As an Executive Recruiter I am faced with candidates telling me almost daily that they are undervalued, miserable in their current jobs, the environment is toxic and many of them decide: ” I want to quit my job without a plan B “ (BTW, have you read: I hate my Job – now what?)
I myself was in a job for many years that made me miserable so much so that the Carte Blanche theme song would put me into an instant depression as that meant I had to go to work the next day.
I did resign 5 years ago without a job but I have learnt some lessons from this experience.
I want to quit my job without a plan B…
Have I made the right decision?
Carefully deliberate as to whether you are confident that you are making the right decision.
I suggest sitting down with your family or friends and asking them if you are making the right move.
Also consider the timing of the year. A lot of candidates are tired as the festive season and end of year holiday season approaches us and may feel different after some leave.
I would equate leaving a job just as heart breaking as ending a romance. You go through the questioning (“Was he really that bad?”), memories (“I miss all our good times”) to the fear (“What if I don’t meet another guy?).
It is not uncommon to feel depressed or sad after the decision to leave.
Have you got the nest egg?
Have you got money to pay your Bond and monthly expenses, I think atleast 3 – 6 months of living expenses in necessary before making this decision. You need to know you will be able to pay the bills.
The gap on your CV?
I strongly believe that it is harder to find a job in South Africa if you are jobless. Clients ask me on a daily basis “why would this candidate leave without a job”.
You will need to explain this unemployed gap and the reason for your gap. There is a risk that there are currently excess candidates in the markets and clients ask for candidates that are headhunted i.e. not looking for a role.
In my experience, some clients believe that candidates employed in a role are of a better quality than candidates that are unemployed.
Desperate to get a job:
When a candidate has been out of a job for a while, some become desperate to get a job. Some take that desperation into the interview to their detriment.
Candidates will need to be aware of how they carry themselves when they agree to an interview after being without a job for a while.
However, all this being said, in the end this is your decision.
I welcome your comments at janice@edgexec.co.za
