Leaving job with nothing to go to

[crazedidea]

I've been with current employer for nearly 10 years but since returning from first ML working at a PT at a job that was kind of created for me when I returned, it's not very stimulating at all and I've lost all my enthusiasm for it. I'm on a 3 month notice thanks to my old higher level job and as I get the old higher salary pro rata, I'm not rocking the boat in negotiating this. I work in not for profit finance and live in the SE so there are quite a few similar jobs around so I'm not too worried about not finding anything and would consider temping if needed later. My youngest starts school in September so am thinking of finishing here mid July and having summer at home then job hunting properly in the Autumn. Has anyone else ever done this? Or I am mad for even thinking it??

I did this recently having worked at the same place for a similar amount of time. Points I'd mention are:

1. I think "you know" if you're ready to go without something to go to

1. If so then it's about planning the execution and ideally having a financial cushion - not only so you can take the time to find the next role and have that time off that you need / want but also so you can take the time to find the right role for you.

1. All things being equal it is easier to find another job if you are already in one and if you leave without a job to go to you'll need to explain the gap in your CV and some potential employers might question why you left without having something to go to- being open and honest is the best bet but you should be ready to explain this.

Having said all this before leaving I would say you should re- re-consider if there is any scope to discuss changing your role where you are as IME firstly it is so time consuming looking for a new role and secondly while other roles might be around it is sometimes easier to negotiate hours that work for you where you are and where there is hopefully goodwill between you than to find a PT role that works for you elsewhere.

Good luck!

The other thing to mention is if you work your notice you might want to start looking for a new role during your notice period even if you want a break between jobs- eg if you gave 3 months notice in April and worked til July, if you got a job offer in July you could just explain you would start 3 months later ( which would be the norm for many senior hires who will have 3 month notice periods). You could then really enjoy the break without the pressure of looking for a new job