reinvisioning my life and what's important to me. I'm in unknown territory but I am learning how to embrace it. Best of luck, but you're totally worth it.

4. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 7:46PM UTC

   Once upon a time, I was in a very toxic job that was causing me so much stress that it began to take a physical toll on me. I didn't give notice. One day, there was that proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, I called my then fiance (now husband) he backed me up whatever my decision was, I fired off an email saying I was out and that was that. The next day, I called the HR department, demanded an exit interview, demanded that I be paid out my vacation time. They knew there were issues with my department but it was the cash cow of the place so no one was willing to do anything while that department continued to turn people over. I was a few months without a job but in the end, it didn't hurt me. That said, I can't guarantee that someone else would have the same outcome.

5. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 7:47PM UTC

   And also, because I felt bad for all the people left behind to pick up the pieces, I continued to provide guidance to a few former coworkers for a month or so via email and phone calls.

6. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 3:31AM UTC

   Don’t hesitate to leave this toxic situation. It isn’t suitable for you or for your family, and you can get along without the paycheck. There’s absolutely no reason to stay.

   Line up your references (not your toxic boss, of course), give 2 weeks of notice (less if you feel you can get away with it) and you’re done. Your current team will survive and you have no reason to feel guilty — your toxic boss has made it impossible for you to stay.

   When asked down the road why you left your current role, say that you wanted to explore opportunities that allowed you to grow in [insert focus area of your job applications] and that you decided that you wanted to take some time off to evaluate the market and concentrate on your job search. That makes you sound savvy.

   Once you’ve walked away from your toxic employment situation, you’ll have the confidence to know that you can control your own destiny and need not tolerate poor treatment ever again.

   A success story to give you confidence: a recent university grad of my acquaintance found their first professional job this summer. The job proved to be in an exceptionally toxic environment, so toxic that I encouraged this recent grad to quit. They did so with no notice — merely an e-mail saying that they were resigning effective immediately for personal reasons.

   Fast forward a few months and the recent grad has just received another job offer and has been advised that they will be shortly receiving a second offer for what sounds like an outstanding role. If they had stayed put, none of these very positive developments would have happened.

   Look at leaving your current, toxic job as an investment in a happier future.

7. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 12:21PM UTC

   I have done this. I left a job without anything lined up. That job found someone new within a week of my departure. I gave 3 weeks notice. I never regretted it and I’m happy I did. After my final day, I took 2 weeks off (it was over the holidays) and then I started looking in January 2022 and landed something new within 3 weeks. I have been there ever since. Not to scare you but this job is just as toxic. The difference is I spoke up this time and things are different. I asked all of the right questions in the interview trying my best to avoid a toxic work place. Just know you can also leave another job if it is also toxic. I know I will when the time is right. I’ve had some interviews.

   I have also had someone leave my current job unexpectedly due to the toxicity. It was not great. We were without someone for 4 months. We survived. I did become friends with them. So I never for one second was annoyed with them even though my job became harder.

   Sometimes no matter what job you pick it can be toxic. Doesn’t mean you have to stay. So work on you and keep on going.

8. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

   While I agree that toxic jobs are not what you should deal with, I also know it is easier to find a job when you have a job.

   Jobs that actually pay the bills aren't as abundant as one might think. The salaries listed on websites can be very deceiving. We hired a girl at 17 per hour (entry level starting position here) . She thought after her 90 days temp, she would be bumped to 30 per hour because that was what Indeed showed. She quit immediately after she found out.

   For what it's worth, my advice is to figure out how long you can survive on your husband's income (I wouldn't even include savings) and make that a drop dead time. If it were me, I'd do my current "time" at my toxic job until I had another lined up.

   You are not me however and have to do what is best for your health and family.

9. Maggie StoneOctober 11,2023 at 1:03PM UTC

   I have been in this situation but chose to stay for financial reasons and my husband’s refusal to support us both. I sympathize with the toll on mental and physical health. I am still processing the toll some previous jobs have taken. What you’re really considering here is the stress of this job versus the stress of a job search and loss of income. I don’t think you need to give more than 2 weeks notice, but I wouldn’t give less unless you’re fine with burning bridges.However, before you send that email or turn in the resignation letter, I would have a frank financial discussion with your partner about whether or not you guys can survive without your income for 6-8 months. Would you lose insurance coverage? If you can survive, great. Turn in your notice stat. Just want you to consider that a new job may not come quickly or easily.

10. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 2:30PM UTC

    It's always best to support yourself, whether you're in a marriage or not, life is so uncertain!

11. Christine MOctober 11,2023 at 1:09PM UTC

    I have a friend who left a job after she thought she had many options. Every option did not pan out. She has made it to numerous final round interviews with no offers. She’s now 7 months without work. I am one month since my layoff. I get unemployment but it’s not much but still something. It sounds like you have no time to look for work, but if nothing else begin to network, work in resume so you can get going if you choose to leave.. It is always easier to find work when you have work.

12. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    Are you getting mental health services? Would an FMLA be out of the question?

13. Cam DunsonOctober 11,2023 at 2:47PM UTC

    You can always take FMLA and have insurance while you look for another job. Don't go back no matter what, but some weeks of insurance might help

14. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    I've done this too. I quit w/out having another job lined up and have no regrets. I gave an official 2 week's notice but I thankfully had a friend in HR who advised that I use my PTO before I left and I did. I wound up working one more day and was paid for two weeks after that (upper management was OK with this). It was a very busy time of year but I did not feel guilty leaving my colleagues or clients.

    My boss was an awful leader and in short, it caused me so much stress that my body practically screamed, "Get out of there!" That was the first time I've ever experienced such an hostile, back-stabbing environment and certainly the first time I've ever quit due to mental health issues (again, which led to high BP, sleepless nights, headaches, chronic stomach issues, etc.). I was VERY fortunate to have my husband's financial support and our savings. I looked for something else while I was employed but things became so bad that I left w/out a plan. I still have no regrets.

    It's been almost a year and while I've been searching for other jobs here and there (without success), I volunteered for different nonprofits, dug into online courses and plan to return to school. Don't get me wrong - I miss working and we could use my income. But I'm more motivated to be self-employed, especially now that I'm middle-aged. I've also had to get brutally real with myself and acknowledged my own areas of opportunity.

    You are still young and have a precious child at home. Even if you have to work in an area temporarily (hospitality, retail, etc.), it will give you peace of mind. And yes - no job is perfect and there are toxic bosses/colleagues everywhere. It may be helpful to talk with someone how to navigate these waters. In hindsight, I wish I had, but leaving that job was for the best. All of my health ailments went away and of course, I was much, much happier. My relationship with my family members improved and I stopped walking around with so much tension and anger.

    Do what you have to do for yourself and your family. Hugs!

15. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 1:25PM UTC

    Came to offer solidarity. I literally could have written this myself, down to having a 19-month old at home.

16. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    I'd hang in there but try to minimize interaction with the toxic boss and clarify anything they ask you to do so there's no misunderstanding about their assignments. It is great that you can take some time but I believe I'd try to line up another job before leaving one.

17. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 4:12PM UTC

    I am about to do the same although I am actively looking for jobs and giving myself a couple of months before I quit hoping I will find something, and knowing I have my savings and my husband's support to float me in the meantime. It's great that your husband will support you.

    While you decide your next move I would suggest being firm about boundaries currently, take all the breaks you're allowed, start and end your work day on time, don't take on work outside of your job description if you can help it. Commiting at least an hour or two per week to working on a resume, looking for jobs etc. is better than nothing and personally I have found that doing so gives me something to look forward to and makes it easier getting through the work day knowing I'm making progress and finally listening to myself to get out of there.

    As far as notice I am giving two weeks and will also be leaving during a busy time. The guilt of leaving has kept me there long enough, yes it may cause strain on the coworkers you leave behind but is there a time of year that isn't busy and would make you feel less guilty? For me the answer is no and is a reflection on the ridiculous workload management has put on the entire team - that's not your fault.

    Wishing you luck and just want to say I think you're doing the right thing!

18. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

    Two weeks. Don’t worry about them. The company won’t be worried for you. Consider not working until your child is over 3 or working remotely in a part time position to fill the gap on your resume. Other creative ways to write a Mommy gap also when you are ready. Break the cycle! Take care of your health. Blessings and good luck!

19. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 9:17PM UTC

    I have done this in the past. I just couldn't do it anymore. I had nothing lined up, but something inside kept telling me I'd be okay. Looking back, it seems like an insane thing to do-no husband to take on the load temporarily and not a lot of savings. I ended up getting a call out of the blue from an ad agency for whom I always wanted to work. I was working again the very next month. Trust your instincts. You're in a great spot to leave them behind.

20. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 2:08AM UTC

    Thank you for sharing. Your positivity is exactly what this person needs to hear.

21. AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 10:36PM UTC

    It’s okay to quit without a job lined up since you have resources to get you through the time it will take to find a new job. If you would be more comfortable having something lined up, you could talk to HR, apply for a different role at your current company that doesn’t report to your boss, or give a 4 week notice and start looking for a new job while you are still there. The advantage of a 4 week notice could be that they tell you to go now and pay you for the 4 week notice period and/or you can collect unemployment given they would in essence have terminated your employment (vs. you leaving in a month). Good luck! Onwards and upwards!

22. Darla VannOctober 11,2023 at 11:51PM UTC

    I am new to this site, hello and to answer your question on notice. Give them a two week notice. Even if you hate the job always give your best be your best and leave on your best never let them see you sweat Don't burn bridges. Always maintain your professionalism And best of luck in your future endeavors.

23. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 12:35PM UTC

    You and I are in the same boat, I feel you! I left my toxic job six weeks ago, after being there for over a year and a half. The job was killing my mental health and I was at my lowest point when I decided to quit abruptly (no notice, nothing lined up!). Fortunately my husband and I are in a stable financial position where we can live off one income but I still hold a lot of guilt over feeling like I am not contributing financially. When I tell the people in my life, both friends and strangers, about my job situation everyone can agree on one thing: I made the right decision. No job is worth jeopardizing your mental health. You are nothing without your health. You cannot show up as a wife, a mother, a friend, or a human for that matter if you're not taking care of yourself. I am proud of you for putting your foot down and taking care of your health; not a lot of people are able to do that. Now to answer your questions - I started seriously job hunting a couple weeks ago and like you, do not want to rush into another bad situation. As much as there is pressure to be financially independent and grow in our careers, there is value in taking time to get reacquainted with yourself and figure out what you want to do next. Take some courses, spend the time to apply for jobs you really want, rest and recover, and get back to the things you love. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I'm holding out hope that better things are yet to come for both of us. In terms of notice, I gave none. It was a spur of the moment "I QUIT" situation in my case, and while it was fun and I got to live out my fantasy quitting dream, I do feel bad leaving my team on a dime. If you feel the need to give notice the standard two weeks is fine. That way you can transition your work to the team and also secure one final paycheck (that is the only thing I wish I had done differently). In regards to the toxic boss, see if you're able to work from home during those 2 weeks to limit face time and if they become really antagonistic during your final days there, you can always cut your notice short. Congratulations for prioritizing your health and truly the best of luck in your next chapter! :)

24. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    I am sorry you are in that situation! It's unfortunate how many of us, myself included, have been part of a toxic environment. I would caution you on quitting without notice - it will give you temporary satisfaction, but ultimately you don't want those actions to professionally define you. I always tell folks to leave on a high note as the world is small and you never want to burn a bridge.If you are financially able to quit without another job lined up - more power to you! You could always take some filler or contract work to keep you busy and bring in income. Remember - some companies slow down their hiring at the end of the year. You should take that into consideration if you are only able to be without work for a short / specific period of time. Personally, I have been looking for new opportunities since August. I have had an offer but it was significantly less than what I make now. Since I am still employed, I do have the luxury of being picky. Not knowing your experience, I would say it takes 2-3 months at least to find a new opportunity (this would include interview, offer and pre-employment completion). Best of luck to you!

25. AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 5:02PM UTC

    2 weeks. You should not give more than that but if you think offering to stay longer if they need you to for transition or replacement would help you could say that you are open to up to 30 days.

26. AnonymousOctober 13,2023 at 5:45AM UTC

    I’m in sales and do this all the time and it always works out . As long as you have a good work ethic which is sounds like you DO and a productive nature your instincts will take over and you’ll find the right path to success no problem . You got it ?

27. AnonymousOctober 14,2023 at 1:16AM UTC

    Always give the standard two weeks. Don’t worry about your co-workers. Your mental health is more important.

28. Estela JavaheriOctober 14,2023 at 8:37PM UTC

    I would ask HR for EAP support, this is a benefit for employees who need extra support to help them decide what is best for them and the situation. I would ask for short-term time off if you have this benefit. Also if you feel you need to leave soon, start looking at Temp agencies that hire right away even if it's a temporary job it will keep your bills paid until you find something you love to do. Wish you all the best.