Work

[Guest Electric Yetis]

Has anyone on here ever quit their job with nothing else lined up? I took my current job over 8 years ago as a 22 year old with no responsibilities and living at home. It is not something I particularly wanted to do (I've never had a particular career path in mind) but the money is/was decent (not great by any means).

The staff levels have halved in the last 3 or 4 years whilst the work and demands haven't.
 Now 8 years down the line with a mortgage and two children I am desperate to quit but without anything lined up I find it a bit scary if I am honest.

My job is tedious and repetitive and in the last few months I have had my notice written twice before chickening out and throwing it away and numerous times I have been on the verge of walking out but again something held me back. If I was still without responsibilities I would have quit about 6 years ago. I spend about 3 nights a week looking at jobsites etc.

 

I understand the grass isn't always greener and anytime I talk to people close to me the only response I get is "well at least you've got a job in these difficult times"

 

Just throwing it out there to see if anyone else has had similar experiences in the past.

[Unabomber]

I've walked out of a proper shit job in December 2014 with absolutely nothing lined up, I didn't even have a CV prepared. I managed to get a job in March 2015 which I absolutely love. But I didn't have kids or a mortgage. Can't you just apply for jobs and wait till you get a decent offer? If you've been working there for that long surely you'll look a decent option for companies you are applying for? 

[Buzzell]

I remember back when I was younger I left my job as a electrician apprentice because my ex boss was a complete toss pot. Had absolutely nothing lined up. Sat on the dole for about 6 months debating what to do with my life. I then tried to become a painter but after a few days of that I jacked it in. Ended up getting a job in the sparky game again and dropped back into college and managed to complete my apprenticeship as an electrician. 

[Guest Electric Yetis]

1 minute ago, Unabomber said:

I've walked out of a proper shit job in December 2014 with absolutely nothing lined up, I didn't even have a CV prepared. I managed to get a job in March 2015 which I absolutely love. But I didn't have kids or a mortgage. Can't you just apply for jobs and wait till you get a decent offer? If you've been working there for that long surely you'll look a decent option for companies you are applying for? 

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

[lavrentis]

If you're a professional, you can pretty much do that. It should take less than a month to find a job you'll like ideally.

[Guest CityFan 06]

Struggling to find work at the moment. There's a few things about work - actually getting an interview or job, enjoying the role and having a nice working environment. It's possible to get all of that, I'm still in hope (kind of).

[stripeyfox]

It's a big leap of faith to quit when you have a mortgage and kids to think about.

 

Apply for a few jobs and see what comes up. Don't badmouth your current employer (new employers don't like that).

 

 

[DB11]

Yeah I did but it was only ever meant to be a short term job that was then extended and after five months I quit. Admittedly I was part way through a recruitment process at the time (which is what my current job is) but it was still a gamble to quit before I had something lined up.

 

I was quite confident that I'd be able to get another job though with my qualifications

[Guest Electric Yetis]

The employer has actually been pretty good to me on a personal level when both of my children were born prematurely and spent a considerable amount of time in hospital. I have no problem with them at all and this is another reason I perhaps haven't left before now. I just see that there are several people there in their 40s and 50s, 60s who also hate it and don't want to be like that myself in years to come.

Maybe I am just sick of the office environment and sitting on my backside for 8 hours a day.

 

 

[Izzy]

9 minutes ago, pds said:

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

If it's any consolation, I'd suggest there's millions of people in your predicament - even if they won't admit it out loud. It saddens me when I hear people say their job is 'soul destroying' because I believe we're all put on this earth for a reason and a purpose - and our job is to find our purpose. Maybe it's a cliche and idealist but I believe we all have a gift and something unique to offer. If we can find a job/career where we're coming from a place of purpose, it becomes a joy and doesn't feel like 'work'. Easily said I know, but I encourage you to follow your dreams and your passion in life. We're only here once and it's not a dress rehearsal. Life's too short and it's never too late. I understand the responsibilities and having to pay the bills, but you've admitted that in your heart you've got to bite the bullett. I believe we all have this gut instinct for a reason and it's our inner wisdom guiding us. Follow your heart mate and best of luck..

[Wymsey]

If you haven't done so, perhaps best to upload your CV on as many job and recruitment agency sites as you can, as apparently ''1000's of employers/agencies'' look at specific CV's online.

 

I see that you're in your thirties. What do you want to do. A career change could be difficult as some companies can be snobs about age and prefer to hire a 18.y.o. apprentice on the cheap.

