Top five things to consider when you’re looking to quit your job

While many people struggle to find new career opportunities given the pandemic, there are still those who are looking to resign from their jobs. Reasons range from stress, unhappiness, dissatisfaction, boredom, etc.  I know of people who have quit their jobs who, after a couple of months, confessed to regretting the move. Some explained it was just a spur of the moment thing- and that they didn’t realize the job wasn’t as bad as they thought it was. So, for those people thinking of leaving their jobs at this time, maybe you should consider these five things before handing over that resignation letter.

1. What is it about the job makes you want to quit?

Pointing to a particular reason why you want to quit your job could help you determine if your decision is just out of impulse or the real deal. Is it the job you hate? The inability to help you grow? The Boss? Your workmates? Your office’s location? Then think if these are things that can be addressed or resolved with a simple one-on-one with the people involved or a simple adjustment on your part.

2. Is your job really the cause of your misery?

Some people who feel overwhelmed or burnt out in their jobs tend to blame the job itself for their misery. But the thing is, it can be something else- and they just tend to blame the job itself as they spend a big chunk of their day in it. Maybe it’s something else? An inner struggle within, maybe? Emptiness? The need to have more time for leisure? Whatever it is, think first before you lay blame your job for the sadness you feel, assess what’s going on in your life in general. That way, you simply don’t quit.

3. Do you have a plan B?

Quitting should be okay- if you have a plan on what to do next. It may be another job or another career- or maybe a new business. It can also be a new college degree- or a new hobby like art. Whatever it is, life should be more than just bum around the house and do nothing.

4. Do you have enough savings to tide you over?

Money shouldn’t be a big consideration. Especially when you really want to quit your job. But you also have to consider if there are things that need to be paid, whether or not you have a job—like credit cards, or insurance? Or if you have enough stashed for when you fall ill.

5. Will it affect your household’s expenses?

Many people would think that their job is their business- and whatever happens with it shouldn’t be other people’s concern. But for a closely-knit Filipino family who live together- and pitch in to pay bills and buy essentials, one must think how his decision to quit a job will affect the whole household, specially at this time of the pandemic (unless of course, that person has enough stashed to take them through the rainy days).