When Is the Best Time to Quit Your Job? 8 Considerations
It’s also essential to evaluate your situation, consider the impact on your career, and plan accordingly
With many going through work burnout and so much fear around finding a new job, you might be wondering when the best time is to quit a job you hate.
Truth is, the best time to quit your job can depend on many factors including your personal circumstances, norms for your industry, and the job market in your area.
Here are a eight considerations:
- After Securing a New Opportunity: Ideally, it’s best to quit your job after you have secured a new job offer. This ensures a smoother transition and helps avoid gaps in your employment. That is, unless you have a nest egg that you can rely on to support you while you do your search.
- End of a Quarter or Fiscal Year: Some companies have performance review cycles, budget cycles, or fiscal years that align with the calendar year or other periods. Quitting after these cycles can be strategic, as it might minimize disruptions in project timelines and financial reporting. It can help you not disturb the companies timing and avoids burning bridges.
- Beginning of the Year: Many people consider the beginning of a new year as a fresh start. This can be a suitable time to quit if you’ve been planning to make a change and want to start anew. Also, end of year/start of year is general a light work time as many are on vacation and companies slow down the pace.
- Before or After Major Projects: If your industry or job involves significant seasonal fluctuations or project-based work, quitting before the start of a major project might be considerate to your colleagues and can help ensure a smooth transition. Equally if you are able to complete a project and then move on that can also add more useful content to your resume.
- Consider Notice Period: Depending on your employment contract and industry norms, you might need to provide a notice period before leaving your job. Consider this when planning your departure time.
- Personal Considerations: Your personal circumstances, such as family events, health considerations, or other commitments, might influence when you choose to quit your job. If you’ve been stressed and burned out and its causing mental and physical health issues, then this is something to take into heavy consideration.
- Job Market Conditions: Research the job market in your industry and location. If the market is strong and opportunities are abundant, it might be a more favorable time to quit than during a period of economic uncertainty.
- Work-Life Balance: Consider your work-life balance and whether leaving your job at a particular time would allow you to better manage your personal life and well-being. This goes along with #6 as an important consideration.
Remember, there’s no universal “best” time that applies to everyone. However, trying to leave your current job on good terms is ideal as it helps maintain a positive professional network and is valuable for your future endeavors. It’s also essential to evaluate your situation, consider the impact on your career, and plan accordingly. Keeping in mind that balancing your life and health should be a heavy factor contributing to your decisions because without it, working is a moot point.
For support assessing your current work/life situation and creating balance consider working with a life coach that will help you determine the best course of action and offer options. Reach out to Burnout Coach Teany Hidalgo for support: teany@teanyhidalgo.com
Related content:
Thinking about Quitting Your Job? Here’s What to Do First
Want to Avoid Future Burnout at Your Next Job? Ask These 7 Key Questions