 

It also depends if you're willing to back to College or study towards a field you're interested in in comfort of your own home, at a cost, yes, but that idea would plug any CV gaps should you actually leave your current role plus it also can be a stepping stone.

 

But be wary of some agencies etc, that promise you decent work and tell you that they'll contact back again about it but they never did.

[ajthefox]

1 hour ago, pds said:

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

Sounds like you know exactly what you need to do mate.

 

Granted you have responsibilities, but if your job is soul destroying you shouldn't be doing it. I don't think anyone should be telling you it'll be easy and you'll get something straight away that you'll love, but surely if you hate this job and the lack of future it will give you so much then it will only get better. 

 

It's a risk but like you said, you've just got to bite the bullet.

 

[Captain...]

Without knowing what you do and what sort of contingency plan you have it is difficult to give any advice. I've done it a few times but not with kids or dependents and I have been able to move around easily even to another country.

 

Crunch some numbers and work out how long and how well you can survive if you quit your job. Use any contact you have to find work, speak to all the people that have left your job, find out how long it took them to find work. 

 

The other thing to do is talk to your boss, tell him your thinking of looking for other work, a good boss will ask you why and try and make things better for you. A shit boss will be a dick about it then you'll be even more convinced you have to leave. If your boss is shit and they are taking the piss at work. Take the piss back, look for jobs at work, have a couple of days off sick to look for work. 

[Captain...]

1 hour ago, pds said:

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

 

Don't worry about having to learn anything new, that's the best bit about starting new jobs. When you start a new job, and I've done it a lot, the first weeks and even months are great as you're not expected to know everything. You're allowed to make mistakes and ask stupid questions.

[notnow john]

2 hours ago, pds said:

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

So you're in a dead end job and its your parents fault, take some responsibility!

[Guest Electric Yetis]

25 minutes ago, notnow john said:

So you're in a dead end job and its your parents fault, take some responsibility!

Never said it was my parents fault, it was more of a tongue in cheek comment to shoe horn in my shitty joke.  They are the best I could wish for. 

[Merging Cultures]

I wouldn't quit without something lined up. Some of my strongest memories of my Dad are him going out to work each day, knowing that he wasn't really excited about his job, but he did what he had to do. Like it or not, when you're married with kids, your dreams are in the back burner and the focus has to be on paying bills and ensuring the kids have the best life you can afford.

[stix]

I don't think I could just walk out of my job without having something else lined up, I just have too many responsibilities and would hate to put the extra burden on my family, that's me though.

 

But at the same time if I hated my job I would go all in on finding myself something else. 

 

Put simply, because it's all that matters REALLY.....if you can afford to do it, then go for it, but get straight into finding out what it is you want to do with your life, don't get into bad habits and procrastinate. 

[stripeyfox]

Something has obviously stopped you leaving up until now? 

Could you survive a month or three with no income?

How would your wife react if had no money for a few months? Would she blame/resent you for walking away from your job?

 

I think a better plan would be

Speak to some recruitment people in your industry

Brush up your CV

Speak to some contacts - are there customers/suppliers who you've dealt with who may have an opportunity

 

It is easier to get a job when you already have one.

 

 

 

[Thracian]

Yes, I quit a fairly lucrative job (that I'd not actually applied for) on the Birmingham Post because it was tedious and without any plans about what to do next.

 

My wife's reaction was to say she wasn't surprised, make a cup of coffee and say "No job's worth being unhappy for".

 

I've never regretted the decision for an instant. I'd enjoyed 20 years in journalism and done most everything I ever wished but twilight shifts on the Post - waiting for the job I'd wanted to be vacant - were dour beyond belief.      

 

In the end we took an entirely new direction and life became fun again. 

 

We quit Leicester Market in much the same way recently because Leicester City Council has turned the City centre into what seems to be a permanent building site these last few years with seemingly no thoughts or compensation for the impact on businesses and, again, my only regret was not taking the decision earlier.

 

The customers were great, no question, but the council's disregard for stallholders and standards was endlessly disappointing in what was an increasingly difficult environment with the noise and dust pollution quite beyond belief. 

 

Basically, if you don't like it and you can't change it, don't do it. 

 

 

 

   

[davieG]

I think it's always easier to find new employment if you're currently employed.

 

if you could pinpoint what you're actually interested in then there might be opportunities to gain some qualifications at home through distant learning but be sure any prospective employers recognise the qualification.

