Quitting That Job You Hate? Here’s Why You Should Stick It Out, At Least for Now
People quit their jobs for a variety of reasons. Among these reasons is the fact that they just hate what they do. It could be a matter of the wrong fit, low pay, toxic bosses, nosy workmates, or any combination of the above. Some jobs just don’t seem like they’re worth your time or mental energy, if only you didn’t need the money.
You might be contemplating making the big switch from being an employee to pursuing your dream career or job. You might have even made the decision already and you’re just waiting for the perfect moment to turn in your papers. But what if you’re unsure? This could be the best time to slow down and reassess. Following are five reasons to stick with a job you hate.
1. You don’t have a fallback plan
Never quit your job when you still don’t know what your next step will be. If you are undecided about going back to school or applying for another job, that is a major sign telling you that quitting your job will just add another problem to an already full plate. Get a plan together, preferably one that clearly lays out the steps you need to take to reach your goal.
2. You need a regular source of income
The worst decision you can make is to jump into the unemployment pool just because you want to leave a job you hate. Any career expert will tell you to always have a job lined up before you quit any job; otherwise, you’ll end up dipping into your savings while you’re out hunting for new employment. If you hate your job, switch to another job that you hate less, even if the pay is less. This is the only way to avoid totally cutting off your access to a regular paycheck.
3. You can get a side-job
If you want to segue into a different career path, quitting your job cold turkey may be overkill if you can afford to dabble in side jobs on the weekends. Not only is this a good way to build the foundations of your ideal career, but it also allows you to benefit from the regular paycheck that your day job brings.
4. Your current job is not affecting your health
Perhaps one of the most telling signs that you need to quit your job is if it’s taking a toll on your health. Otherwise, if you see your current job as a source of income and don’t have any other feelings toward it whatsoever, you may be in a better position to stick things out. If your job is just boring, humdrum, or uninspiring, you can afford to stay while you look for a better option.
5. You don’t have enough resources to start your job search
The process of landing a new job includes scouring the job boards, sending your resumes, applying for interviews, and getting your references in order. If you don’t have people who can vouch for your work history right now, you need to wait a little bit longer and establish these foundations so you can hit the ground running when it’s time to look for a job. Having former co-workers and employers who can vouch for you because you left on good terms is an additional reason why you shouldn’t quit a job just because you feel like it.
There are so many legitimate reasons why you should quit a job you hate. But like any other major life decision, you should do this when you are best placed to jump into a job you love. Keep these tips in mind if you are thinking about switching jobs but you are still unsure if this is the right move for you.
