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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave a job without another one to go to

38 replies

JeanSeberg · 13/02/2014 09:27

That's it really - I'm handing my notice in on Tuesday. I have a 6-month notice period and financial security to allow some time off to consider what I want to do next and to find the right next-move for me.

I've been pleasantly surprised that no-one has tried to dissuade me from this (or tell me I'm stupid!) on another thread I've got on here so I thought the acid test would be to post in AIBU!

OP posts:
hennalyn · 13/02/2014 12:12

There are mothers out there who decided to leave their regular paying jobs so they can focus more of their attention to their kids. Some preferred to work at home online and found it worth leaving their previous jobs. Try seeking online jobs or businesses that can still give you earnings even if you're at the comfort of your home.

Icelollycraving · 13/02/2014 12:18

Well,I can't imagine who would wait 6 months for someone. I resigned from my last job after two months. I hated it with a passion. I took it as I was made redundant after 12 years from a job I loved :( . I haven't worked since,it's now been 5 months & jobs I'm applying for are paying less than I'd earned for 10 years & almost half my last salary. Even then,nothing has been offered.
I don't regret resigning as it made me really unhappy but I wish I had held out until I had another job. Save,save,save is my advice.

Original poster
JeanSeberg · 13/02/2014 12:22

I suppose with the 6-month thing, you would have to hope you could come to a compromise with your current employer that they would release you earlier. Having employed dozens of people in my time, though, I've never come across this and can't imagine I would have considered anyone that I had to wait 6 months for, however senior/specialised the position.

The reason it was put in place was to keep the senior staff loyal to the company or at least make it harder to leave.

Sorry to hear you are struggling Icelolly.

OP posts:
Icelollycraving · 13/02/2014 14:17

Thank you. When redundancy was announced I was sure I'd be kept on. I know my salary made me less attractive to retain. My redundancy has made me very angry at times,I was really good at my job & I miss it.
On the other hand the payout made us to reconsider our future. We moved somewhere lovely closer to family. Fingers crossed I get a job soon. Good luck with your decision.

Original poster
JeanSeberg · 13/02/2014 21:00

Ok thanks all. Just had another good read through all the replies. While there were more 'it'll be ok' responses than 'don't do it', the following points were brought up for serious consideration, in no particular order:

My age
Single
3 kids
Current job market/economic climate
Experienced senior roles in short supply
Some employers prefer to employ the already employed
Job hunting is tough and stressful and full-time
Impact on stress levels depending how long it takes to find something

Lots to think about. Thank you.

OP posts:
cheminotte · 14/02/2014 12:27

Having read both this and your other thread - go for it. Your kids are almost grown and you have maybe 20 more years of working ahead of you.

Meow75 · 14/02/2014 12:34

I did it for the first time ever in December, started my JSA claim on January 13. First job interview from about 30 applications on Tuesday, and offered the job yesterday.

I am delighted, but not a little relieved, to say the least!!!

Tailtwister · 14/02/2014 12:46

Gaps in your CV can be difficult to explain unless you have a good reason. I took a few years out and was lucky enough to get back into my profession within a couple of weeks. It was really tough though (a 3h interview!) and I suspect I was successful because I was known to the company/interviewers and had a very good reputation.

I would think very carefully about leaving tbh.

Tailtwister · 14/02/2014 12:49

6 months notice is quite normal in my profession (project manager). Usually there's some flexibility depending on your project, but I've never left after less than 4 months notice. If the company is hiring proactively then they should be thinking ahead by at least 6 months anyway. For very senior positions (AD and above) it's very rare for someone to give less than 12 months notice, unless there's been a real problem or clash of personalities.

MinesAPintOfTea · 14/02/2014 12:59

If 6 months notice is typical for your level though then recruiters will be used to having to plan for it. Its a bonus is someone is available sooner, but not a given.

trampstamp · 14/02/2014 13:06

As long as you don't have to rely on welfare in the mean time then do as you wish

But quitting a job and expect the tax payer to pay is not on

Meow75 · 14/02/2014 14:43

trampstamp Not even as a stopgap like I did. My previous job, which was in the profession I've wanted to do since childhood eventually left me with MH issues and considering suicide.

It was JSA and job-hunting or bust after 15 years of constant employment for me.

Pigletin · 14/02/2014 15:57

trampstamp - But quitting a job and expect the tax payer to pay is not on

Of course it is on, the OP has worked and paid taxes. She IS the tax payer so she deserves to get something back if she needs it.

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