 

With a mortgage and young family I guess you're also looking some degree of security so packing in a job with nothing in mind the biggest risk is not knowing how long you'll be unemployed for, the longer you are the harder it will be to get a job. Also prospective employers might not be too keen on the fact that you've walked out of a job.

 

I think if you're going to do this you really need something that you can do as a self employed person either as permanent or temporary option. 

 

But then I'm not a great risk taker.

[leicesterlad1989]

I had it forced upon me as a young lad. After finishing my apprenticeship I was made redundant. I hated my job at the time but knowing I had to potentially sign on and not knowing when my next pay packet would come in was soul destroying, even at a young age.

 

In hindsight I ended up gaining some valuable experience as a sub contractor and realised there was more to life than a dead end job but again that eventually died out and I eventually ended up taking on an unskilled job in a warehouse. Some 2 years later I gained a promotion and finally finished off my apprenticeship and now I am studying for my HND whilst in the same job.

 

Personally if I were you I would continue to look for work whilst still being employed. You have a family to support whereas I never did and it still drove me crazy. I ended up in my job through persistence. I kept applying for literally anything. From skilled jobs to unskilled. Luckily (maybe it's not luck) I now have a job that I love. If I looked elsewhere I am sure I could be earning more than I am at the moment but I have a lot of prospects at this place and I am looking more long term than short.

 

I'd also maybe look at talking to your boss. From what you have said, there clearly is a mutual respect between the two of you and he has helped you out with time off. I am sure he will listen to your grievances. I wish I was mature enough to do that when I was younger.

 

Hopefully the situation you are right now is just a blip in your life as a whole and you find something that you enjoy. Keep applying for work and fingers crossed.

[potter3]

17 hours ago, pds said:

 

I've applied for jobs and had interview offers but I guess I am just worried that I will fall into the same trap of hating it with the added bonus of having to learn a new role. In my heart I know at some stage I've just got to bite the bullet and do it because my current job is soul destroying.

 

Just wish my parents had told me to concentrate on working towards a career path for something I would enjoy. I did do that but unfortunately I wasn't good enough for Leicester Boys let alone Leicester City.

 

If you quit, you'll still have to learn a new role when you find a new job and you'll still potentially hate it. In fact it's even more likely you'll hate it since you may be forced to take it to pay the bills etc. Whereas if you look while you're still earning you can take your time and ensure you find a job that you think you'll enjoy more.

 

On the other hand, if you have plenty saved up and can afford to spend a few weeks or months out of work then it might be nice to have a break and 'recharge'.

[urban.spaceman]

About 7 years ago I was working for Millets in town, absolutely loathed everyone I was working with, the job, the general public, everything and after 5 years of this hell I'd just had enough. My grandma's brother had just passed away - he'd never married or had kids so never had anyone to spend his money on (50 years of service for the Royal Mail, including 5 years delivering to the front lines in WWII) so he left it all to his sister's grandkids. I'm not talking a huge amount, but it was just enough for me to quit that loathsome job, fly out to Botswana to stay with family (other grandma's sister who moved there in the 70s), buy a car and just drive all around Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique.

 

Best thing I ever did. Even when you include the numerous robberies, attempted muggings, car's engine exploding, having to rent a car, crashing the rental car into some donkeys (seriously), ending up with permanent back damage as a result, ending up back at the same ****ing job 7 months later (well technically down the road at Blacks)... Still the best thing I ever did. 

 

Thing is, life's too short to stay miserable. If you've got the means and can survive for a bit while you're looking, I'd definitely quit. 

[Guest]

For me there are several factors

 

- your experience

- you desire to move into a different field

- your ability to take a lower income to get into a new field

- your ability to survive what could be months without a full time income

 

Finding a new job can be hard, finding a new job in a completely different field that you've no experience in can be even harder. People want at least some knowledge or experience if hiring an external candidate.

 

You may find you will have to take a lower paid job and work your way up the ladder again if you want to move career altogether.

 

 

What you could do (if the company you work for let you) Is learn new skills while at work, attempt to infiltrate different areas of the business that you may interact with. if you have to pass work onto other people, maybe you could start doing the bits they may do.

 

For example I used to work (in the early days) in a store, just the average shelf stacking. However when the manager used to order stock I used to ask loads of questions about how they knew what to order and check what was in stock before I knew it I was being paid more to do stock ordering and therefore defaulting to supervising others. just because you do your job doesn't mean you can forge a new opportunity or career in a different area of the business while still getting paid to do your own work.