DON’T LEAVE A JOB WITHOUT A JOB
Leaving your job? No, don’t do that!
Are you kidding? It’s up to my neck and I simply can’t take it anymore! I may end up in a mental institution if I stay on. The toxicity, politics, despicable bosses, stressful, dead-end role with below-market pay are driving me nuts. I don’t think I can take one minute more. I am ever-ready to call it a day. By the end of the working day, perhaps.
Are you sure? Think again. Do some soul-searching, consult with your loved ones, and talk to a professional counsellor before you put that resignation letter on your boss’ desk. It’s not that simple. Quitting a job without another in hand can and will add a whole new set of unexpected challenges and problems that you may not be ready for.
Consider the following if you are caught in that dilemma.
1. It’s mind-boggling, demotivating and rather demoralizing being not gainfully employed. Quitting your job can leave you feeling adrift, lost and isolated from others. How would your loved ones and friends perceive you?
2. The jobsearch process can be long-drawn, frustrating and you may be finding yourself caught in this spider web with no escape route. This problem is confounded by a tight labour market in a very disrupting, volatile new economy forced upon it by emerging technologies and startup business models.
3. Finance and money issues – Where would the money come from? Have you planned your finances for the long haul – many months without income? Understand all the financial ramifications of leaving your job – commissions, stock options, paid benefits etc. Be pragmatic. You need to put food on the table, pay your mortgage/rent and utilities; not forgetting children’s education and pocket expenses, and life and health insurance.
4. The stigma of being in chronic unemployment. The hiring community classifies those being unemployed for six months or longer as ‘chronically unemployed”. Prospective hiring managers perceive those currently employed as more desirable compared to those chronically unemployed.
5. Empower yourself. Before you throw in the towel, take some time off to reflect on your current situation and how you can overcome those challenges confronting you. Seek counsel from a professional, family member or trusted friend. If you belong to a religious group, pray for a divine breakthrough.
6. Once you are able to find a solution, a way out of your current ‘bad’ work environment, you’ll emerge stronger with more confidence, self-esteem and would have learnt new approaches and critical skills to overcoming the next wave of challenges. This ‘new-found’ experience would prepare you well for the next job role. You can confidently discuss how you overcome challenges in a productive, compelling, and inspiring way.
If quitting an unhappy job is the only option, it is strategically important that you make that critical decision with your eyes wide open after considering all options and factors. Running away from a bad situation won’t bring long-term relief. If you must quit, then quit without burning bridges. Accepting the next job offer must be based on sound, well-informed and well-founded decisions. Taking on another job because you are desperate for the pay cheque would put you back in square one.
Equally important is also to bear mind that job security is a complete myth, and so is long-term employment. Most industries are in a state of flux. Companies, for survival, make sweeping job cuts when they need to. They lay off employees in droves. Be fully prepared for the next job move ahead of time. Brush up and keep your resume and other branding paraphernalia current and relevant.
Lim Larry
Chief Executive
Successful Resumes Singapore Pte Ltd
Singapore’s leading enterprise crafting resumes and executive branding literature for discerning clients worldwide since 2011
