The pros and cons - leaving your job without having one to go to
“250,000 people start a new role in New Zealand every three months and only 22% of them stay with the same company for more than 10 years.”
The majority of these people will still stick to the traditional route and find a new job before leaving their old job but the reality is more and more people are leaving their job without having one to go to.
Sure, people worry as the rent isn’t going to pay itself and that pesky water-bill isn’t going to disappear. Others are concerned by the unwanted gap on their CV- but with the right preparation, you won’t need to worry about financial strains or justifying your reasons for leaving.
Whether you’ve got a vague idea, a good idea, or absolutely no idea about what it is that you want from your job, taking a leap into the unknown could be the right thing to do.
So, with that in mind we’ve weighed up the pros and cons…
Pros
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More time to apply for jobs
Juggling a full-time job and searching for a new one is difficult and it can feel like a job in itself. With more time on your hands, you will be able to throw yourself into your job search by crafting your CV, preparing for interviews and researching companies. While job hunting is not an easy process, you’re more likely to find the right role when devoting your time and effort to the application process.
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Network and meet new people
Working 9-5 Monday-Friday, you forget that there’s a world of opportunity outside of your office walls. Now that you have time on your side, show some initiative - put yourself out there and engage with people, meet recruiters, interview for new roles and network with your contacts.
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Take a step back
Sometimes your working life is all-consuming and you can’t think properly until you’re out of that environment. By taking a step back you will be able to assess what it is that you want, whether that be a step up, working for a different industry or a complete change of career
Cons
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No Job, No Income
As much as we hate to admit it we rely on money to live our lives. We all have financial responsibilities and commitments that we simply can’t walk away from like paying the mortgage and the bills. There are no quick fixes when it comes to job searching, it could be a week or it could be six months until you find the right role, so plan for the worst. But don’t rush into a role, remember why you took the time to find a new one and consider other options like temping and freelancing.
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Mind the gap
The most common question you will get asked in an interview is why did you leave your job? Trying to explain your reasons while also trying to justify the gap in your cv to future employers can be pretty scary. Some employers will dislike it which is why it’s so important to be clear in your reasons and confident in your decision.
In the end, you have to do what is best for you. Making the decision to leave a job can be difficult and should not be taken lightly, so think carefully before you hand in your notice. Have you spoken to your manager and had an honest conversation about your concerns? Could you agree to work out a longer notice period perhaps with reduced hours? (don’t forget your current employer will need to backfill your role as well which can take some time).
Reassure yourself as to why you are leaving. No matter when you quit your job make sure to leave peacefully with a strong reference from your current manager, this is key to securing yourself a role with any employer.
