What to Do When You Want to Quit Your Job

Feeling the urge to quit your job is a big deal, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. Whether it’s due to burnout, lack of growth, or a toxic environment, knowing how to handle this phase with care can make all the difference for your career and well-being.

Here are some steps to consider when you’re ready to move on but want to do it with intention and grace.

Reflect on Why You Want to Quit

Before making any hasty decisions, spend some time reflecting on *why* you feel the need to quit.

Is it the company culture?

Your workload?

A bad boss?

A lack of opportunity or growth?

Identifying the root cause is key, as it can help you determine whether leaving is the best option or if there might be other solutions, like switching teams, roles, or projects.

You do NOT want to leave a great workplace without a conversation (or three) about possibilities if you stay.

I’ve been there myself. You’re thinking ‘there’s more out there‘ but the truth is, there might not be. A great workplace with a solid team and excellent management is really REALLY hard to come by. I know that when I was starting out in community services and counselling work, I definitely underestimated how amazing a brilliant manager is.

Real talk: I’ve had three truly great managers. Out of 40+ managers across various organisations and teams. And only one was next-level supportive, had the power to make things happen, and forward-thinking. One. In over 20 years of working for other people.

So if you like everything about your workplace except, well, the work then don’t just walk out the door. Chances are that you’re valuable to your workplace, and opportunities could be made available.

It’s not uncommon for imposter syndrome to rear it’s ugly head (and if it’s bursting the thermometer, I can help you get over it). Don’t let fear get in your way and don’t assume you’re just a cog in the wheel. Talk, as openly as you can, about what’s working and what isn’t.

Sometimes, a conversation with your manager can resolve issues, open doors, and reignite your passion for the job. Give your boss plenty of notice that you’re concerned about lack of growth (or any other issues you might be having), and see if something can be done so you can stay right where you are.

Take Stock of Your Professional Goals

Ask yourself where you want your career to go. Quitting might feel like a way out of a frustrating situation, but it should also align with your long-term goals. If you don’t have a clear picture of your next steps, take some time to assess what you truly want.

Is there a new industry you’re interested in?

Do you want to start your own business?

Would further education help you transition smoothly?

Taking stock of your professional goals not only clarifies your next move but helps ensure that quitting your current job is a step forward and not just an escape. You might also want to talk to an online personal coach like me, or a careers counsellor.

Prepare Financially

Money isn’t everything, but it’s important to consider your financial position when thinking about leaving a job. If you’re not stepping into a new role immediately, having a savings cushion can give you the freedom to explore your next steps without the pressure of finding a job fast.

Ideally, having at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved up can offer peace of mind during the transition.

If you’re planning to freelance or start a business, set aside even more since income in the early stages can be unpredictable. When I was first learning how to run my own business, I attended a Government-funded introduction session. The first thing the instructor asked us was this: how long do you think it takes to build a sustainable, financially viable business? Most people said 3-6 months.

The shocking answer was actually ‘2-5 years’. Yup. Scary. But true for most small businesses I know. Most small businesses fail because people don’t prepare for the amount of time it takes to build a really good one.

So if you’re considering what to do when you want to quit your job, and you need to study or you’re planning to start a business, you might do well to ask about part-time options. Or look for part-time roles that aren’t so demanding BEFORE you quit your current job.

Sharpen Your Skills

Even if you feel stuck in your current role, think about how you can use this time to sharpen or update your skills and gain more experience. It’s much easier to job hunt when you’re up-to-date on industry trends and have some fresh accomplishments under your belt.

Take on new projects that could help build your portfolio or learn new tools that will be beneficial for your next role. Of course, many online platforms offer free or affordable courses that can add valuable skills to your resume. It’s important to consider what you need to know as part of planning for what to do when you want to quit your job.

Ask to be first in line to fill-in if your manager is going away for a few days. Most workplaces prefer you to have experience and not just education/training, so think outside the box on what you might be able to do within your current role.

If your job offers training or educational benefits, take advantage of those resources while you’re still there. You can use these to your benefit before leaving for your next venture. Even if it seems unrelated, you might be surprised what a new workplace looks favourably upon.

Need to update your First Aid certificate? Get it done. Forgotten how to use Excel properly? Get it done. Need a flu shot? You know what to do.

Build Your Professional Network

It’s easy to fall out of touch with your network when you’re stuck in a job you don’t love. However, this is the perfect time to start reconnecting with former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Attend industry events, update your LinkedIn profile, and engage with professional groups.

Don’t know what to do when you want to quit your job? Tell everyone you know and everyone you don’t (yet) that you’re branching out, because someone may have something to offer you haven’t even thought of yet. Be interested in work and businesses that are outside of your ‘normal’. Form connections with different people. Ask if you can tail someone at work for a day.

I once took a role as a receptionist so that when the role I really wanted came up (which I was qualified for but had little experience) I had a foot in the door. I got that role because they knew me by then, and had seen me deal with difficult situations.

It really is true that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Your resume might look like 50 others, but YOU don’t. You’re YOU and that’s special, but only if someone knows you well enough to give you a chance.

