Sometimes, a job opportunity looks great until you actually start in the position. On other occasions, a role begins without an issue, but it slowly morphs into a less-than-ideal fit. In either case, you ultimately find yourself in a bad job and quickly start longing for something different.
Leaving a bad job isn’t always easy, even if the position, environment, or culture isn’t right for you. But, by following the proper steps, you can make your exit simpler. If you’re trying to figure out how to break up with a bad job, here are some tips that can help.
Make Sure Leaving Is the Right Move
Before you run for the exit, it’s wise to pause for a moment and make sure that seeking out other opportunities is actually the best choice. In some cases, issues can be fixed, so you need to determine whether the situation that leaves you wanting is repairable or not.
Begin by documenting your concerns. Next, consider speaking with your manager about the problems you’re encountering. If your boss is part of the issue, then you might want to meet with HR instead. Then, see how they respond to the situation.
They might take corrective action or otherwise intervene, allowing your bad job to become something better. However, if that doesn’t occur or the issue is something that can’t be resolved, you might want to explore moving on.
Find Another Opportunity
While a bad job can be incredibly draining, it’s rarely wise to quit without having somewhere to go. Unless your current workplace is dangerous or hostile, see if you can’t land a new position before making an exit. That way, you can continue earning an income while seeking out something better.
As you search for a new opportunity, make sure you continue to perform well in your current position. If you don’t, you could harm your reputation, making it harder to find a different job.
Additionally, don’t violate any company policies. For example, avoid using work resources when conducting your search. Otherwise, you could find yourself in trouble before you secure a new position.
Remain Professional When You Quit
Once you find something new or decide that an immediate exit is necessary, it might be tempting to air your grievances as you get ready to head out the door. While this might feel good in the moment, it’s usually not a wise idea. It can make you look hostile or unprofessional, and that could hinder your career.
Instead, use proper etiquette when you quit. Speak with your manager first and give two weeks’ notice, if possible. Follow that meeting up with a written notice and plan to make your exit as seamless and simple as possible. Focus on finishing your tasks or assist with transitioning your duties to another team member. Try to keep a calm and positive attitude.
By remaining professional, you are keeping your reputation intact. Then, you can move on to better things without doing any undue harm on your way out of the door.
Looking for a new job?
If you’d like to learn more about breaking up with a bad job, the team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our career transition expertise can benefit you.
