CAREER TIPS-Should you leave a job if you don’t have another one to go to?
Posted 25th June 2020 • Written by adapted from forbes.com • • • • • • •
Should you leave a job if you don’t have another one to go to?
Almost never!
Here’s why:
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Oftenwe want to run away from what we hate; but it is important sometimes to face up to the obstacles we face today or they may continue or repeat later in life.
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Many people want to leave their job because of the daily negative experience, but they need to understand if it’s the work they hate, or the people and the culture/environment that’s the problem
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People who’ve faced problems or challenges at work and leave a job often experience a hit to their confidence and self-esteem, and that can be obvious to others (particularly hiring managers), and may hold them back from better roles and situations in the future.
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Another reason to stay in your job while pursuing a new path (if you can) is that when you're not employed or earning money, the financial strain, worry and pressure can affect the job search process.
It’s more beneficial if you can address your challenges now and if you can do that, then find new work, there is less chance that these problems won’t repeat in your next job.
But,
If it is impossible for you to resolve the situation, some time off between jobs may be beneficial especially if:
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Your work problems are having a negative effect on your physical and mental well-being a break may be healthy
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You want to make a change but can’t because of the hours your current job involves
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You are in a financial position that allows you to take a breather and explore new options
If you feel any of these:
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Successfully balancing my home life and work life feels almost impossible right now.
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I’m having some health problems that won’t go away.
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My company has let me down, and I don’t feel the same about it as I used to.
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I have skills I’m not using, but I want to start using them.
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I dislike what I do, or I’m so bored by it, but I have no idea what other work I would do.
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I don’t want to keep doing this work, but I don’t have a way out financially.
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I just don’t want to keep up with this competition and pace anymore. I’m tired of it.
Then it's time to seriously think about a change and it can be very positive, if you are ready to do the inner work required to "brave up" and embrace a new path.
If you do decide to leave your job before you have another, make the most of your time off.
Employers don’t like gaps on CVs so will want to hear that you expanded your skills set and knowledge, and that break may have made you an even stronger candidate for their open position than you were before.
Make the most of your time off by:
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Networking and expanding your relationships with mentors
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Upskill and learn something new that you can use in your career
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Volunteer - support an important project, offering your skills and talents in a new way, for a cause that you care deeply about
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Teach – share and spread your knowledge and know-how through giving a workshop, online course, or webinar
Do all you can to have something in place before you give up your current job, but if things are so bad you can’t stay, then plan the change thoroughly so you can use your time between jobs well and make sure you are fully recharged both physically and mentally when you start your job search and your new role.
Adapted from forbes.com