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Original poster

Has anyone left a job without a new one to go to?

172 replies

JeanSeberg · 03/02/2014 13:49

I started another thread on this in chat but had no responses...

I have decided it is time to leave my current company after 8 years. I have a 6-month notice period and I'm tempted to hand in my notice without another job to go to. I'm fortunate that I have some financial security and am confident that I could get another job relatively quickly. (I would also be looking to 'downsize' career-wise and can temp in office jobs in the meantime.) I might also be placed on garden leave once I handed in my notice?

Has anybody done this and (a) regretted it (b) it worked out?

OP posts:

Buck3t · 13/04/2017 13:29

I did it twice in 2015. I left my job of nearly 11 years got a job in a well known insurance company. It wasn't really as advertised and I only had to give a week's notice. I left on a Tuesday afternoon and was working the following Monday (temping). They offered me that job 2 days later, I turned it down (wasn't right though the money was good).

Then I got another permanent position and left 8 weeks later, shabby boss. I temped about for a bit. Took another long term temp job till I found this one. Love everything about it. Opportunities to do so much and they even want to pay for my education.

I feel I made the right decision every time I left a job.

Buck3t · 13/04/2017 13:29

So in short, with such a long notice period. Do it.

Puddington · 13/04/2017 13:31

Is this a normal part of transition/change?
For me it was! I quite recently left my previous job with no job to go to -- had some savings and DP always earned a lot more than me so I knew we'd be ok for a while but my previous job was making me so stressed/mentally and physically exhausted that I knew I just couldn't carry on, was prepared to eat instant noodles for months if I had to! I had been sending out CVs though and ultimately ended up with a new job about a week later.

The first 2-3 days were so busy and stressful, I didn't get much training and it was such a full-on atmosphere that I ended up thinking I'd have to walk out of THAT job too, I wanted to cry! I knew I had to give it at least a few weeks though and honestly before two weeks were up I had found my footing -- still a handful of things I was unsure of but luckily colleagues were/are all nice and didn't mind questions, and once I had got into a routine and mastered a few things it was actually a lot easier than my old job (and pays a bit better too).

Sorry for writing a novel about myself there, but I really hope you'll end up having a similar experience I can only advise you to keep plugging away for a few more weeks -- if it really isn't the job for you then you'll realise, but it could just be the jitters of starting a new job in a new place with things you're not totally familiar/comfortable with yet.

I also still would love to retire early though, but alas

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 13/04/2017 19:07

Thanks very much for posting, it's good to know it's not just me.

I found this article about coping with major life changes and subsequent 'grief' and it makes a lot of sense.

www.fullyhuman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Grief-and-Adjustment-to-Change-2016-08-09-FINAL2.pdf

OP posts:

fluffiphlox · 13/04/2017 19:10

Yes. Some years ago but it worked out beautifully. I hated the job I left and loved the one I went to.

2017Feb · 14/04/2017 07:51

Totally normal. Look at the first 90 days by Michael Watkins (there is a Harvard article if you don't want to buy the book) and consider having about 6 sessions of exec coaching to support your transition. If your company is smart they will help pay for it as your notice period suggests that you are an expensive hire and that they would have a vested interest in your success. But pay for it yourself if you don't want to ask for it.

Mermaidinthesea123 · 14/04/2017 07:54

I did it twice, it was a very bad idea, I didn't get another job for almost a year as the economy suddenly took a downturn unexpectedly and was totally skint, I almost lost my house.
There is talk of another downturn shortly so I'd be wary about that.

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 14/04/2017 08:23

Thank you 2017, I'm already starting to feel better as I read more around the subject and realize it's normal. I will read that book and article and had also thought about some coaching or external mentoring.

OP posts:

fluffiphlox · 14/04/2017 09:00

I posted up there^ About my own experience. . Where are you based? I might be able to recommend a coach. PM me if you are interested.

