Before you impulsively quit your job, do these four things first
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If you are like millions of Americans, you may dream of quitting your job.
You may be burned out, want to do something new or are simply inspired to find something better thanks to the “Great Resignation” wave happening across the country.
Several surveys have shown that many people want to walk away from their jobs.
In fact, a poll released in September by the Society for Human Resource Management found that over 40% of U.S. workers are actively searching for a new job right now. SHRM interviewed 1,150 Americans who were employed between July 2 and 8.
Melissa Doman, organizational psychologist, said that this generation-defining trauma has forced them to take an honest, long-term, and hard look at their lives or the way they were made.
Many are asking how they ended up here and whether this is the job they desire. She said that not all people are slow enough to reflect on these questions.
“They’re so busy freaking out about the world literally and figuratively burning,” added Doman, author of “Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work…Here’s Why (And How To Do It Really Well).”
To be sure, how you quit matters. You don’t want to act out of impulse or rage quit. It could end up ruining your reputation. You may also have trouble explaining to prospective employers why you quit your previous job.
Toni Frana from FlexJobs, a Destin-based career coach, said, “This might be a red signal.”
This is what you should do first if your impulse is to give in to the walking papers.
1. Cope during work
Instead of bursting into your boss’ office or firing off an email stating “I quit,” leave your desk and take a walk. Try meditating at your desk, or talking to your friend about your problems.
Frana stated, “All those things will redirect your thought process and create calmness.”
Doman said that you can remind yourself this is temporary.
It is important to remember that feelings are temporary and that you can have a good time.
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However, if your job situation is negatively impacting your mental health in and outside of work and you can financially afford to quit without another lined up, do so.
Doman stated that while it is risky, it can be costly for your mental health.
2. Know your “why”
Be honest with yourself about why you want to leave your job, and even write it down, Doman suggests.
Is it because of the current circumstances? What is your motivation for leaving your job? Are you tired of your job? Do you want to do something different? Are you looking to start your own company or get rid of a boss that is bully-like?
3. Create a plan
After you know your why, figure out what you are going to do with that information. Doman suggests that you come up with concrete steps for moving from theory to reality.
You will feel more at ease if you are deliberate about what your next step is, and not impulsive.
It is important to be clear when you are looking at potential new employers. Make a list with the five most important things that you must have, and what you want to be able to do in your new job.
4. Search for a job
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When you start looking for your next job, set reasonable goals for yourself, such as spending a certain number of minutes a day on your search, FlexJobs’ Frana suggests.
She suggested breaking it down into manageable pieces that you can still control.
Update your resume and start networking. Not only reach out to people who may be in a field or company you like, also speak to those who have successfully been through a similar situation — like changing industries or roles.
Pay attention to who you are asking for advice. A person who isn’t going through the exact same thing as you, or has quit his/her job without much thought may not be the right match.
The important thing is to make an informed decision.
Doman stated, “You should be moving towards something rather than running from it.”
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