When You’re Scared to Leave Your Job
By Caleb Yen, Express Employment Professionals, Job Journey, September 2021
The time has come to move on in your career. Maybe there aren’t many promotion opportunities, you can’t stand your boss, or the workplace culture just isn’t right for you. You need to quit. But taking such a huge step can be daunting. What if you can’t find a new job, and the bills start to pile up? What if the next job turns out worse than this one? What if you quit and it makes life harder for your co-workers?
Before you let the what-if’s pile up, take a minute to breathe. There are plenty of things you can do to ease your anxiety.
Make a Plan
You don’t have to leave your job right away. Right now, you’re still employed and getting a paycheck, so take the time to map out what you want from a new job. What kind of management style do you thrive under? Is there a specific kind of office culture you enjoy? Make a list of what you like and don’t like about your current job, and you’ll be sure to find a new job you love.
Know Yourself
Now that you have some idea of what kind of new job you want for your career, it’s time to understand yourself as an employee. What are your strengths? What makes you stand out above the rest? You’re an asset and more than just a number. You have skills, you have knowledge, and deserve a career you love.
Start to Interview
The only thing you lose from taking interviews is the time it takes to interview. Even if you don’t get hired, or don’t end up liking the job opportunity or potential employer, you’ll learn more about what’s out there. It’s much less stressful to interview now while you’re still employed, than it is when you don’t have a paycheck coming in.
Take this time to see how the actual marketplace aligns with the career plan you made. Which opportunities line up with your values and career goals? Which ones don’t?
Quit
Once you get a job offer from a company you love, you’ll need to let your manager know you’re leaving. If you’re worried about letting down your co-workers, just know that this is your life. It might be tough for the company right now, but you deserve a career! If done with enough foresight, you can work with your coworkers to build a plan that will make the transition easier.
Quitting is stressful. But following these tips can make it a bit easier. Before you know it, you’ll be in a new job that’s perfect for you.
