One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic was honest self-evaluation. Many professionals were more productive at home, and the time saved not commuting allowed for more time with their family/housemates/pets, etc. As a result, many professionals have decided not to return to the same old, same old. But does that mean it’s time to quit and find a new job? Will leaving make you happier – for the long-term. Maybe so, but on the other hand, quitting may only be a temporary fix, and professionals may soon find themselves right back at square one – burned out with their job. So, before you place that letter of resignation on the boss’ desk, consider the following. 

What don’t you like about your current position? Be specific. For example –

• “The culture” is not an adequate answer. What about the culture? Is it the lack of appreciation from higher-ups, the gossiping and backbiting, the lack of communication, etc.? Can you be a catalyst for change?
• Does the problem connect to remote work? Do you prefer your office, but your company wants everyone remote? Do you wish to continue working remotely, but the boss demands an appearance? Have you discussed this with your boss and requested a change?
• Were you working too many hours and didn’t have enough time for family, friends, and downtime? Was this honestly a company issue or a personal issue that will rear its ugly head in the next job too?
• Is the issue the time spent commuting? If so, are there positions available at a shorter distance? Do you need to change location rather than position?
• Is the problem coworker relationships? Unfortunately, most of the time, tensions are a two-way street, and some of the issues are you. You will have new coworkers, of course, which can be stimulating initially, but if you didn’t recognize and change what you needed to change, you’ll likely end up in the same rut.

If the real problem comes from within or personal choices, simply changing jobs may temporarily bring relief, but you will likely carry that problem to your next position. Even if the problem falls on a coworker, supervisor, department head, etc., how have you responded? Learning to react differently may be the best solution. If you still move on, recognizing how you respond and challenging yourself to change will be a plus wherever you land.

Sometimes it is not the job that needs to change –it’s the lifestyle. For example –

• Are there ways to reduce distractions and be more productive in less time?
• Is everything on your calendar necessary for a fulfilling life, or would less become more?
• Are you mindlessly lost in screen time that would be better spent with your devices set aside and your focus on the people that matter?
• Consider the money you didn’t spend and the time you didn’t waste because you stayed at home. Are some of those changes worth keeping even though you are back in the office?

Are your finances ready for a job change? You probably spent less money when you weren’t commuting to work every day, nor going out much. But if you resign without have another position lined up, you will still have expenses.

• Do you have sufficient funds set aside to cover these costs until you find something? Many experts suggest having enough to cover a minimum of six months’ expenses, and some encourage twelve months.
• What about your healthcare costs and medical insurance?

Quitting your job may be the best choice for you for various reasons, but before you do, take time to discover the real reason you want to change and consider what other changes should happen first to make the switch a successful transition.

Whether you stay or go, the team at the Robert Joseph Group wishes you the best. If you are searching for a new position, we have the expertise, tools, and industry knowledge to help you find that perfect match.

In our next blog, we’ll help you decide whether you need to change jobs within your industry or make a complete career change.