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AIBU?

Should I quit my job without another one to go to?

19 replies

Unsure1980 · 25/09/2017 12:40

I have an office job and I want to quit but I don't have another lined up it feels so risky. It's OK on paper semi-skilled, the pay's not great but it's local and stable. I've been here for 4 years and I'm unhappy. It's not just one thing, it's lots of little things: I don't have any friends amongst my co workers, I have alot of responsibility but no real support, the managers are unorganized and just drop really complex problems on my desk that I have to solve alone no matter my current workload. I have an assistant but she's just terrible and can't handle the most basic things alone. I just don't want to get up in the morning and my mental health is suffering. I have enough savings to keep me going for a couple of years and my partners job could support us both but it just seems so risky and my issues with the job so small that I'm not sure what's for the best. Am I being over dramatic?

OP posts:
Fannylodger · 25/09/2017 12:42

Well, you could, if you can financially afford it I don't see why not.
Personally I'm risk averse so I wouldn't do it if it would mean having zero income or backup, but if you have a partner or other source of income it's probably okay.

Nuttynoo · 25/09/2017 12:43

Can you apply for another job within the company, or get more support?

IamPickleRick · 25/09/2017 12:46

I did it. Was continually asked what happened when I applied for new jobs as it seemed like there must be a juicy reason for walking out. (Mine was workplace bullying) I think it does seem a bit of a red flag for new employers.

Longdistance · 25/09/2017 12:49

I quit my job by handing in my notice in May. It was the same situation as yours really, a lot responsibility, pay crap, managers incompetent. My mental health had suffered in the past when they gave me a guy who couldn't even tie his own shoe laces, that's how bad he was.

I've never felt better. Dh earns more than enough for us, so it was an easy decision.

Do it. And make sure you put all your responsibilities into your CV.

user1493413286 · 25/09/2017 12:50

It depends to what extent it’s effecting your emotional and mental health. If its making you really unhappy and effecting your life outside work and you can afford it then do it

MyBrilliantDisguise · 25/09/2017 12:50

Oh I would, in your position!

MissSueFlay · 25/09/2017 12:53

Have you started writing your CV, updating LinkedIn, contacted recruitment agents? Sometimes, being proactive in that way can help you feel like you're back in control of your situation and make it easier to get through the days. It does look better to be in a job when you're looking for another one - can you up the ante on jobhunting front while still plugging away at your current one? I'm more risk averse from the gaps in the CV point of view, rather than the financials.
Obviously, if you are very unhappy then you should leave and take some time out to recover before finding a new role. No job is worth getting properly miserable over.

Southlondonmum76 · 25/09/2017 12:55

If you've got savings to cover you for a couple years and your partners support, then do it. If you're unhappy, leave and look after your mental health. Take time out for you.
Maybe register with a couple of agencies as a back up. Or with Christmas coming up and if you fancy it, look for a temporary part time job, if you still want a routine and to get out and meet people.
Or just enjoy your time off.
Good luck Smile

sunseptember · 25/09/2017 13:02

its not savings for now I would be concerned about its savings for old age - if you can afford to take time out AND be comfy in old age - and if your dh leaves you then yes do it.
but i would apply for jobs whilst ina job.

Unsure1980 · 25/09/2017 13:47

Thanks for all the advice. I've been applying for jobs but I really do need to apply for more. I'm usually a panicked mess when I get home but I clearly need to make myself do more. I think based on the advice here I will put a date on it. 1 month of applying and if I've had no luck I take the risk and quit anyway.

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AgentProvocateur · 25/09/2017 13:49

A better solution would be getting rid of your awful assistant and replace her with someone capable enough to share your load.

Unsure1980 · 25/09/2017 14:08

I wish, I've spend over a year trying everything to train her. I've sat with her, found videos, made notes, posters, flowcharts but nothing has worked. And the managers tell me that I've not given her enough training. A year in and she still can't remember how to transfer a call.

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Spongebobfrillypants · 25/09/2017 14:14

My advice is NEVER give up a job until you have something else lined up. I did this & it took me months to find work. I was so depressed & I felt completely worthless. But that's just me because I like to work - not everyone feels that way about work and self-worth. Why not do an evening course that helps you wind down after work? Or pay to do a course that may get you a better job, if you've got the spare cash? If your current job is so bad then use that experience when applying for other jobs eg. you say you have a lot of responsibility but no real support - so use that in interviews as an example that you are self-motivated and can get on with things with little supervision. Write down lots of examples where you've been put upon & use that to sell yourself at your next interview Smile

RubyWho · 25/09/2017 14:14

I have 1) Done this and 2) Employed someone who did this and then had a four month break between roles.

With 2) we (the selection panel) asked the Candidate why they chose to leave their job without a role lined up. Candidate was honest, we appreciated their honesty, liked the candidate and thought they could do the role advertised. We took them on and it's worked out well.

notfromstepford · 25/09/2017 14:21

I did it. It was pre-children but I was the major wage earner. I hated my job and it was really affecting me.
We figured we could just about scrape by if I didn't find anything else immediately, but then I was prepared to do anything and our local chippy was hiring.

The sense of relief when I handed in my notice was unbelievable. I did have an oh-shit-what-have-I-done moment, but I was on 3 months notice and managed to secure a new job within that time.
Pay wasn't quite as good an lost my company car, but the difference in work was brilliant. Still here 9 years later so it was a great move.

If you can afford it without making yourself homeless (which sounds like you can) do it. As my FIL used to say - you're a long time dead - you've got to do what makes you happy.

Unsure1980 · 18/10/2017 22:33

Thank you all for the advice it really helped. I found another job, handing my notice in tommorow (feel super guilty about that).
I'm feeling great about starting somewhere new though!

OP posts:
officerhinrika · 18/10/2017 22:43

Congratulations!

washingmachinefastwash · 18/10/2017 23:50

Congratulations.

wobblywonderwoman · 18/10/2017 23:55

Delighted for you Flowers

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