We make thousands of decisions in our lifetime, but none is probably more difficult than the decision of whether to keep a job or not. It’s not easy, simply because our lives and the future of our loved ones depend on it. And even if the time comes that a change seems necessary, we can’t make the decision of leaving immediately, and that for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that most of us fear the unknown, which in this case is the unknowns of unemployment. To ensure that you are prepared for what’s going to come the moment you leave your current job, ask yourself the following questions.
Is It Going to Be Greener on the Other Side?
One of the most common things professional think or say when they begin contemplating on leaving their jobs is that it is going to be greener on the other side. They assume that they will be in a much better situation if they change careers. Is it really going to be greener on the other side? Will your next company offer you more benefits? Are you sure you will be offered a much higher salary? Will the new working environment be favorable to you? If you are a hundred percent sure that the answer to these questions is ‘Yes’, then go ahead and pursue a career change.
Will Quitting Your Current Job Allow You to Finally Pursue Your Passion?
Are you working on your current job right now simply because you need the money? If you’re going to quit, will your next job opportunity allow you to do what you love doing the most and get paid well for doing it? In life, it is our passion that fuels us to wake up each morning and do what we do. If you believe that quitting your current job will give you the opportunity to pursue your passion and finally fulfill your calling, go and follow your heart.
Are You Sure You Are Not Making a Thoughtless Decision?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are making a good decision, when in reality, our decision is purely driven by emotion. Frustrations are part of life and are definitely part of being a working professional. If your decision to quit your job is based on the fact that you are frustrated with your boss, you might want to wait for the feeling to pass, because it most certainly will. If, after a few weeks, you still feel that you don’t want to stay anymore, that’s the time to take the issue more seriously. Just make sure you are not making an impulsive and thoughtless decision, especially if you know that have a tendency to it.
How Long Will It Take You To Find Another Job?
Unless you have already saved enough money to last you a year, and unless you already have a job waiting for you, it wouldn’t make sense to quit your job right now. You need to map out fixed expenses first before making a decision. Remember that you still need to spend money on food, transportation, or mortgage and loan payments if applicable. Factor in possible expenses as well such as hospitalization, vehicle repair, home maintenance, etc.
What Do Your Loved Ones Say About It?
Another thing you should consider before quitting your job is what your loved ones would think and feel about your decision. This is very crucial, especially if you are married with kids. Your spouse is your partner in life, which means you can’t just make a decision without getting his or her approval first. Many divorce cases are a result of poor communication between husband and wife, and you are going to put your marriage in jeopardy if you are going to make a life-altering decision without consulting your partner. Think about your kids as well. If you quit your job right now, will you have enough savings to still send them to school and provide for their daily needs?
Is Your Heart at Peace with the Decision You Are Contemplating On?
Perhaps one of the most important question you should ask yourself before quitting your job is whether your heart is at peace with your decision. It may sound cheesy and impractical, but if you don’t sense any kind of peace in the process of making your decision to quit, you might want to wait a little bit longer. You may all it conscience, spirit, soul, intuition, or whatever, but in every decision that you make, whether big or small, there is a still small voice inside of you confirming whether you are making the right decision or not.
The decision to quit a job is never a small one, but one that should be taken seriously. Before you make the final verdict, see to it that you have thought about it seventy times, and that you have considered every possible factor that would affect your decision.
Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After