Quitting one job for another? Here’s one Charlotte career coach’s advice
The so-called Great Resignation has been good news for Charlotte-area job seekers — Cassandra Whitlow has seen it firsthand.
“I think employers fail to realize that if they don’t focus on employee satisfaction, they’re going to lose them in this climate,” said Whitlow, a Concord-based recruiter and career coach who’s worked in the field for more than two decades. “All of these perks and benefits — people are leaving because they’re getting it from other companies.”
It’s a job candidate’s market, she said, and many workers are demanding more from their current companies in terms of pay, benefits and other perks. Those who do leave their current roles are often receiving multiple, competitive offers from other employers, she said.
“In this climate, if your manager shows up in purple socks you can say, ‘I’m out,’ ’’ Whitlow joked.
That might be tempting for workers who have thought of leaving their current role in search of a promotion, a pay raise or even just a change of pace.
But there are a number of things that Whitlow advises her clients to consider before jumping ship. Here’s her advice on when and how to quit.
When is a good time to leave your job?
There are several things to look for that may mean it’s time to think of leaving your current job, Whitlow said.
“I tell people all the time, assess where you are in every bucket, when it comes to your job,” she said.
Hitting the ceiling of advancement opportunities at your current employer is one of the most compelling reasons to think of leaving your current role for another one, Whitlow said.
“The No. 1 reason why people are leaving their jobs is for promotions,” she said. “People aren’t getting promoted … and they see there’s 40 other positions out there with the job title (they) want next.”
Whitlow’s clients also often cite their employer’s work culture and environment when looking to leave their current role. She’s had many clients list diversity and inclusion as a factor — when those folks seek out new companies that better align with their values, they often feel more satisfied and engaged in their work.
A toxic work environment is a sure sign that it’s time to start looking elsewhere, Whitlow said, and make a change if possible. Though every job has a downside, she said, there’s a difference between a challenge to work through and a situation that is actively harming your physical, mental or emotional well-being.
“Mental health is critical to how you show up at work,” she said. “If that’s being disrupted, then there should be no staying there.”
What are signs that it’s a bad time to quit your job?
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding to leave or stay in your current job is, of course, your financial situation. Whitlow advises her clients that if they’re not prepared to lose their main stream of income for a couple weeks or months, they might want to think twice about quitting or come up with a financial plan.
She also warned against using a job switch to avoid conflict at your current role. It’s often worth it to try and address any complaints or concerns in your current job first, Whitlow said — she suggests advocating for yourself before looking elsewhere.
For example, some employees might be looking for higher pay. “But if you never talk to your boss about getting more money, then you shouldn’t just leave when you haven’t had that conversation,” she said.
Whitlow said it’s important to remember that a switch into a new job will also often require a time- and energy-consuming adjustment.
If you’re in a phase of life that might make that more difficult — say, you have extra family commitments or another serious life change demanding your attention — it might not be the best time to pile on a huge change at work, Whitlow said.
“You’re going to be in ‘prove me’ mode (in a new job),” she said. “That takes energy and everything that you may need for your evening or your other life commitments.”
If you’ve decided to leave your current job, what’s the best way to quit?
The biggest mistake employees make when quitting, Whitlow said, is mentally checking out of their current job after putting in their two-weeks’ notice.
At the very least, it’s best to stay present and engaged, she said. It’s always ideal to maintain a positive relationship with soon-to-be former bosses and colleagues as well, she said: “You never know when you might have to come back.”
Work is far from the only part of one’s life, Whitlow said, but it’s important to find a job that fits yours. If your current role isn’t measuring up, it might be worth the risk of making the switch.
“Our jobs are not an end-all be-all, but there’s a way you want to feel at work,” she said. “Know your worth as an employee and a person, and don’t settle.”
