Leaving An Imperfect Job Before Finding Another: Throwing Yourself On The Fire

If the title of this post makes your ankles sweat, you may just be the target of the message.  If not, you may be one to think a few of the following phrases:

“What?  Are you nuts?  Grow up!”

“In this economy?  No.”

“That is just plain irresponsible.”

And to those of you, I would say that your voice is very important.  Because someone who is thinking of leaving their job needs to hear all of those voices.

Know that I have never done this but I’ve spoken to a few online who have.  And it is the scariest, most exciting thing.  All at the same time.

If you are in a job that you hate.  If you desperately desire to follow another path.  Or a mix of both.

Even if you can stomach your job but have dreams of finding something better, take a few minutes to soak this idea in and let the possibilities get absorbed in your bloodstream.

This is a three-part post:

Part One – You are reading this one today.  The introduction.

Part Two is an examination of the idea.  The psychology behind it.  The motivators and the fears.  Look for part two on Sunday morning.

Part Three is about how to do it.  How to prepare.  How to talk to your friends and family.  How to tell your boss.  Look for part three on Tuesday morning.

If you are not a regular reader, this would be a great time to bookmark this blog, get the RSS feed or sign up for the e-mail updates (see right sidebar, at top).  This way you won’t miss the rest.

Is this relevant to current job seekers?

I think so.  Because during job search, you have a unique opportunity.  Having already left a job (your choice or someone else’s), you may be thinking about your ideal career.  And it may be different than the one you just left.  So it may provoke you to really think through your next job offer.  Is this really the one for me or am I just solving a financial problem by accepting it?

If your job search is taking 3-6 months, that is a wonderful time to investigate some new career paths.  Many of you are already doing that.

But I also want this blog to be relevant to passive job seekers who are still working and looking for other reasons. So if you know any of those folks, please send them the link.

I hope this series provokes you. And I hope you get a few ideas. If you are thinking about leaving your job, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.  And make sure you have a plan (having shared it with anyone in your life who needs to “get on board”).

Yes, if quitting is on your mind, do me a favor and wait.  Read all three posts in this series.  Think in detail about why.  Talk to everyone you trust about your motivations and your fears.

Because there is a permanence here, right?

Once you act, it will always be part of your history.  Like it or not . . .

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 – The Psychology Of Quitting: Throwing Yourself On The Fire (Part 2)

CLICK HERE FOR PART 3 – How To Quit Your Job: Throwing Yourself On The Fire (Part 3)

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