4 Questions to Answer Before Quitting Your Job

In the past few weeks, two of my clients were on the verge of quitting their jobs.

Both are over 60. Each had dedicated more than a decade to their current workplace: one a professional organization, the other a nonprofit. 

Both worked closely with demanding CEOs.  Since March, each had been putting in 12 to 16-hour days and frequent weekends.

Now, both were being asked to take on the responsibilities of others who had been laid off--without any increase in salary or support.

Is this you or someone you know? Are you being pushed to your limit?

Here are some questions I posed to help my clients make their decisions.

1.     Are you running away from the job or the tough conditions?   

This is an incredibly stressful moment for most workers. Leaving might feel right at the end of a miserable week. But what about the day after you quit?  

If you are still committed to your work, there are ways to create personal coping strategies to help you stay sane. That’s part of building resilience.

2.     What options could you propose if you stay?

You do not have to accept everything your employer requests. Try to negotiate.

What would make the new situation more palatable?  Could you say yes to some but not all the new tasks?

Could you ask to divide some of the work with someone else? Could you ease into the changes gradually?

3.     Or is this desire to leave coming from a deeper place?

Beyond the stress, you may feel a realization, deep in your gut, that you are “done” with this job.

And you don’t want to face it, because you have to keep working there. Or do you?

The truth? You always have choices. You just may not able to think of them at this moment. 

Sure, money is a factor. But it’s not the only one. And it is actually connected to the next question.

4.     What would really fulfill you now? 

This is often the most challenging question. And the one people spend the least time on.  

Stopping work without a plan can create another kind of stress if you are accustomed to feeling productive and valuable.

Instead, take some time to think through ways you can still create value, for yourself and others. Then you will have a goal to work toward. Even if you decide to take a break first.

And once you know what you want to pursue, there can be many options to make it work financially.

So what did my clients do?

One resigned, with a plan to develop some meaningful projects after a brief rest.

The other has chosen to stay, having negotiated a manageable solution.

Each feels confident they are doing the right thing.     

Because they made conscious, thoughtful choices rather than rash decisions.

Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or just confused?  I’ve been there.  Let’s talk and see if I can help!!!

Call me at 610-585-1945. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Promise!!!