That’s it. I’ve just had enough of this. I can’t take it anymore in this nightmare workplace. Today’s my last day; I’m just going to quit.
Have you been having this conversation in your head of late? If you have, you must naturally be weighing your options carefully right about now. You might be getting goosebumps at the thought of quitting, but is it excitement or nervousness? They say the same hormones are released with both these emotions. Are you about to start living the first day of the rest of your ‘happily ever after’ work life, or will it be the biggest mistake you made in your career?
Of course, there cannot be one generic answer to this question since we are all so different. For some people, quitting their jobs helps them discover who they really are. For others, who are mired in indecision and confusion, it might take some time to believe in their decision.
First and foremost, differentiate between a bad day at work and a prolonged feeling of hatred towards your job. See if you find yourself in any of these situations to decide when the best time to quit is.
Best time to quit your job…with some caveats
1) Slim chances of learning and earning more
Is your company not paying you your market value? Are you in a dead-end job with bleak growth prospects? If so, you should begin to circulate your resume and seek new options. With another offer letter in hand, it is easier to seriously consider quitting.
Also, an alternate plan of action before you quit ensures that you don’t second-guess your decision to quit.
Caveat: Make sure that you do the whole math before switching to the new company that seems to be offering a higher paycheck. Have you read the fine print carefully?
Did you calculate the value of your ESOPs and any other perks, especially the qualitative ones like business class travel, foreign travel, and access to technical journals?
It would also be wise to talk about your expectations with your new employer so that you get opportunities to grow and learn there.
2) Unhealthy work environment
Perhaps your colleagues are demotivating or your boss is a difficult customer. Do you work unearthly and long hours without any respite at sight? Perhaps the work atmosphere is toxic with several layers of politics. None of these scenarios are enviable. Many people quit for these very reasons.
Caveat: However, this is not something anyone can control or assure you in your new workplace also. It would be a good idea to get reference from someone from the new company to understand what the work culture is like there – so you enter with your eyes open.
Vikram (name changed) was feeling stifled at his job and was tired of the constant politics in his team, so when a tech major scouted him out on their own and offered him a job, he was tempted to put in his papers. Luckily for him, he soon realized that they were offering him a lower position with the same pay and that the company was famous for its hierarchical way of functioning. Luckily, he could still withdraw his resignation papers.
I know someone else who left a technology company because they made him work very late hours on a regular basis. The technology company he shifted to had an even longer work routine plus he had a very long commute to boot. So, it is not always beneficial to leave for such reasons.
3) Time-out for personal reasons
Personal commitments such as marriage, children, taking care of the elderly or getting back to school might need your wholehearted attention and time. As these personal commitments are of immeasurable value, there is no way a job can compensate you.
Caveat: However, it would be pragmatic to ensure that you have adequate health insurance cover. This is one of the most vital concerns, given the increasing cost of medical fees today.
4) Feeling of being over-qualified
Do you catch yourself gaming, snoozing or chatting when you should be keeping your nose to the grindstone? This could be because your qualifications and ambitions have outpaced that of your organization’s. Perhaps the vision of your organization seems too small to inspire you? If it is in the larger interests of your long-term career to search for a different job, then you could explore outside your current workplace. When you feel that your potential does not match your job description, work life dull and uninspiring.
Caveat: Ensure that you discuss, in detail, your new job’s responsibilities and the scope for your growth
If another line of work or company promises to give you the wings to fly towards your personal goals, go for it!
5) Desire to explore entrepreneurial skills
Have you been bitten by the innovation bug? Maybe Steve Jobs has inspired you to explore your creative and innovative side. This is one of the most positive and inspiring reasons to quit. To top it, many companies actually allow you some time off to try to make it on your own with a promise to rehire you in case your idea does not take off!
Caveat: Just make sure you have done adequate research and groundwork for your new venture before you leave your regular paycheck.
6) Adverse health implications of work
Is your work causing health issues? In the early days of the Industrial Revolution, cotton mill workers used to suffer from a variety of respiratory conditions. The modern day equivalent seems to be the laptop causing various spinal and ortho-related issues. Some conditions are lifelong.
Caveat: Have you tried switching to a job with different physical requirements within your organization itself? If you have earned enough equity in your company, you might be able to change your job description and undertake tasks that don’t aggravate any health issues you may have.
Signs that you want to quit
- You procrastinate more than you work.
- You are constantly griping about your workplace, colleagues, work, boss et all.
- You dread waking up every week day because of the day ahead.
- You find yourself unable to express who you are at your workplace.
- Your eye rests on every job advertisement that comes your way, and you end up surfing employment sites on the sly.
Things to do before you quit
- Use up your paid leaves.
- Ensure that you don’t have company shares that will be vested shortly.
- Make sure that you are not leaving your work at a crucial juncture. It is never a good idea to burn bridges. No one appreciates being left high and dry.
- Clean your office laptop so no personal or financial documents are left on it. You might also want to save some files and emails of official or personal value. Like words of praise by a respected senior or boss.
When you should not quit
- When you are not sure about what to do next, you should not quit
- When you are in the middle of a project and your sudden resignation could leave the project in limbo. For example, if you are a teacher, leaving in the middle of the academic session; if you are a team leader, leaving when the product is about to release
- When the job market is in recession
- You are a few months away from vesting your shares
- There is a genuine promise of a bonus around the corner
- You love the work and/or colleagues but you want a higher pay
- You are only a few months into your job and you have a history of being a job-hopper
Once you have made up your mind to quit, here are some useful tips:
- It’s always best to convey news like resignation face-to-face. Avoid quitting over the phone or via email.
- Avoid overtly complaining about any one particular colleague or issue on your way out.
- Complete your notice period as agreed with your employer; normally, this is about two weeks.
- Never burn bridges; you don’t know when you might need to traverse them again. In this respect, it would be sensible to save some contacts from your current workplace for reference in your new job or any future requirements.