2017Feb · 14/04/2017 14:51

Think of it like you have moved to a different country with all these invisible rules and customs. In addition people have invisible expectations of you. No pressure! Be objective (this can be hard because sometimes the different environment just seems wrong) and intentional about building relationships and finding one or two internal mentors or colleagues to help translate and navigate the foreign territory and you will soon find your bearings and be able to realistically assess whether it is a good fit. It takes 3-6 months generallly speaking to settle. It helps if your home life is solid and steady and also that you have an outlet for frustration so that you have a reprive from the stress of the transition.

daisychain01 · 16/04/2017 11:52

Write a postit note to remind yourself of 5-6 things you are really great at and stick it on the inside front cover of your work note book. Remind yourself constantly about the unique "brand" that onky jeanseberg brings to your role. Never stop believing in yourself.

daisychain01 · 16/04/2017 11:53

Oops only not onky (on mobile so rubbish typing not my forte )

daisychain01 · 16/04/2017 11:55

is my forte

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 16/04/2017 13:03

Thanks all, I am feeling much more positive and excited about my new role now. It was just the unexpected shock of feeling so overwhelmed in my few days that took me by surprise. It's the first time I've changed role at senior level between companies as opposed to internally and I've also gone from large corporate to small company. So lots to get my head round.

Anyway, I no longer want to resign! And am excited about the opportunity to shape a small but growing company.

I bought the First 90 Days book and am working through it this weekend and making plans. I got some good feedback from my boss on Friday after my first 4 days and have achieved a couple of quick wins. Overall my new colleagues have been welcoming.

So lots to do and lots to think about but positive overall.

OP posts:

daisychain01 · 21/04/2017 09:08

Even if it feels like a bit of a rollercoaster stick with it. The move from big corporate is a complete culture shock so don't feel like it's you, it takes time to build new networks and feel like you "belong".

They say it takes 6 months to really feel like 'one of the team' part of the furniture

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 24/04/2017 16:03

So a quick update and after two weeks in the role I feel I am finally starting to get an understanding of what's involved. And I'm more and more convinced that this isn't the role for me. Both from the main aspects from the job, my boss's way of working and the general company culture.

Nothing bad to say about the people but the job/company is just not me and it's time to hold my hands up and say I've made a mistake and move on.

When I left my last job after 11 years, it was on excellent terms and with a view to taking on a new challenge elsewhere. Unfortunately it doesn't like the first job move was the right one and it might take some time to find the right one.

But how and when to break the news to my boss?

OP posts:

Whenwillwe3meetagain · 24/04/2017 16:12

I'd recommend it too. 6 months is very long and will put employers off (I'm in HR).

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 24/04/2017 16:16

Thanks When although I'm guessing you're replying to my original post...

OP posts:

daisychain01 · 24/04/2017 16:16

How and when to discuss with your boss depends on whether you are sufficiently sorted financially to be able to hand in your notice and leave, or whether you need to keep it under wraps for now while you look for an alternative job. It's always advisable to avoid CV gaps, but if you are unhappy just bite the bullet, life's too short!

I would base your decision on your personal circumstances. I know it sounds hard-nosed, but I wouldn't agonise over leaving them in the lurch. If you serve your notice period, they will have to find someone else. I expect it will be short if you are still in your probationary period but hey ho.

daisychain01 · 24/04/2017 16:18

^ this is a reply to your latest.

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 24/04/2017 16:27

Thanks, daisy. When I left my last role (voluntarily) in December. I budgeted for one-year minimum to find my next role and I only started this job in April so I'm fortunate that I have financial security and can take time to find the right position. Whilst I was interviewing recently, no-one seemed bothered that I'd resigned from my last position.

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NinahH · 24/04/2017 16:49

I remember you and your dilemma Jean - I had a similar urge to 'just go' and I also left a permanent job last December without anything to go to - probably not as smoothly as you managed. I got something in January but then saw something even more suited and I just started that today. No one seemed bothered that I'd resigned either! You left your original job to find what's right for you, if you haven't found it keep looking! In my experience people have on the whole been very understanding. I have been open and honest - we are humans as well as human resources.

Original poster

JeanSeberg · 24/04/2017 16:52

Thanks, NinaH, I know it's the right decision for me and I feel better knowing I've made the decision.

Do I break the news now or do I give it a month? (This is my third week.)

OP posts:

daisychain01 · 24/04/2017 17:10

Do you mind me asking what's unbearable about?

Only reason is I'm wondering if you could tell them you don't think it's what you want to do, but say you'd be happy to stay on until they have someone else to replace you.

At least they might be prepared to let you take the odd half day off for interviews and a few weeks extra money coming in could be handy.

If they say no, then you haven't lost anything as you're set on leaving anyway.

daisychain01 · 24/04/2017 17:12

Sorry, I meant what's unbearable about the job (if it's really bad, or just not what you want long term).

Are you itching to get out the door, or could you hold out for a while longer iow.

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