There are millions of people around the world who feel trapped in their current job. They feel ready to quit their job, but there is one driving force preventing them from doing so: Fear! For some, it is the fear of going into the unknown; this is especially the case if you have worked in one place for a long time. The other fear is not finding a better job.
Keep this in mind before quitting your job
The unemployment rate in Trinidad and Tobago was 4.4 percent in late 2016; not far above the record low rate of 3.1 percent in 2010 and a long way from the dark days of 1993 when it was an incredible 21.1 percent.
There is a myriad of reasons for wanting to quit your current job. Perhaps you simply don’t like it, fancy a career change, intend to go back to school or else you want a career break. Whatever the reason, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about the process of resigning! Here are 6 things to consider when resigning from your job in Trinidad and Tobago.
1 – PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
Even though you’re leaving, you need to stay on good terms with everyone because you never know when you’ll need their help regarding a recommendation or referral. As a result, rein in your desire to leave in dramatic fashion. Up to 90 percent of jobs are filled due to employee referrals according to the Wall Street Journal. Make sure you inform your colleagues of your decision once you have your manager’s permission. Keeping on good terms can help you in terms of networking later down the line.
No matter what you think of your boss, always show gratitude for the opportunity to work at the company. Remember, having a manager’s reference always comes in handy. In rare cases, you could end up with a new company only for your old boss to join! People have long memories when it comes to getting slighted so never burn your bridges, no matter how tempting it is.
2 – WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION LIKE?
The stark reality is that a lot of people stay in a job they dislike purely for financial reasons. Unless you’ve already received a firm offer from another company, assess the risk/benefit ratio of resigning and ask yourself the following questions:
• Realistically, how long do you think it will take to get another job?
• If you are entitled to unemployment benefits, how much will you receive?
• If you will not receive any severance package, what does your savings account look like? Do you really have enough to survive a 5-6 month job search?
• Are there plenty of employment opportunities in your field?
The last thing you want to do is return to work in a job you hate because you can’t pay the rent.
3 – BE READY FOR A COUNTER OFFER
Is the reason you’re leaving purely financial? If so, consider asking for a raise before quitting. In some cases, if the company sees you as a valued employee, you may receive a counteroffer designed to persuade you to stay. How would you handle a counter offer? Consider the reasons why you’re leaving. If the offer contains the solution to these problems, will you stay? On the flipside, don’t jump on a better financial offer if your core reasons for leaving remain the same. The larger paycheck is welcome, but it won’t make you any less unhappy in the medium to long-term.
4 – DO YOU HAVE AN ACTION PLAN FOR LEAVING?
Again, this is making the assumption that you don’t already have a job lined up. If you want to leave, it means you’re unhappy with where you are right now. Your goal is to get you from there to where you want to go. Having a plan will probably alleviate some of the stress you have from deciding to quit. Clearly, an action plan varies from person to person. For example, you might decide to take a professional development class or enroll in your local community college.
If you’re anxious to switch careers, consider accepting a part-time job or a volunteer role in a new field to get experience and contacts for networking. Become more active on professional social media networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook or easily search for your dream job here. Update your resume and get ready to wow employers in Trinidad and Tobago.
5 – HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO ANYONE ABOUT YOUR DECISION?
First of all, take a step back and analyze the problem with your job. Are you underpaid? Do you hate your colleagues or manager? Is the job unfulfilling with no prospects? Is there anything you could change to make things better without having to quit?
If not, take the time to discuss your feelings with someone; just make sure it isn’t someone from the company! A trusted friend or family member is a good option. This individual should know you extremely well and be in a position to offer some workplace advice. You don’t need a ‘yes’ man; you need someone capable of allowing you to see the bigger picture. If they believe that quitting your job is a mistake, they should have the courage to tell you.
6 – TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
If you’re keen to quit your job because you’re unhappy at work, it’s likely that you have been angry, stressed out and miserable for a while. You’re probably unaware whether it is harder to summon the desire to ‘stick it out’ or the strength to do what it takes to move on. Now is a good time to experiment with relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or exercise.
If you have issues with relationships in the workplace, read up on ways to improve your team building skills, handling conflicts and dealing with difficult colleagues. Don’t be afraid to speak to your company’s HR department to find out the options available to you.
Leave on good terms.
If leaving your job is an inevitability, aim to achieve the best possible outcome. Handle the basics such as organizing your files and handing over your duties first. Then you will have the chance to mentally process the decision and formulate a plan. Most companies in Trinidad and Tobago have a notice period so use the time to tie up loose ends, say your goodbyes to colleagues and leave on good terms with everyone.
