People of all walks of life leave employment every day for a variety of reasons, and sometimes quitting your job can be the best decision for yourself and your family. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 26 million people in private industries tendered resignations in 2013, and there are some types of jobs that individuals quit more than others.
One of the top reasons many people leave a job is burnout. When you're barely holding on due to overwhelming demands or unreasonable hours, quitting your job is more than a change — it's an escape. Individuals experiencing burnout can actually damage careers by staying in the same place because it's unlikely they are turning in high-quality work and could be alienating supervisors or co-workers due to poor mood or motivation. A similar situation exists when workers struggle under poor management. Abusive or poor leadership may be one of the top reasons for quitting your job, according to industry reports. While you might want to try working through situations before writing a resignation letter, sometimes you're better off seeking a better working environment.
Poor management isn't the only situation that leads to job abandonment. Workers that find themselves in a rut are likely to look to more expansive pastures. While some individuals only desire a stable occupation, others want to climb career ladders. Once you reach the top of the ladder offered by a particular employer, ascending higher may require quitting your job and moving into a larger company. Just be prepared for the cultural changes that occur when you're no longer a top dog, and make sure you are ready to deal with more competition and increased demands on your skills and time.
Surprisingly, money doesn't usually top lists for why people leave employment. In fact, in the current economy, many workers stay put even if paychecks aren't exactly as desired out of fear that leaving a job may result in less pay or the inability to find other work quickly. Still, money matters are essential to life, and if you can get better pay elsewhere for similar work, quitting your job could make good personal accounting sense.
A final common reason people leave jobs is that they figure out they made a career decision that is no longer viable for them. Whether you selected an industry that no longer interests you or your career no longer jibes with your lifestyle, a resignation letter may be in order. Since current employers and co-workers may be able to help you with a career change or future professional needs, make sure you take time to quit your job right, no matter why you are leaving.
Quitting your job isn't always an act of giving up. For many, resignation represents a new beginning or a welcome change. Before taking up a new journey, consider your situation carefully and take professional steps to ensure no bridges are burned in the process.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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