Is It Wise To Leave A Job Before Getting A New One?

By Perminus Wainaina

I’ve always heard that you should never quit one job until you have another because potential employers don’t want to hire people who aren’t working. While I continue to go to work every day, it’s becoming harder to give it 100% of my attention and commitment. I would like to grow in my career and I feel that being in my current position does not provide this. My heart is telling me to resign and devote my time to looking for a new position where there’s some job satisfaction, but my head says that leaving a steady job in today’s unstable economy, especially with the ongoing pandemic is dangerous, and that interviewers may reject me because I’m unemployed. What should I do?

This is a message I received on LinkedIn from a distressed professional who wasn’t so sure of the next step to take.

Have you ever thought about quitting your job without another one lined up? 

Truth is, when you want to quit your job, you need to make the right decisions to get the best outcome. Taking time to reflect is important to ensuring the process of transitioning advances your overall career goals. 

You may want to quit your job in search of greener pastures, but what is the guarantee that you will get another?

Common reasons why people leave their current jobs before finding a new job 

1. Personal family issues

Eight months ago, Mary had to quit her administration job to go and take care of her ailing mother. At the time, she had no choice but to sacrifice her source of livelihood, to be with her mother. She knew that when her mother got better, she could eventually get a job. She is yet to get a job but is glad she decided to quit when she did.

Personal or family issues can take a toll on you as a professional. Sometimes, you may have no other choice but to quit. 

2. Toxic work environment

Co-workers, supervisors, bosses, and a toxic work environment can all make your job difficult. They can make your workplace somewhere you simply don’t want to be and ultimately be the reason you quit.

3. General unhappiness at work – boredom/lack of a challenge

Unhappiness at work could easily lead to you hating your job. However, before you decide to quit, ask yourself if there is a way to make your role more satisfactory. You could also look out for other positions at the company that could be a better fit. If you like your company, your manager, and your co-workers, staying in a different position is an option.

4. Different career path 

Griffins had been working for the same company for five years when he decided he wanted to take a different career path. He felt he had been doing the same thing for far too long, and didn’t want to deal with the same stress every day. He gave his resignation letter and decided to start his venture.

Whether you want to move up or down the career ladder, a decision to change careers can make good sense if you’re looking to do something different.

5. Salary stagnation

Are you looking to earn more and realize that this may not be possible at your current place of work? Have you discussed this with your boss?

Salary stagnation can easily make you quit and look for a better paying job. Discuss with your boss on matters salary and if you are on the same page, there is no reason for you to quit.

Why You Should Never Quit Your Job Before Finding A New One

1. No guarantee when you will find another job

The job market in Kenya as it is now is competitive and unpredictable. With the ongoing pandemic, companies have been forced to shut down, rendering many professionals jobless. 

You have therefore no idea how long it will take before you land a new job. It could be days, weeks, months, or even years. If it takes longer, you will be creating employment gaps which will be very hard to explain on your CV.

2. It’s a tougher job market

You may hate your job at the moment, but with the uncertainty surrounding the job market, this should not be the only reason you decide to quit. 

Leaving your job all of a sudden to stay at home and do the job hunting there will make your job search tougher. This is because you will be competing with many other professionals, those working and others jobless, and even some, more qualified than you are. 

You would rather hold on and build your experience more, as you still apply for other jobs.

3. Explain the employment gap to your potential employer

One of the toughest questions job seekers have to answer during an interview is “Why did you leave your last job?”

Employers usually like to see a linear career progression. Quitting your current job could leave you with a career gap that may be difficult to explain later.

Also, some employers discriminate against those who are currently unemployed. 

If you find yourself in such a situation, however, you could highlight how you used the gap to grow your experience. Be honest and show that you are a hardworking person even when not traditionally employed.

4. No source of income

Before quitting your job, you need to ask yourself how long you can go without having any income. Take a look at your budget each month and see how long your savings will allow you to cover all your bills. 

You do not have any idea of how long it will last before you get a new job, and without a salary, things may be tougher for you. 

What To Do Instead Of Quitting

1. Network

Establish contacts outside your workplace who can help you find another job.

You can also confide in your friends and family about your plans to leave your job. People may be willing to offer financial support. In the process, you could find a mentor or career coach who knows how you can find a job in your career field with ease. 

In no time, you will be able to land a job and can easily quit your current one.

2. Review Your CV

Before you decide to quit, have a look at your CV. How professional is it? Does it portray your skills, experience, and qualifications?

Keep in mind that after you quit, you’ll be circulating your CV to potential employers. If you do not update it, you could miss out on opportunities.

If your CV could use some input, then work on it or consult a professional CV writer who will help you draft one befitting of your qualifications and the jobs you’re targeting.

3. Start saving

If you have money in your savings, you will likely have an easier time finding a new job. Being financially secure gives you the ability to take the time you need to find a new job. This way, you will be less likely to take a job offer that is not ideal for you, simply because you need the money.

4. Give yourself a time frame

Instead of making an abrupt decision to leave your current job, give yourself some time. Prematurely quitting your job could carry too much risk for you.

So set a clear time frame, clearly stating what you want to achieve. This way, you will have a clearer sense of what you are aiming for and what you need to do to get there.  

In the end,

Being stuck in a job you hate is never a good feeling, but sometimes you may need to hold on to that job if you have nothing else lined up. With the ongoing pandemic, the job market in Kenya has become tougher and more competitive than ever. With that in mind, before you say you are done, hold on a little bit longer, apply for other jobs, and only when you are sure you have another job lined up can you quit.

Perminus Wainaina is the C.E.O and Managing Partner at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR & Recruitment consultancy firm based in Westlands.