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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?

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JeanSeberg · 24/04/2017 20:02

Some of the main issues are these (bearing in mind we are only a team of 12):

  • boss is completely disorganised which means the organisation is disorganised, unstructured and chaotic. That in itself wouldn't necessarily be a problem if he was prepared to allow me to do what I was recruited to do ie bring in processes, structure, procedures etc but he seems unwilling to relinquish any responsibility/delegate
  • boss doesn't seem to know what to do with me now I'm there ie there was nothing resembling an induction plan, not even a desk for me to sit at, no phone, laptop etc. Any suggestions I make are dismissed so I'm not clear on what he expects
  • the days get swallowed up as he calls me into meetings which literally last hours but with no agenda or goal and constant interruptions from his phone/email which he stops to answer. So I can only do my work early morning/late evening/weekends
  • when I finally located the person who has been doing some of the parts of the job they want to delegate to me, it's nothing like what was described at interview and requires a level of technical expertise I don't have (think qualified specialist engineer)

So all in all, no-one's to blame but it's not just what I expected from the interview process or job description and I don't see the point in wasting any more of their or more time.

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daisychain01 · 25/04/2017 03:31

Having read your description, you could be wasting your valuable skills, experience and time on them. I had a job like that many moons ago, in the end they took my efforts to get things organised (what I was hired to do) as a personal affront. They couldn't organise a whatsit in a brewery and any attempts I made to create structure were futile.

IME when the leader is chaotic and is not receptive to change, its a culture and mindset that percolates down through the organisation. After all, if the boss does it why shouldn't everyone else.

That said, a couple of things that stood out from your description - just thoughts:-

1- it is very early days to launch into too much change, even though it is what you were brought on board to do. It might be worth (if only to satisfy your own professional standards) to jot down some priorities around what you feel needs an overhaul, as a 3, 6 month and 1 year plan (like a project plan to propose to the boss. That may take you quite a few weeks to do an audit and create that proposal as a business case.

Making systematic and process improvement changes requires an intimate knowledge of that organisation, and I expect you'd agree you don't yet have that. How realistic is it to change to the extent you want to?

2- could you create your own induction plan? It sounds like a lot of self help will be needed, they don't have mature processes, you already know that, so you have to work in their imperfect world for the time being at least.

Just wondering if you can "be the change you want to see" ( as Ghandi would say) whether that could be the starting point.

Do you see much resistance in the camp? I think the only big threat would be if you have a person/people who are vehemently resistent and could cause you major grief with your boss about change....

Alternatively if you feel it is a completely lost cause, then get out while the going's good! Smile

daisychain01 · 25/04/2017 03:31

Eeeek sorry long!!

JeanSeberg · 25/04/2017 06:07

Thanks so much daisy, will reply later.

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JeanSeberg · 25/04/2017 06:52

Will have to make this quick but just wanted to list a few of things I've been doing to help myself. Sorry if it's come across as a long list of complaints - this really isn't me, I'm so positive but I get a feeling of dread and hopelessness as soon as the working day starts with my boss.

Anyway, things I've done:

(a) made my own induction plan, spoke to all members of staff to understand what they do, find out as much as I can about the company, products, history etc

(b) made a short 1-page plan for my boss on what I want to do in my first month and what I'll deliver at the end of it.

Have been making loads of notes and plans.

The problem comes with trying to implement them eg points of my 30-day plan including being introduced to key customers and suppliers which he doesn't feel is necessary even though I'll be in charge of customer management and purchasing processes. Also, I requested clarification on the organisation chart as I was told at interview certain staff would report to me. Again, no plans to change everyone working directly with him.

Will be back later.

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daisychain01 · 25/04/2017 08:50

Sounds like you have done a great job there jean and you're hitting a brick wall.

I would be particularly wound up by the lack of support from your boss. There is nothing worse than having the genuine desire to built a strong knowledge of the business squashed by the limitations of someone saying "you don't need to know that". How minimising and demoralising for you.

And going back on their commitment for you to have a team to manage, that speaks volumes.

I'd run for the hills!

JeanSeberg · 26/04/2017 06:52

Thanks, daisy. Before I call it quits, I've come up with one last plan based on a chat with a colleague who seems to also have a grasp on the situation and what I'm trying to achieve. He also has a vested interest in my success as he has the most to lose if I resign ie he's doing the parts of my job that he wants to pass on so he can concentrate on his actual role. Also, he's clearly one of the only 'high-potentials' within the team and seems supportive of what I'm trying to achieve.

I have a long drive with my boss later so have planned a conversation that if I have any chance to succeed in this role, I need 3 things from my boss:

  • confirmation of the organisation structure promised at interview and announcement to the team
  • time - to concentrate on my 30-day plan; time to get up to speed with the technical aspects of the job; time in the working day rather than endless unstructured meetings. I can help achieve the latter by bringing structure to the working day, agendas and time limits to meetings
  • autonomy to make decisions eg if I think I need to visit a particular customer or supplier, I will go and don't expect to have to check with him first.

If I don't get agreement on the above, at least my conscience is clear that I've done everything I could.

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daisychain01 · 26/04/2017 07:20

Sounds like a plan. I really hope you make some progress. You have nothing to lose. It does make me wonder why he would recruit you but not want to give you the ability to do the job and add value.

