Leaving your job is a major life adjustment. If you have your next position lined up, you need to be sure the culture, work environment and personal and professional transition will succeed as you envisioned. And if you’re facing unemployment, you have to make sure that you fully prepare from a financial standpoint.

The Pros and Cons of Quitting Your Job

Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you resign, take a step back and evaluate what it is that you ultimately want from your life and your career. Define your priorities, so you can align your strategy with them as you take the next step.

Avoid acting impulsively. Keep things in perspective: Everyone goes through bad patches, which may last several weeks or even months. Quitting in the heat of the moment may be liberating at first, but you could live to regret it once your flow of paychecks dries up.

Consider these questions:

• What does the current job market look like? Take time to explore the options in your field. Network with others and get a feel for the overall outlook. For instance, will you have to relocate or significantly increase your daily commute in order to land that “dream job?”
• What are you really unhappy about? Pinpoint the specific issue that’s frustrating you in your current position. Is if the people? The environment? The hours? The work itself? Then, consider the scope of your frustration. Maybe you can seek an outlet outside work for some relief – or move to another department. But, if you decide that you’re definitely not in a good place, it’s probably time to make a move.
• Do you have a realistic plan for your next step? Determine your strengths and how you can leverage them. Make plans to develop any skills you sense are lacking or out of date.

About the Money
Unless you have a better-paying job lined up, now is the time to take a hard look at your finances. A general rule of thumb is to allow one month of job search time for every $10,000 you earn. For example, in the case of a job paying $50,000 a year, you should have enough savings to cover five months. Also consider how long you can continue carrying health insurance and other benefits.

• Make a spreadsheet. Include passive income streams, cash burn amounts and your entire net worth. Play around with the numbers, erring on the side of caution. By putting it all down on paper, you’ll have a better idea where the holes are. Optimize the deficiencies until your satisfied – and do all this before you quit.
• Remember superannuation. If you have a new job lined up, the employer may not put your super into the same fund as your old company. Request that they transfer your retirement savings into the right account from Day One.

Looking for a New Career Opportunity in Fresno?

If you’re considering a career change, there’s no better time to work with a professional recruiter who can partner with you to meet your needs and realize your personal and professional goals. Read our related articles for job seekers or contact the experienced recruiters PrideStaff Fresno to learn more.