The most common reason people quit their job is either they see no growth (salary, skills, promotion) for them in the job, or they are simply all burned out- the work pressure is taking its toll.
1. Some most common reasons to quit your job are:
- You hate what you are doing; Maybe it is the wrong career or the wrong company.
- There are no promotion opportunities: You have reached a dead-end. You don't see yourself advancing from your current role in the present company.
- The job is not challenging enough
- You don’t like the people you work with: The boss, the teammates, etc.
- You want more money
- You want to work for myself
- You have saved some money for a rainy day
- You are about to be fired: Companies look more kindly at people still employed, so quit while you have time, and when job hunting is still in favor of you.
2. Before you quit, give yourself a break: Take time to rest and refresh. Then take a good look at things- the job situation, options, risks, and that most important thing, your goal/s for life.
3. Take a career audit:
- People: Am I working with good/great people and am I learning from my peers/ boss/ subordinates/ senior staff/ customers?
- Products/ Company: Am I working on stuff I care about, and am I my best in this environment?
- Growth/Learning: Am I learning + bettering myself + excited about what I’m doing?
- Value/Worth: Do I feel that the company sufficiently (well) values me for my contributions?
- Life: Can I also focus on other things that are important to me outside of work, and do I have time for these things (Family, Athletic, Personal, etc)?
(Source: Sarah Kathleen Peck)
4. Before you finally quit your job: Make sure you know the things that were making you unhappy. Don't let a couple of bad days at work (whose reasons could have been controlled, in hindsight) influence your decision 100%. Career experts suggest we keep a running tracking sheet of events and problems at work. Don't quit before you have tried to make things work (talked with boss, change schedule, etc.). And please don't don't quit your job without having a backup plan.
5. Never feel guilty about quitting the job: This is the reality of working life.
Jobs come, and jobs go. And think about it, your company wouldn't think twice about laying you off. Even if you decide to stay on in your present job out of guilt, you will be resentful and ultimately unhappy in time to come.
6. Handling the exit interview: Be honest, but don't burn your bridges, move on with dignity
You are entitled to give honest answers in your exit interviews, but do so without burning your bridges- relationships with boss and co-workers. For example, in my only exit interview so far, I said I had no growth prospects in my present job, but my boss and co-workers were very good with me.
Even if you are leaving because you got a better job, just be diplomatic. No harm being cool about it and moving on effortlessly. This is life, boss. Something else will work out. This wasn't just meant to be. Feeling guilty also makes your last days at the company a bit heavy. Be diplomatic, be cool, move on, serenely.
7. Leave a positive lasting impression: Talk to your boss before you give your notice. If they ask you to train another person, do so readily. And don't tell the new guy the real reason you are leaving the job- just that you found an opportunity that suited your goals and interests better. Don't complain about the job and the company with new person.
Please also read the guide to 'Burnout'.
Thank you for reading.
This guide is from The Success Manual, which contains 200+ guides to succeeding in business, career and personal life. Get the pdf ebook for $12 only.