So, you hate your job.
I’ve left every previous role I’ve had, so I’m not here to convince you not to leave. But before you quit, here are some things you should consider:
Figure out why you hate your job
Are you not being compensated fairly compared to your colleagues? Are you not being compensated enough for your level work? Is it just not a good fit (and if not, why)? Are your coworkers the issue? Are your managers the issue? Does the work itself suck? Is the work too difficult? Have you spoken about any of these issues with your employer?
In any job, it’s usually cheaper for employers to keep employees than to spend the time, money, and resources hiring and training new ones. Your employer may want to hear you out, and do what it takes to keep you (at least a little longer). Expressing your concerns to your employer may also allow them to improve the circumstances that make you hate your job.
What would it take for you to stay?
I know that I said I wouldn’t convince you to stay. But have you thought about what it would take for you to stay?
If there’s something that would cause you to stay, it may be worth speaking with your employer about. But ensure to have an exit plan in place first, just in case.
For example, if you don’t think you’re being compensated fairly, research comparable rates or salaries for your role (this article covers several sites for salary comparison), and inform your employer. If you have data backing up your reasoning, they’ll be more inclined to consider your request. And again, it may be most cost-effective for them to match those rates than to lose you.
Know that you didn’t waste your time
Remind yourself that this was a learning opportunity, and still is a learning opportunity.
As with everything you’ve learned in life, the skills that you’ve acquired can be taken with you in the future. In fact, now that you know you want to leave, learn everything you possibly can (even about other roles) before you go. It’ll only make you more valuable in your next role.
Choose an end date
In this day and age, and especially during the pandemic, we need money to survive (unless you’re moving to a secluded island and living off of the land, which is totally fine). As tempting as it may be to leave immediately, it may be in your best interest to stay for a while – at least until you’ve chosen an end date.
Choosing, and sticking, to your end date will give you enough time to hustle and find something new, or figure out what you want to do after you leave. Depending on how much you can tolerate your job, I’d recommend choosing an end date that gives you enough time to:
- Save up a bit of $$ (preferably 3 months’ worth of expenses). At bare minimum, you should have enough savings to cover your: housing, food, and clothing
- Secure your living situation (in case it needs to change)
- Secure another position, or another way to get 💰 after you leave
Choosing an end date will help you to stay sane (especially through rougher days), and help you focus until the end.
Whether you leave or stay for a bit longer is ultimately up to you. But I hope that you’ll consider at least a couple of my points above before making that decision. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts, or if there are other things you’re considering as well.
Ready to make the leap and find a new job? Check out this post for ways to work from anywhere in the world!