It’s normal to wish you had a better job. While some people claim to have found their dream job, most of them admit to working at several jobs before finding the one they were completely happy with. However, quitting right away isn’t always a wise thing to do. It’s best to examine your entire situation before making a hasty decision.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself before you quit your job:
– Why Do You Want to Quit?
Think about this question very carefully and be honest. If you are quitting for reasons other than the ones you’re admitting to, you may be running from something that should be handled differently. Is the boss such a bad guy or have you just been slacking off? If you have, changing jobs won’t help. It could be that you’re simply bored and there might be better ways to fix your problem. If you’re feeling undervalued, ask yourself if it’s really the job or if you’ve felt that way in other situations.
– Is It the Job or Your Chosen Field?
Everyone makes mistakes and you wouldn’t be the first person to figure out later that you’re in the wrong field. That can be hard to swallow, especially if your family and friends still remember how thrilled you were about jumping into it years ago. If you’ve changed your mind, that doesn’t mean it’s wise to quit right away. Instead, take some night classes toward that new career while continuing to work there, until you’re ready to make the transition.
– What Kind of Work Do You Enjoy?
Do you like working with others? If not, look into a job that involves working either in smaller teams or on your own. If you’re not a fan of paperwork, an office job won’t suit you for long. The same is true for someone who prefers the outdoors. Some people prefer working out of their homes or at places that provide flexible hours. If you’re independent enough to work on your own and like helping different types of people, consider becoming an estate agent. For more information, read it at Hetheringtons.
– How Much Money Do You Really Need?
Remember that if you switch jobs or careers, you may end up starting over at the bottom. That could mean a significant drop in income. If you’re not prepared to make some lifestyle changes, you might regret quitting your job so soon. Track your daily expenses for a couple months to figure out how much you need to make in a year. Then start cutting expenses and set a strict budget for yourself. Don’t quit your job until you’ve created a plan for living on less.
– What New Skills Will You Need?
Depending on how different your new job is from your old one, you may need additional skills. Jot down all the skills you already have that can carry over. If you’re good at organizing, fund-raising or working with money, those skills can serve you in many different careers. However, if your new job involves conducting large meetings, you might consider a class in public speaking.
– Is the New Job Consistent With Your Values?
Part of choosing a new job or career involves making sure that what you’re going to be doing reflects what you truly believe in. If not, you can’t expect to be enthusiastic about it for long. Your heart has to be in it 100 percent or you’ll find yourself making as many excuses to get out of your new job as you did with your old one.
– What Does a New Job Have to Offer That Your Current Job Doesn’t?
Think about this one very carefully. Some people will never be happy anywhere they go and if you’ve never had a good thing to say about any job you’ve ever had, you should probably ask yourself why. In cases like that, the job isn’t the problem and a new one won’t help for long. Don’t invest more money into educating yourself for another career if you’re going to be just as unhappy as before. You’ll only regret your decision and hate your new job even more.
The decision to quit your job is entirely up to you. It may turn out to be the best choice you could ever make, but it can also lead to disaster. It’s better to view your situation from several angles and be absolutely certain you’re leaving for the right reasons before doing something you might regret.
Shannon Tran has worked in the career’s office since leaving college. She enjoys helping people to better themselves, and their position at work, by giving them helpful information on courses as well as helping them achieve life-changing career moves. She also writes career focused articles to help a wider online audience.
