5 Important Things To Consider Before You Quit Your Job

There comes a time in most people’s lives when they stop and think “is this the job I’m really going to give the best years of my life to?!”.

Okay, maybe your internal dialogue isn’t quite as dramatic, but if you’re reading this post, you’re thinking about making a big career change. 

No matter why, and no matter where you are in your career, making a change to a new role can be overwhelming. 

Starting a new job is right up there with other major life events like moving, marriage, graduating or converting to a new religion. (See the pattern? These are not normal, everyday things.) 

So, when you consider plucking yourself from your current position and thrusting into a brand new one, you have to expect a trickle-down impact of that choice on the rest of your life. 

It’s not like it was when you were a teenager and you didn’t have to put much thought into it before you quit your job.

There are a few things you should seriously consider before taking the plunge so that if you do move toward a new beginning, it’s with full confidence!

Take Inventory Of Your Circumstances

Moving toward the right opportunity is always recommended over running away from the wrong one.  

You won’t necessarily benefit from a new environment if you haven’t made peace with your current one before you quit your job.

Even if you’re in a flat out toxic work environment or struggling with burnout, it’s still sound to make a pros and cons list:

What will you gain and lose if you stay another six months? 

Or a year? 

Likewise, make a list of desires for your new job and deal breakers.  

This will help you pursue opportunities that meet your requirements rather than say yes to the first thing that comes your way in an effort to ditch your current circumstances. 

Look Out For Your Financial Health

Even before you start a job hunt, you’ve got to ask yourself if you’re financially prepared for any outcome.

The reality is, you’re considering leaving a job that has been a steady source of reliable income. Most companies can take a few weeks, even up to or over a month, to issue new employees their first paycheck. (Get your finances in order for situations like these with this book.)

On top of that, job security isn’t what it once was. You’ll have to ask any potential employers if they can reasonably guarantee that you won’t be subject to layoffs. 

But you’ve got to be prepared for anything.

Moreover, you’ve got to make sure this job move counts. Career experts usually advise applicants to apply for jobs that offer at least a 10% salary increase – sometimes up to 25%!

Be mindful that healthcare and benefits packages fit your needs and lifestyle, too.

Lastly, be realistic.

If you’re just not ready to make the move up, it might be worthwhile to stay in your current position and seriously boost your skillset (sign up for an online course or two to get ahead quickly) before you quit your job.

Be Prepared For The Transition

A new job has far-reaching impacts, especially if you’re stepping into a role with more responsibility. Anticipating what changes your household can reasonably accommodate ahead of time will give you the confidence to pursue positions that fall within those limits. 

Are you open to any scheduling changes? 

Do you need to work from home or do you prefer an office?

What’s your ideal commute? 

Do you anticipate the demands of this job to be more stressful? 

How will your workload or meeting attendance change?

Will you need to pass off some of your household responsibility to someone else? 

There’s no doubt that most people go through a transition period, but in the end, seamlessly adjust to a new job. But it’s important to have an idea of where you’ll need extra support from your spouse or family during the switchover. 

Wait It Out When It Makes Sense

Do you know what your dream job is? Your list of ideals and deal breakers that we discussed above will help you get a better idea. 

The more important question is…

Are you willing to wait for your dream job? 

Or are you looking for something temporary in the meantime? 

The next best thing? 

In a dream world, we’d all have our dream jobs! But the reality is that too many of us end up saying “yes” to the first or second offer we get.

If you’re seriously thinking about taking the leap and enhancing your career, think about how to maximize the return on your investment.

It might take you a little more time, but if you can afford to, take the liberty of being picky and landing the perfect match before you quit your current job. 

Pursue What Serves Your Future

No one’s going to be punching that metaphorical (or literal!) clock other than you, so you’ve got to feel really good about the next job you take.

If you’re thinking of making a career move only to impress your family, show others that you can, or keep up with the Joneses, you’re going to find yourself just as unfulfilled a few months down the line. 

Try to lean off what others are expecting of you and focus more on what feels most rewarding in the long-run. Make sure you know what you want, and pursue that path with all you’ve got!

Taking a few extra steps to consider all angles, and weigh your options, will put you in a position to make powerful, educated decisions about your future. 

Take a bit of the pressure off the situation with this friendly reminder: there is no such thing as a bad mistake (only good lessons). And remember – nothing is permanent. 

Are you considering a big career move in the next few months? Use this decision-making guide to help you make the best decision before you quit your job!