Seriously…it may be time to quit a job you hate
If your job sucks, you make a plan to quit.
I’m a responsible, cautious adult and I understand the career implications of quitting a ‘decent’ job. But I’m also a responsible and cautious adult who is a huge advocate for maintaining mental health and following your passions. I’m not going to tell you to hang onto a job you hate just because it’s hard to find a job.
There are too many articles online telling people ‘it’s you, your job is fine. Be grateful. Change your attitude.’ They make me feel terrible.
So, I’ve made a real list of how to quit your job. Like, actually quit it.
- Make the decision to leave and mean it. This part is super important or you’ll just continue to run in circles.
- Decide What You Want To Do – start small. Research the industry and make sure it’s a business model with growth.
- Set an Exit Date. Your birthday. The end of summer. Write it down and start a countdown.
- Cut Your Expenses. Check your subscriptions. Do you need Netflix, Hulu and Spotify if you are going to dedicate your free time to your career transition anyway? (I literally had all three of these at the same time, including four other subscription-based services.)
- Save Your Money
- Start telling people in your life about your plan. Make it real. But be selectively on who you tell. Don’t take it too personally when someone doesn’t respond overwhelming positivity. What you’re doing is a rebellious decision, and it’s guaranteed to freak out some of the people close to you. They recognize the uncertainty in the situation as well. But they haven’t lived through what you have to get you there.
- Research your 401k and health insurance and find a way to replace it, whether it will be on your own or through your new employer. Fight Job Lock, the idea that you have to stay in your job for the benefits.
- Prepare for your exit interview. Be candid with what you hated about your job. Maybe something you say with help change something for the next person in your role.
- Prepare your written notice and give it at least a few weeks before your Exit Date.
- Quit. Just quit. You are allowed to feel scared about it and still do it. Fear is incredibly binding. But if it weren’t so scary, anyone who hated their job would quit. And most people don’t – but you don’t want to be most people.
This list is ever-expanding and should tailored specifically to everyone’s different situation. I’m looking for input on this list. Is there anything that has helped you quit a job you hate that is missing above?
Ready to get serious about your work from anywhere job search? I whole-heartedly recommend Flexjobs, the site where I found my first freelance writing gig. There are zero scams on their site and they have their own 100% remote team, too!
Thank you. This helped a lot. I’m currently in a job I hate, with decent benefits. However, I’ve been putting all of my extra time into finding a new job. I think I finally got one, I’m just waiting to know that I’m on the schedule before I quit the job I hate. However, my patience is wearing thin and my GM sat me down today and defended all of the disgustingly unprofessional ways he and the rest of the management team handle situations. It’s taking everything inside of me to even think about making it through even one more week of this, but I’m a server and every shift counts. If you have any other words of wisdom that might be able to get me through this, please respond. Thank you for your article and I hope to hear from you.
Hey Jodi! You are very welcome. I can completely relate to what you’re feeling right now. It sounds like you are SO close, so try and hang tight without losing your mind! You are a absolute TROOPER that you putting up with what you know is nonsense behavior from your management. Just remember that no job is permanent and you aren’t stuck – it sounds like you are 100% making steps in the right direction to get out of the unhappy job. Please keep me posted when you get the new one and GOOD LUCK girl, you’ve got this.
I needed to see this.
I’m currently employed with two jobs. One I love; not just because it pays more, but it’s low stress in a position that I have solid experience in. Then there’s my other job, in food service, working minimum wage. I used to *like* it. It was okay for what it was. However, I hate it now because of inconsistency and double standards. One shift doesn’t do their job and it’s left for the other shift to try and pick up. Instead of the slacker shift getting reprimanded, nothing happens. Plus, I have a few health problems that wrecks havoc on my body, and I’m not supposed to lift 45-pound buckets, but I have no choice since they’re understaffed. My other job, unfortunately, only offers part-time, so I can’t just leave the one I hate for this one.
However, an exit plan is in the works. Ideally, I want one job that pays just as well as my part-time (if not more), but until I get my business up and running, I’m gonna have to rely on what I can get to stay stable.
Hey Nat Marie,
Girl, kudos to you work working two jobs. That cannot be easy. It sounds like you are doing what you need to to get where you want to be! I know the service industry can be tough on you mentally and physically, like you said, so hang in there and best of luck to you! Thank you so much for stopping by.
Yes yes and yes… Putting in my two week notice tomorrow… I needed affirmation I’m on track… Still scared outta my wits.
It’s so scary – but it sounds like you are ready Heather! Good luck.