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Think twice before you decide to quit

Posted on 17. Oct, 2005 by Bill in Employment News

Think twice before you decide to quit

It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 years old or 50, there comes a day when you think: “I want to quit my job.”Some people get over feeling this way when their job situation improves. Others, however, never shake it. In fact, it becomes stronger every day — quitting is all they think about.You may be one of those people asking yourself: “Can I just quit? Can I afford it? Will I get another job? Will I only end up hating it just as much at the one I’m quitting? What will my family or friends think of me if I quit?”

While these are tough questions, the stress caused by staying with a job you desperately want to leave can be worse. Research has shown that everything from depression to heart problems can be caused by workplace stress. You may finally reach the conclusion that for the sake of your health and peace of mind, you need to move on.Still, there are some things to consider before you just walk out the door. First, you’ve got to decide what you want to do next. Don’t focus only on quitting — focus on what comes after you quit.”You really need to know what kind of job you want, not just what you want to leave,” says Richard Lamond, senior vice president and chief human resources officer with Spherion Corp., a staffing and recruiting company.Specifically, you should consider what you like and don’t like about your current job. It makes no sense to quit one job, only to jump right back into the same situation at another company. What excites you? What bores you to tears? Are there skills you wish you had? Do you see yourself doing the same type of work, only at a smaller — or larger — company?Give yourself a chance to dream — come up with something you would love to do. Then, more realistically, decide what parts of it are within your reach. What do you need to do to attain the job you desire?”These days, people have to be mindful of their career ambitions and goals,” Lamond says. “It’s OK to think about your next job. It’s OK to manage your own career.”Those who want to leave a job also should consider the current job market before making the leap. By checking out companies hiring in the area, either through online sources or through local job ads, a person can weigh the chances of landing a new position quickly.Keep in mind that some professionals look for more than half a year before landing a new job, or must consider relocating to get the position they want.”You shouldn’t resign a job unless you’ve got somewhere else to go, or at least the resources to support yourself,” Lamond says. “The only way you should leave right away is if something illegal is going on.”Once you’ve decided to quit, it’s also a good time to get your resume in top shape and to begin networking with other professionals to learn of potential jobs. It still is often the personal recommendations that help someone land a new position. Many professional organizations have job postings, and you should become familiar with the current demand for your skills.

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Tags: Employment News