Don’t Jump the Gun: Quitting Your Old Job Without a New One

Quitting Your Old Job Too Soon

Making important decisions is never easy and deciding to change jobs is often a monumental one. There are always so many factors to consider before making the final call, with timing being chief among them. To resign prematurely often brings unwelcome consequences, both financially and professionally; therefore, we generally recommend waiting until you have first secured a new job. Here are a couple of key reasons you should not quit your job until you have a new one lined up.

Finding a New Job Can Take Time

If you find yourself in a draining, overwhelming, unstimulating, or toxic work environment, it’s tempting to just throw in the towel the moment you have finally had enough. You might be craving more challenges to help you grow, or a better work-life balance, or perhaps a more peaceful work environment. Whatever the motivation, unless the circumstances are extreme and require a speedy exit, it’s wise to stay the course until you can make a seamless transition from one position to the next, namely because it might be a lot harder than expected to find another job. Quitting before you have something else lined up might ultimately force you to take a job that’s less than ideal if the search takes more time than you’d budgeted for. We recommend that you first research the job market to find out how many available jobs you are qualified for and interested in. That information could give you a different perspective on your current job and influence your decision on the best timing for your departure.

Employment Gaps Can Be a Turnoff

In addition to the financial considerations of being at least temporarily unemployed, another reason to consider waiting to make a move is a professional one. Employment gaps on your resume can be a turnoff to hiring managers. They are usually looking for candidates with mainly current experience, and the more time that has elapsed since your last position, the harder they might think it will be for you to become successful in a new one. They might also see your decision to quit before having a job lined up as an indication that you are unable to plan ahead and see the big picture. The negligence to secure your future before quitting can raise questions about your capacity for commitment and dealing with challenges and conflict. If the hiring manager views these as red flags, they will be more likely to present a job offer to another candidate, such as one who had been laid off due to downsizing. Again, unless extraordinary circumstances force you to resign immediately, try to stick it out until you have accepted a new position elsewhere; your perseverance will aid your career path in the long run.

Job changes are a major element of professional growth, but how you navigate each one can have a major impact on your career. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you are out of work for a handsome length of time or forced to take a job that doesn’t suit you. If you are ready to make a move, wait until you have a firm offer lined up and can transition smoothly from one to the other, if at all possible. Speaking to a recruiter before quitting can provide you with information about the current job market and confidential assistance with your search, as well as help with strategizing your exit plan to set you up for success with your next position. Contact us here or take a look at our current job openings for any that might interest you; we would love to help you any way we can.