Before you quit a job, you should be very sure that you want to change positions. Once you’ve turned in your resignation, you probably won’t be able to change your mind and get your job back. Review the most common reasons people quit a job, how to decide whether to stay or leave, and the best way to move on when you have decided to resign.
Why Do People Quit Their Jobs?
The conventional wisdom is that people don’t quit jobs, they quit managers. But while bad management is a common reason for quitting, it’s obviously not the only reason people choose to change jobs. Low pay, lack of flexibility, and limited career options at the company also factor into employees’ decisions, according to research. A FlexJobs survey showed that the most common reasons people quit include:
Toxic company culture (62%)Low salary (59%)Poor management (56%)Lack of work-life balance (49%)
Should You Quit Your Job?
Hating your job might not be a good enough reason to quit unless you have another job lined up. There might also be other reasons you should keep your job or wait for a better time to resign. You might even be able to turn things around and learn to love the place where you work. That said, there are times when quitting is the best option. Here’s how to know if it’s time to resign.
Top 10 Good Reasons To Quit Your Job
1. A New Job
The best reason for quitting a job is that you’ve found a new one. Before you quit your job, though, make sure that you’ve covered all the bases. Have a confirmed job offer letter, a cleaned-out computer and office, and a letter of resignation before you quit.
2. Illness or Family Issues
Personal or family illnesses are both legitimate reasons to quit a job, and sometimes a sudden illness can be an excuse to leave a position. If it’s a legitimate reason to quit (i.e., you or someone in your family is chronically ill), make sure that you have continued health insurance coverage after you leave.
3. A Bad Boss
Whether your boss is a micromanager, a bully, or just out of sync with your work style, it may be time to move on. If you still like your role and your employer, consider looking for opportunities to switch departments or work teams before resigning.
4. Difficult Work Environment
Co-workers, bosses, and a negative office environment can all make your job difficult. They can make your workplace somewhere you simply don’t want to be. Once you have tried every option, you may need to leave.
5. Schedules and Hours
When you lose childcare or your work schedule has changed and it’s difficult for you to adjust, you may need to quit your job and look for one that is more accommodating to your schedule. Leaving a job because of scheduling issues is a legitimate reason for quitting a job.
6. Going Back to School
Going back to school, either on a part-time or full-time basis, can necessitate a job change. Given your school schedule and the demands of your job, your current employment may no longer be a good fit.
What You Should Know if You’ve Decided To Quit
Once you’ve decided to resign, it’s important to do it as smoothly and gracefully as possible. Here’s how to resign the right way:
Give Appropriate Notice
How much notice should you give? In most cases, it’s standard to give two weeks’ notice. However, in some cases, you may be unwilling or unable to provide notice. That’s especially true if you are in a difficult or dangerous work situation.
Write a Letter of Resignation
To be effective, a letter of resignation should state your last day of work and include your thanks for the opportunity. You can also offer to help train your replacement, if possible. Review sample resignation letters to guide your writing.
Check on Unemployment Benefits
If you quit your job without good cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, there are certain circumstances in which workers can collect unemployment even if they resign. Don’t assume that you’re ineligible until you’ve checked with your state department of labor about requirements.
