I want to quit my job but I'm scared. What should I do?
Direct answerFear of quitting usually mixes real risks, like income and savings, with uncertainties you can reduce, like not knowing what comes next. Worry about what others will think also weighs in. The first step is to figure out how many months you could cover without a paycheck and what you'd need to have settled before leaving.
How it shows up
You've made up your mind to leave, but every time you think about telling anyone, you freeze. You imagine the worst and keep putting it off.
Most likely root causes
- Real financial riskWithout savings or a next source of income lined up, leaving really could put you in a tough spot.
- No clear next stepYou know what you want to get away from, but not where you're headed.
- Fear of judgmentFamily, coworkers, or your manager might not understand, and that weighs on the decision.
- Loyalty and guiltYou feel like you're abandoning your team or the company.
Quick self-check
- Do you know how many months you could live without a paycheck?
- Do you have a defined next step?
- Have you started looking for another opportunity?
- Do you know your rights for the way you'd be leaving?
If you answered yes to two or more, start with that cause.
First step today
Today, add up your essential monthly expenses and divide your savings by that number to see how many months of runway you have.
30-day plan
- Week 1: calculate your financial runway and write down what needs to be settled before you leave.
- Weeks 2 and 3: start your search or plan your next step while still employed; learn about the rights and deadlines that apply to how you'd leave.
- Week 4: once your criteria are met, prepare the conversation with your manager, propose a transition plan, and give notice respectfully.
When to seek professional help
See a career counselor if you can't define your next step. For questions about notice periods, final pay, and how your departure is classified, talk to an employment lawyer or your union. If your job is hurting your health, see a health professional as well.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I quit without another job lined up?
- It depends on your savings and how much your current job is hurting you. With a financial cushion, it can be a deliberate choice.
- How should I resign?
- In person, telling your manager first, briefly and respectfully, with a proposed transition plan.