A strong network can be a valuable asset, especially if you’re looking for new opportunities or need advice during your transition. Your connections can offer insights into job openings, career trends, or even provide emotional support during this potentially stressful time.

Handle Your Exit Gracefully

Once you’ve made the decision to quit, it’s important to handle your departure with professionalism. Give proper notice (usually two weeks, unless company policy dictates otherwise) and help with the transition.

If possible, offer to train your replacement or provide documentation to ensure a smooth handover. This leaves a positive impression and keeps the door open should you ever need a reference or want to return in the future. Don’t go overboard though. Let it go. The amount of times I handed over meticulous, detailed information about programs I was involved in running, to organisations who didn’t give a shit, is too embarrassing to mention. One organisation never even replaced me, letting the whole system collapse (despite the fact they were receiving funding to provide a service).

Once you leave, the sad fact is that some workplaces will let everything you built turn to dust, and you’re not in control of that. It’s disappointing, but let’s be honest: some (many) companies and Government bodies are badly run.

If it feels important for you to leave a legacy, consider where else you might leave one (or have already left one). What about that client whose life you kinda sorta changed by helping them? What about your family, who you’re giving more time to? You’re leaving for a reason, and whatever that reason is, it’s more meaningful than working yourself into a breakdown, making endless handover documents that no one is going to read. Or worse: staying in a job that is sucking your soul and making you hate your life.

Stay positive during your final days, even if you’ve had a tough time. Complaining or burning bridges can come back to haunt you in the future. A graceful exit ensures that your reputation remains intact, and it can also give you closure as you move on to the next chapter.

Plan for Your Next Move

When you’re ready to quit your job, make sure you’ve taken concrete steps toward your next career move. This could be applying for new roles, setting up interviews, or even launching your own business.

Having a plan in place makes the transition smoother and keeps you focused on your future, rather than being stuck in the discomfort of the present.

Don’t know what to do when you want to quit your job? Don’t write-off seemingly ‘crazy’ plans either. So you hate your job but you need the money to keep living in Australia (or the USA/Sweden/UK/Singapore etc…). Are you just trapped in the rat race? It’s ok to let yourself dream.

What else is out there? Do I have enough savings to live in Yogyakarta for 6 months while I figure out my next move? Can I go digital nomad for awhile? Is there someone I could live with where I don’t have to pay rent for a bit? Can I become a house sitter? (answer: yes. Especially if you’re a mature single woman- the house sitters of choice for many home and pet owners). Have I written-off share-housing when actually it could be a really good choice for me (no matter what age I am)? Could my whole family up sticks and go somewhere cheaper?

I know people who have done ALL of the above, and more.

Whole families who went to live in Thailand or Cambodia for awhile to work less and spend more time together, or with a newborn baby. Folks who found they were able to work online, or jumped on Airtasker, bringing in enough to sustain them while they focus on family or a career change. People who saved up and took a year sabbatical to do something creative. Couples who sold their homes, or couples who bought one on a budget. Someone who reluctantly moved into a share-house and met her best friend. Divorced parents who moved to a cheaper place (with new partners and one set of grandparents).

Planning can mean ANYTHING. If you’re privileged enough to make choices, then try to consider the huge variety that could work for you.

Not sure what to do when you want to quit your job?

Quitting your job can be daunting, but when done with intention and preparation, it can lead to exciting new opportunities. Reflect on your reasons, sharpen your skills, build a financial cushion, and make sure you leave on good terms. With thoughtful planning, you can confidently take the next step toward a fulfilling career. Taking these steps ensures that your decision to quit isn’t just about leaving your current situation but moving toward a brighter, more aligned future.

If you’re ready to love yourself just a little bit more, gaining confidence step-by-step in just 10 weeks, then you might like to buy my very affordable ebook ‘Bolder’ (FYI: affordability does not mean compromising on unique, rich, helpful content). Available on kindle here and all other retailers here.

Want more about quitting your job? Read on here.

Looking for someone to (gently) kick your butt into action? Whether that’s addressing imposter syndrome, finding a ‘self’ you can feel confident in, or gaining insight into what’s holding you back and how to break free, I can help you. I’ve been a community worker and counsellor for over 20 years, I’ve had SO MANY JOBS.

I’ve been running this here small online business ‘Unveiled Stories‘ since 2015 and live in South East Asia with my partner. As well as relationship coaching and counselling, I offer personal coaching and also business coaching to folks in need of making their own big life changes. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re curious or just dive in and book an appointment directly.

If you’re not ready for that, jump onto my list! You’ll be first to receive the latest blog updates as well as my monthly newsletter, which is awesome (if I do say so myself), chockfull of exclusive personal questions and reflections, Pop Prescriptions (books n stuff to cure what ails emotionally and other yummy things. You will also get my FREE workbook ‘Re-authoring a Problem Story: Free Yourself in 7 steps’.

Main image by Retha Ferguson, 2nd image by Nick Martinez, 3rd image by Kindel Media