Leaving behind a miserable job (with no set plan)
I have never quit a full-time job, and I've worked in my current organization for 4 years. The work is for a GREAT cause and I've really learned a lot from my work. However, I realized over this past year that I've never truly been happy here and decided that I needed to resign, setting a deadline for myself to figure out a plan to become happy again.
Over the years I've had numerous anxiety nightmares, gained stress weight, stayed late for hours, and have just generally become bitter and hopeless. It might have been different if I hadn't been paid a very low salary, or if I had been able to move up from my entry-level position. I decided to leave my company after 4 years and 40+ internal applications which were barely seen. I've been applying all over the place just to find a decent paycheck, but sadly my industry is extremely specific (clinical research).
My question to everyone: has anyone been in this situation? Have you felt like you just can't take it anymore and have to leave? I know that it's obviously ideal to have a job lined up, but despite my efforts, the process is moving too slowly and I don't have anything secured (despite constantly applying). Wondering if anyone has any advice or wants to share their experiences.
Hey there! I hear your fears about walking away from "good" in pursuit of "better." I wrote an eBook all about the different things to look for when you're making a career move so that you can optimize towards "great" in your next role. You can grab a copy of it for free here! http://getcareerclarity.com/roadmap
I've been there and I did leave my job 7 months ago. Simply put, I was done and I want to be honest there are a lot of stressors to unemployment that I did not anticipate. It's been very hard, but I do believe it was best thing for me to do at that time. A little advice before you jump ship, weigh out all of your options and maybe look into a career coach to help you with a strategic exit. I hired one after I left, and wish I would have done so when I was still working - Jenn at WorkWonders&Co really helped me with resumes so I started to get traction and interviews. It also helps to get clear about your interests and values so you have some direction and a real jump start before the transition. Once you have some clarity, tap into your networks ASAP. Finally, if you can, see if you can redirect your energy to strategically taking this next step (and investing in yourself) so that this is just a paycheck that's an extra deposit into your career development. This transition has been more about a shift in mindset than finding my next perfect role. I hope this is helpful, and remember you do have choices right now - take back that control, collect your money, and start investing in yourself. Good luck!
I am in a similar situation. I have been in my profession for 25 years and my current position for almost 3, although I’ve been with the institution (in different capacities) for over 12. Recently, the branch of the institution for which I work went through a significant restructuring. While I have not been happy in this career for years (it likely was never the perfect fit), I have been 100% investing in making the work meaningful and being productive. However, the restructuring enforces some changes on my workload and schedule that will increase my level of dissatisfaction with my position. The institution as a whole is also undergoing significant changes, as it always is, for leadership changes constantly.
I am putting boundaries on what I will and will not do in terms of “out of office/classroom” time, but their are requirements I must fulfill during these hours in order to keep my position.
As a result of the above, I have determined to resign in 4 months. In the meantime, I will keep quiet and press forward through the changes. I have very little time to be on the hunt for a new position, but I believe life is too short to be miserable in work. I will use the four months to plan what I will do when I leave to find a job shortly after that. Working remotely will be ideal.
Living the nightmare of a miserable job...so understand your perspective... connect with everyone , i.e. alumni, colleagues at former companies, trusted allies & let them know you're on the hunt... conversations on LI with hiring managers at companies you're interested, etc... however, you're not alone...my best to you & folks in a similar boat.... lastly, for some hope, know there is a job boon, though I haven't experienced it...
User deleted comment on 02/08/20 at 9:19PM UTC
As tempted as you are, I advise waiting until you have a new job before resigning. Are there ways to talk with your manager and/or your team to determine if there’s a different path you could pursue within the company? Are there performance-based goals you can agree to, so you’ll feel more of a sense of purpose and accomplishment while you’re still there?
The economy is good, and there are a lot of job listings, but there are also A LOT of people looking (meaning lots of competition). It is truly easier to find a job when you already have one, and it could be tricky to explain that you resigned before finding a new role because you weren’t happy there.
I hope this helps!