How to Know If You Can Quit Your Job With No Plan - The Muse

How to Know If You Can Quit Your Job With No Plan - The MuseHow to Know If You Can Quit Your Job With No Plan Quitting your job isnt something you just do on a whim. Especially if you dont have anything else lined up.Thats why youve been waffling back and forth for weeks (if not longer).And while I cant tell you exactly what your next step should be, I can help you sort through whether leaving without a backup plan is a reasonable decision.If youre asking yourself if this is the right move, keep the following in mind.Yes if Youve Been Building Your Network for a WhileKnow a dozen people you can reach out to for help finding a new job? Thatll definitely help you find your next position. (P.S. Heres the networking emaille to send when youd like help looking for a job.)No if Youre Planning to Start Networking Once Youre UnemployedYou dont want to make your initial email a cold ask for a job. Instead, start warming up your network in the meantime. For help there, here are three better wa ys than remember me to start your email.Yes if Youve Saved UpOnce youve got a few months worth of living expenses squirreled away, you can take the time to find a job thats right for you, and not settle for the first thing that comes along. No if Youre Thinking Ill Just Figure it OutYou dont want to jump into a job you hate to make ends meet or have to take out a loan. And remember, even if a great offer comes your way, it could be a while before they want you to start- and even longer before you get your first paycheck.Related A Career Changers Guide to Switching Industries Without Going BrokeYes if Youre on the Verge of a BreakdownA job thats affecting your health- causing serious anxiety, panic attacks, or depression- isnt worth the paycheck. (Its also something you should consider discussing with a mental health professional, and this article can help you understand whether a mentor, coach, or therapist is the best person to talk to.)No if Youre Simply Ready for a ChangeYou dese rve better. That said, its worth staying just a little longer if youve been miserable for a while and a few more months wont drive you to your wits end- but will allow you to have a financial cushion. Try to make it through so that when you do give your notice, you have enough saved up to wait for a job youre excited about.Yes if You Cant Pinpoint an End GoalIf this job has zero bearing on where you want to go and what you want to do, its not as big a deal if you burn a bridge.No if This Job Is a Stepping Stone on the Way to Something AmazingIs there some major benefit that comes with staying put, like a transfer to the department of your dreams, a huge raise thatll let you finally start saving for retirement, or a boss who knows everyone in the industry? Sometimes you have to do something that makes you miserable in order to get to something really great.Yes if Youve Tried to Make it WorkIf youve done your best to remedy the thing thats making you unhappy and theres still no sign o f improvement, its time to give notice.No if Theres More You Could DoSomething- a micro-managing boss, a nosy co-worker, mountains of unnecessary paper work- is making you want to quit, but you havent tried to fix it. Try talking to HR, suggesting a new ordnungsprinzip to cut down on paperwork, or wearing headphones at your desk. You might be able to eliminate the problem without having to find another job.Truth Quitting your job without any idea what youll do next isnt a decision to be taken lightly. With that said, it can also set you on the path to do what youre meant to. So, at its core, this choice is about whats riskiest- taking a chance or staying still. If youre not quite sure, think of the questions above, and whether the yes or no answers resonate most. Have a different question? I help people make (big and small) decisions. Learn more here.