Quit your Job
After reviewing these questions
Don’t quit your job just yet.
It may seem like you have to leave. now. It may seem like everything will be better on the other side of this soul sucking environment. It may seem like the world is full of amazing opportunities if only you could free yourself from where you’re stuck.
Those perceptions are yours to hold onto. And I encourage you to get a few details in place before you hand in your notice.
Job hunting and job quitting is all about choice. You want to be the person making the choices to say yes or no to a position. Instead of jumping through hoops (hello 3 in-depth “presentations” for a hiring team) to get a company you’re lukewarm about to hire you, find a way to aim for your next best role to keep your career in the direction you want to go.
Oh, you want to completely change course? Cool. Make a plan to transition - like following stones in the creek, it may not be completely direct, but you’ll avoid falling in the water and still end up on the other side.
Before you quit your job, ask:
Do you have enough money saved to pay for your current lifestyle for 6 months? A recent article in Insider shows that it can take anywhere from 14 days to 67 days for a company to hire for a role. Easy to fill roles, think retail, restaurant and hospitality entry level positions are on the low end and the higher up the job title or industry is, the longer it can take. So make sure you have the money to invest in yourself during your job search. If you find yourself DESPERATELY running out of money, odds are you’re going to make a decision that will leave you wanting a new job again.
Do you have a side hustle? If your side hustle already exists, is there a possibility of expanding it to fill the gap between your savings and your expenses?
Do you have a network? Not just a list of 1000 connections on LinkedIn, your network is made up of people who would take a phone call or read a message from you and take time to help you - whether by making a call on your behalf, setting up an introduction or having a 30 minute chat to brainstorm your next move. Your network will NOT going to get you a job, but a network of people who know, like and trust you are priceless as you slog through the hiring process.(bonus tip, start reaching out to your network before you quit!)
Do you see yourself as reactive or responsive? A reactive job seeker lashes out publicly when things don’t go their way in the job hunt. A responsive job seeker sets a target of where they want to work (and why) and pulls their resume, LinkedIn Profile and network into alignment with that next goal. Reactive job seekers put all their eggs in one basket once they get a call from a recruiter, a responsive job seeker continues to strategically apply and engage with their desired companies until a job offer is received. One is full of emotion and the other has a calm center.
Do you think a gap job is below you? Gap jobs are generally easy to get - think retail, food service, front desk and part-time - and they can be a good source of structure and income while you’re searching.
Job hunting is never easy. As you know, the economy is rocky right now and with more and more brilliant, strong workers being laid off because of poor planning in the C-suite, it is a more competitive market in almost every industry and field. This isn’t a slam on you - ever. It’s just a reminder to be prepared for a 4 to 6 month search before you land your next job after quitting. If you find one faster - huzzah!
Want help in your job search?
As a professional recruiter (I’ve worked for Fortune 500 companies and boutique search firms) I understand what it takes to get noticed for a job opening. I also have lived the experience of working 35 requisitions (job openings) at one time - which meant I didn’t have the time to give feedback to every applicant, much less every candidate I called for a screening.
As a certified professional career coach (PARWCC, 2020, no exp) I walk with every job seeker to identify their goals, recommend resume updates, improve LinkedIn Search results and master the interview process from screening to salary negotiation.
Working on a sliding scale was important to me to make job hunting help affordable for everyone. Starting October 1, my sessions are moving to flat fee of $150 each. A package of 5 for $700.00.
If you’d like to work with me on the sliding scale (You choose your fee between $50-175) book here. Can’t find a time that works for your time zone? Reach out.
This week in the Adoptees at Work PodCast
Listen to my conversation with singer, songwriter, actor, author and playwright Zara Phillips.
The podcast continues to grow and I’m grateful for your support and feedback. Please subscribe and let me know your thoughts!
Until next week - kick your feet up, pet your dog (or cat, or bird) and tell someone you like their shoes.
Peggie
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