Have you ever left a job when everyone thinks you should keep it?
By filmbuff
@filmbuff (2909)
United States
March 7, 2008 10:28pm CST
Or have you ever left a job, without another job replace it? Did it work it out good for you, or did it make life tough?
The reason I ask, is that I've been working in management at a comapny for a while now. I hate my job, and have groan to loathe some of the people I am forced to work and deal with.
That being said I am giving notice tomorrow at work and leaving. I don't as yet have a job to replace it.
My family thinks I should wait, and as the rumor mill at work went in to overtime it's already spread around that I am going.
Interestingly enough, a manager (above me) who I used to work for wants me to come work for her, essentially take a demotion and stay with the company.
I think I'm just going to move on, roll the dice and see what happens.
Have you ever been in a similar situation? How did it work out for you?
3 people like this
9 responses
@vera5d (4004)
• United States
8 Mar 08
I have never quit without a plan, but I've had very similar situations as you are in now...my hubby is in the same situation right now, except we all want him to just quit & he doesn't want to do it without knowing what to do next...so kind of opposite, lol.
If you have some savings to fall back on, or don't mind taking in some freelance work or maybe a "McJob" for awhile if neccessary, I'd say go for it.
On the other hand if you have no way of paying next month's rent, you might want to wait until you can.
2 people like this
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
8 Mar 08
I quit my job once only, which was 4 years ago. I still remember my manager didn't expect me to leave the company at all. The expression on his face is unforgetable when I handed him my resignation letter. He didn't want to accept my letter at first, but I had submitted a copy to HR department in the mean time, as a prove that I had informed my resignation 1 month before I leave (I need to inform company 1 month ahead according to the employment contract). But few days later, after he failed to convince me to stay, he had no choice but to start working on job transition to my junior engineer.
1 person likes this
@cheongyc (5072)
• Malaysia
11 Mar 08
It's good to be begged by people to stay in the same company. But for me, once I decided to leave the company, I will just move on even they offer a better salary or promise to promote me. What you said is right, it's not only because we want to resign to get higher pay or post, but for better carrier development. I didn't regret at all for the decision made 4 years ago. I am doing well in current company. But I am afraid the days here is also numbered and the time to move on is nearing. :)
1 person likes this
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
9 Mar 08
I left this company before (I had a different job) and when I resigned then I left everyone stunned and scrambling to keep me. It felt good to be wanted. They offered more money and a promotion which I turned down because I had a much, much better job waiting.
I ended up not giving notice, but the rumors have spread and they are afraid I'm just going to walk out. I'm waiting for a new job, unless things just get unbearable. It would be bad timing for my company to leave and I dont want to burn them.
I am dreading the resignation because I know it will hurt them, and I'm sure they will beg me to stay and offer me more, but it's not about that...
1 person likes this
@meljessxena (2315)
• Australia
9 Mar 08
i havent been in a situaition like that, but maybe you could look around for another job before handing in your notice. maybe dont tell anyone your thinking about leaving otherwise might make people bit upset when you do hand your notice in.
you could also look at a career change and try something new.good luck
1 person likes this
@laurika (4532)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Yeah i have been in similar sitaution and everyone wanted me to stay but i left and had already another job. but i take a risk although it wasn't very succesful for me, but i tried it. Sometimes it is worth to risk it, specialy when you are not happy in the job you do now.
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
13 Mar 08
I'm with you, I've decided to quit again. Enough is enough. When I'm dreading going in, and all I think of is the time when I'm not at work there is a definite problem.
Should the worst happen, I'd rather face not being able to pay bills then working in a soul-less life-draining environment.
@AICIRT81 (847)
• United States
8 Mar 08
I think your personal financial situation should play a huge role in if its ok to leave without another job lined up. If you can live on your savings for while, then its alright to quit. But if your are depending on that income to paybills and survive on, then it would be irresponsible to leave with out a plan. good luck on your job hunt.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
8 Mar 08
You are so right! Being at these crossroads in your life, it is good to think about your financial status b4 you resign. As for the other job offer with the same company, if you are going to decline, do so gracefully. Do not burn your bridges, when you are finished, and you are on the outside looking in, you might find that you would actually want this position. Good luck on your choices.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
8 Mar 08
If you are able to sustain yourself whilst you are seeking new employment then my advice is: DO IT. I did and I have never been so happy. I worked my way up to senior management over 31 years. I got sick and was off for 6 months. After about 4 months I realised that since being off I had not thought about the company in a positive way once. So I resigned. I was wined and dined by a number of people, not my boss though, he only contacted me once whilst i was sick to find out when I might return, and asked to reconsider. But my mind was made up. I was blooming good at my job, but I had stopped being happy. Life is too short. Take the plunge. I promise you that if you really want to be out, then you will quickly discover that there is more to life. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
9 Mar 08
Thanks for the advice and I'm glad it worked out for you! I'm trying to chill out a bit and get another job lined up first, mostly out of concern for my boss who would be hurt by my leaving right now. I don't want to leave them in the lurch and keeping the paycheck until I have another job doesn't hurt either...
@lingli_78 (12821)
• Australia
8 Mar 08
well, i never really done that before actually... i am not a risk taker and i don't dare to quit a job no matter how much i loathe it if i haven't find the replacement yet... i don't want to be penniless and ended up in the situation that i don't even have money to buy food anymore... so i try to be flexible and stay in a job as much as i can just to survive... i had been working in my present company for more than 3 years now...
1 person likes this
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
8 Mar 08
I can not relate with you coz I still remain in the same company that I start to work with more 25 years ago. I have not change jobs or company eversince. There were times that I wanted to apply for another work but certain situations prevented me. And then I became accustomed to what I am doing and had already built long friendship with my colleagues.
In your case, if you are not happy with the company and the people you are working with, there is no reason to stay further. I guess, you have all the qualifications to be able to find another job. So, move on and good luck.
1 person likes this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
8 Mar 08
Oh yes! I'm on social security and was working one day a week for 4 hours not a lot but it helped supplement my fixed income and also got me out of my apartment which I never do. My Mom passed away in January and two weeks later I quit my little job. I didn't even ask or tell anyone I just did it. It was perfect because it was across the street from my apartment but at the time I just couldn't handle it. I'm kicking myself now believe me.
