If you're thinking about leaving your job, figuring out if you should resign or stick around can be challenging.
Whether you’ve just started or have dedicated years to your role, leaving isn’t a simple choice. Many Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, which makes quitting a potentially risky financial move.
However, remaining in a negative work environment isn’t ideal either. Here’s a guide on how to effectively resign and what steps to take before you submit your notice.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO RESIGN?
Deciding to leave your job can be complex, especially when there are aspects you appreciate. Staying can sometimes feel suffocating, leading to frustration that might eventually push you to abruptly quit. Research indicates that many employees exit their positions due to:
- Insufficient salary (63%)
- No advancement opportunities (63%)
- Feeling undervalued (57%)
- Childcare challenges (48%)
- Lack of flexibility (45%)
- Unsatisfactory benefits (43%)
Recognizing that you want to quit and knowing if it’s the right choice can differ. According to Annie Duke, a decision-making expert and author of “Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away,” it’s wise to consider quitting before reaching your breaking point.
“There are clear signs long before you can’t endure it any longer,” she notes. “The right moment to resign comes well before that.”
Compile a list of pros and cons regarding your job. If the negatives outweigh the positives and your well-being is at risk, it might be time to plot your exit strategy.
1. ESTABLISH A TIMELINE
Setting a timeline for your resignation is crucial. For instance, if you aim to leave by year’s end, you can plan the necessary steps to achieve that goal. This process varies for everyone but may include:
- Refreshing your resume
- Securing references
- Applying for new positions
- Attending interviews
- Increasing your emergency savings
Don’t wait for an unbearable day to decide it’s time to quit. Creating an advance plan allows you to define your own boundaries and recognize when enough is enough.
When you realize you’re unhappy, consider how long you can tolerate the current situation and when changes need to occur, suggests Duke. This timeframe varies, but three to six months is a reasonable target. You shouldn’t remain in a harmful environment for extended periods, yet it’s also important to confirm that your concerns are lasting.
2. DEFINE YOUR EXIT CONDITIONS
After establishing a timeline, outline your conditions for leaving and what would motivate you to stay.
“Picture yourself three months from now, content in your job. What does that scenario look like?” Duke advises. Document tangible goals, such as:
- Receiving a raise
- Improving your relationship with your supervisor
- Reducing your weekly hours
Then, consider what your life looks like if you’re unhappy by your deadline.
These benchmarks serve as your criteria. If, at the end of your timeline, your job resembles the “unhappy” scenario, you can confidently decide to resign for valid reasons.
3. CONSIDER STAYING (IF YOU CHOOSE)
If you have a solid list of reasons to stay and clear standards to meet, explore ways to make staying at your current job feasible.
Once you know what’s necessary for you to remain, “don’t just let circumstances unfold,” Duke notes. “Instead, ask yourself, ‘What can I do to shape a better work environment?’”
If you need a raise or a promotion, discuss with your supervisor how to reach that goal. If you require reduced hours, share your feelings of being overwhelmed and gauge their response. After all, what’s the downside of asking for adjustments if you’re contemplating leaving?
The worst they can say is no, and if that happens, you’ll know you tried. If they agree, you might find that quitting isn’t necessary.
4. CONSULT WITH A COACH
A quitting coach doesn’t have to be someone you hire; it can be a mentor, friend, or therapist who offers an unbiased perspective on your situation. They can affirm your feelings and provide the encouragement to move forward or help recalibrate your expectations about work.
“It’s beneficial to talk with a mentor and ask, ‘How long should I tolerate this? What does a negative situation look like? How can I improve things?’” Duke suggests. “They’re not involved in your decision, so they can often see your circumstances more clearly than you might.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Leaving a job can be tough, especially if you believed it would be a perfect fit. Rather than rush into a decision, take time to assess your overall job situation. By weighing your pros and cons and determining what needs improvement, you can decide if you’re ready to move on. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or mentor for support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I determine if I should quit my job?
It’s time to resign if the negatives outweigh the positives and you don’t foresee any improvements, even with planned changes. Set a timeline and prepare by updating your resume and enhancing your emergency savings.
What does quiet quitting mean?
Quiet quitting refers to doing only the bare minimum required in your job without striving for extra recognition or promotions, fulfilling only your basic responsibilities.
When is the right time to quit my job?
The definition of “soon” varies. Some might consider a couple of weeks too hasty, while others see two months as premature. Younger workers often tend to leave sooner rather than later. If possible, aim for a three to six-month period to get a better sense of the company’s dynamics throughout different periods.