IMHO he is unlikely to concede on everything you have listed in one conversation and you may get platitudes and promises that don't ultimately materialise. Presuming you will confirm the verbal promises in writing, he may feel painted into a corner. He doesn't sound like someone confident enough to relinquish more than a millimetre of ground at a time Smile

All you can do is a "One Last Hoorah" and then yes you can walk away without looking back.

Oblomov17 · 26/04/2017 07:49

"I feel I can't give the headspace to looking for a new job while I'm in this one."

No, no, you must change that attitude. Get your CV in order, put it online, contact agencies, apply for jobs. That bit is easy,if you really put your mind to it.
Interviews are where it starts to get trickier.

And in the meantime, hand in your notice. If you are really desperate.

daisychain01 · 26/04/2017 10:20

Oblomov you make a good point. Jean, I wouldn't invest more than the minimum you need to keep this job ticking over and while you are still on their payroll you may as well get the wheels in motion.

Let's face it you could be waiting a couple of weeks before you secure an interview, well you may as well continue to get paid in the meantime.

JeanSeberg · 26/04/2017 13:25

I got the impression that Oblomov was replying to my original post when I was on a 6 month notice period. But yes I take the point, no harm in re-activating my profile on all the job search sites etc.

Most important though is to find the right position next time and not make a second mistake. I won't be rushing into anything. Also, depends on what notice period they ask me to work - I have no contract and no specified notice period.

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daisychain01 · 26/04/2017 15:07

If you have no contract and/or written agreed notice period, then you don't have any restrictions, which could work in your favour.

iow, you can carry on working there - whilst starting to put the feelers out - then as and when you get a new job, you can probably get away with a week, or even an immediate start (which would be an attractive proposition for a new employer).

Let's face it you won't be relying on them for a reference, so you have maximum flexibility.

JeanSeberg · 11/05/2017 16:04

Back with a short update to say I finally resigned on Monday and finished on Tuesday. I gave it a month (and 3 separate conversations on what I needed to get the job done) for my own peace of mind. Feel so relieved!

Now back to the original plan - enjoying my time off whilst looking for the next job!

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chewbaccathehooker · 11/05/2017 16:55

I did it! Left full time role two weeks ago and consulting for a couple of companies including the one I just left. My notice period allowed me to make contacts and set up work which was great, although my main earner fell through because the manager turned out to be a grade A arsehole.
Luckily I am multi-skilled in my industry so I have feelers out for alternative work and am hoping to strike lucky. This was a huge gamble as I have 3DC, no savings and a massive mortgage but I've secured a business load to get me through leaner times - which I hope don't arrive! - and am on target for this month at least.
I'm also 45, so this must be a thing!

JeanSeberg · 11/05/2017 17:24

Good for you chewbacca!

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t875 · 12/05/2017 13:23

Yeah I left mine after 3 years. If you will be comfortable then leave with out another job - if your not then I would advise against it.
I would look for another job ideally before you leave.
But I haven't looked back since leaving mine. Yes been a bit tighter but My job became so stressful I didn't want to stay any longer.
I have had a steady flow of contract ad hoc admin work via agencies which I fill the gap of looking for perm work. Good luck

susurration · 12/05/2017 16:33

Ahhh I am so glad to have found this!

Sorry for your troubles JeanSeberg but its comforting to me to see someone else has had this issue recently.

Without too much detail, I recently left an organisation I loved but felt I had done all I could in the role, for a new role at a different organisation that should in theory have been a step up. Got there last week and found that the job I thought I had been employed to do and the job they actually wanted me to do were so far apart that I had a mental health breakdown in the first week alone and resigned on the spot. Similar to you, I tried to establish what they actually wanted from me and got nowhere. Its not worth risking my health to do that.

So, despite all that, I am glad to see other people having the same issues. I desperately regret leaving my original organisation now, but am trying to find some structure and thinking about taking a small career break and do some volunteering and try some new things out. Very lucky to have a partner who can support me for a little bit.

Best of luck to you!

t875 · 12/05/2017 16:48

I had two months off before I looked for work after I left. My job I was in was very stressful.

Good luck to you also. I think sometimes you have to weigh it up. I didn't realise in my job it was sucking the life out of me I have been so much happier since leaving it's been so worth it. And I'm actually getting good rates with temp work admin contracts ad hoc Smile

JeanSeberg · 12/05/2017 23:10

Hi susurration glad you found us! But sorry you have had similar problems. I'm fortunate that I don't regret leaving my original role whatever happens next. I consider this a minor blip on the road to my next career move. I've already got temp work lined up starting on Monday for as long as I want it (ongoing temp contract till mid-2018 but they will allow me to review on a weekly basis).

Hope things start to look up for you - is there any possibility to go back to your last job?

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user1494664550 · 13/05/2017 12:53

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

susurration · 13/05/2017 18:57

Hiya! No chance of me going back I don't think. I'm pretty sure they've recruited a replacement now. The job did have its frustrations and restrictions as well so it's probably a good thing that I have a chance to try and restructure my life in my own way now.

I just have to not let me anxiety get in my way of starting something new. Considering a possible change of direction.

Good luck with your new temping!

JeanSeberg · 13/05/2017 21:41

Anyone know what the deleted message said?

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