One of the first piece of advice I ever got when I started working – don’t leave a job unless you have another one lined up. I’ve followed that tip ever since I started working at fourteen, and continued to follow the advice throughout my journalism career. But if you’re unhappy at work, should you stay?
According to a Gallup study, only 13% of employees worldwide are engaged at work, which could mean 87% are unhappy with their jobs.
When a friend told me that she marched into her boss’s office and asked him to release her from her contract, my jaw dropped.
“Why didn’t you call me before you did it?” I asked.
“Because you would have probably talked me out of it,” she said.
In previous conversations we had, she confessed her frustrations about not being able to excel at her job.
“Don’t leave, unless you have something lined up. You’ve got bills to pay, and you’ve come so far,” I advised.
Despite her frustration, she tried to stick it out. But, her patience wore thin and she lost the tenacity she once had. She dealt with stress, anxiety, weight gain, and knew she had to make a move.
My friend ultimately walked away from the highly sought after international gig that paid her handsomely. From the outside looking in, one would find it hard to imagine leaving such a job. Sometimes, one just needs a 평택출장안마 to de-stress from work.
So many people work hard to break into the news business. In many cases it requires working long hours and spending a lot of time away from home. The industry is also extremely competitive. But, there are a lot of perks too.
The high energy of a newsroom, getting an exclusive interview, storytelling, helping people solve problems, and severe weather coverage are just some of the things that makes being a journalist so exciting.
As a weather anchor, people depend on me to let them know whether or not they’ll need to grab the umbrella before heading out the door. We all plan our day based on outside conditions, and I love knowing that I’m providing a service to help viewers make it through their day.
However, I have bad days like most people. There are times when my forecast may be off, resulting in me going into hiding, licking my wounds and laying low. But, it comes with the territory. I fully embrace my role as a weather forecaster.
I haven’t gotten to the point where I can call it quits because of being unhappy, so whenever people tell me they’ve had enough I understand. But, it’s also hard for me to relate.
According to a study by The Energy Project, employees that feel valued and appreciate are 13 more times likely to stay in an organization and are 67% more engaged. Companies can use surveys like those at https://delighted.com/enps to know what their employees want from them.
I’ve know others who have suddenly resigned from their jobs – not necessarily the same profession – because they don’t feel appreciated. They ended up leaving their jobs because they were unhappy and unmotivated. So I asked them the question, “When do you know it’s time to go, and how should you prepare?” Here’s what they told me:
1. Have at least eight months to a year of savings to hold you over.
2. Get caught up on credit card bills and other expenses.
3. Also, get caught up with doctors visits because your insurance will eventually run out.
4. Have a plan in place because you can’t stay unemployed forever. You’ve got bills to pay!
5. Cut back on spending.
6. Make sure your significant other is up to speed on your intentions because quitting your job won’t only affect you. It will affect loved ones too.
For those of you are are miserable but wish to stay, consider talking to your boss or change the way you do your job. Maybe a change of pace is just what you need to make your job more enjoyable. Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you.
As for my friend, she says she has no regrets. She’s gone on to create her own show and is doing very well.
Have you ever quit a job without another one lined up? Please share your stories.
I have never quit without having something else, but I also have never been so miserable that I had to.
Me either. Consider yourself lucking. I thought people were insane for leaving a gig without something lined up. But in the last few years, I’ve known a few that left their jobs because it started to affect their health.
I’m sure I’m like EVERYONE ELSE– Who has thought about leaving the business! Thanks for these GREAT TIPS. Something to really think about!
Good piece. I did quit a job once without having another one to go to. I was so miserable that it was affecting me mentally, emotionally and physically. I had been there for 8-months and just gave my notice. After that, I contacted my sister and we planned a trip to Disney World. It was an awesome trip and I am glad I did it.
Fortunately for me, I got a call for an interview 2 weeks after I returned from my trip. I was made an offer and accepted the job. So I was only out of work for 1-month. That was then though. I was single and care free.
With a husband, toddler and another baby on the way, I don’t think I’ll be able to make a decision like that anytime soon.
Thanks JJ, I’m with you. It’s tough making a decision like that when you have a family. But then I think about being alone and that would be even harder because you don’t have a second income from a spouse. I do, however, feel that no job is worth staying if it’s gonna affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Important convo. This is why I’m all about entrepreneurship. Rather than working for others, you build your own island! 😉 Much less stress and way more fun!