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How do you know that you want to quit your job?
Can you quit your job without notice?
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How do you know that you want to quit your job?
Can you quit your job without notice?
You aren’t meant to stay in one job forever. Your growth’s too valuable for that, and you can’t improve your skills from your comfort zone.
And most people don’t. Americans typically last about four years in one job before they quit.
You might’ve hit that four-year mark, or you might’ve only made it a month. Either way, you’ve probably realized this isn’t your forever job. Overwhelming work anxiety or your desire for a better work-life balance could lead to a little voice in your head asking, "Can I just quit my job today?"
So many Americans have asked the same question — and followed through on it — that the movement now has a name. Nearly 50 million people took part in the Great Resignation in 2021 alone.
Whatever your reason, we're here to help you look out for your family, career, mental health, and well-being — and quit your job without burning bridges.
Quitting your job isn’t something you decide to do overnight. The feeling that you need to leave likely spent months growing thanks to overworking, a lack of respect, or frustrations with team members. It takes a deep understanding of your career goals and current well-being to realize if quitting your job is the best option for you.
But that’s not easy to do. You might feel lost and unsure of how to know when it’s time to quit your job. Change is scary, and once you make this choice, you can’t go back.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to decide if you actually want to quit your job:
Take the time to reflect on some of these questions to see what you’re really feeling. There’s a chance that you love your job, but imposter syndrome is wearing down your confidence. Stressors in your personal life might be spilling into your work-life and adding new frustrations.
Whatever the cause, take some time to decide if this is what you actually want.
We all know that giving two weeks’ notice about leaving a job is customary — but do you have to give two weeks' notice before quitting? The short answer is no — there’s no law preventing you from walking out today.
We wouldn’t recommend it, as you might burn some bridges with your colleagues and boss. Your projects might all fall to your already overworked team members, and your boss might need to scramble to find your replacement with no notice.
And legally speaking, what happens to your last paycheck if you abruptly walk out the door?
Your employer still has to pay you for work you’ve done. It’s claiming any other owed wages that exist in a grey area. Here are some things to keep in mind:
The law may be on your side here, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be fallout when you quit without notice. Your coworkers will probably understand that you’ve reached your breaking point. But they may resent you for putting more work on their plates if your team was already understaffed or overworked.
You probably won’t be eligible for rehire at the company, and your soon-to-be ex-boss might be unlikely to offer a glowing reference, depending on how you leave.
But if you feel that you don’t have a choice or that quitting is the best option for you, there’s likely a way to leave on good terms.
And there are legitimate reasons to leave without notice. You should always value your health and safety over a job. Work is just that — work. Prioritizing your wellness is something your future self will always thank you for.
Here are nine reasons why you might quit your job without notice:
Inappropriate, non-consensual touch is one example of sexual harassment — but it’s not the only one. Suggestive notes, lewd comments, and inappropriate gestures all fall under the sexual harassment umbrella. If management and HR don’t have your back, you have every reason to leave.
Your office may be an uncomfortable or unsafe place to work. Don’t undersell the importance of emotional comfort. Toxic work environments arise everywhere, even for remote work. If you can't carry out your responsibilities, don’t ponder how long you should stay at your job. Prioritize your safety.
It doesn't matter if you’ve held your position for a day or a decade — abuse is never acceptable. Whether the abuse is physical or verbal, report it. If the abuse continues or you still feel unsafe, it’s a clear sign that you should quit your job. Many employers value safety. Don’t work for one that doesn’t.
You might’ve noticed a trend — coworkers turn in their two weeks’ notice only to be sent packing the same day. Worse, your boss might grow aggressive and confrontational. Retribution comes in all shapes and sizes.
If the situation has the potential to turn emotionally unsafe or volatile, have a backup plan should you be asked to leave immediately or at risk of being belittled for your remaining days.
Workplace stress builds and builds until it threatens to take over. American employees are some of the most stressed in the world — and the impacts of chronic stress on physical and mental health are massive. If your employer brushes off requests for help and support, that's a big red flag and a completely valid reason to walk away.
Purposeful, meaningful work is great. But you’re there to make money. If your employer withholds your pay or doesn’t give you the agreed-upon compensation, it’s time to take action. When your efforts to rectify the situation hit a wall, move on and find someone who respects your time — and your employment contract.
Values matter. You should never feel obligated to carry out a task that goes against your ethics — and you shouldn’t put up with other people behaving badly. Do you value diversity and inclusion but witness workplace discrimination? Report it. If it becomes clear your current job doesn’t value ethics, fairness, and inclusivity as you do, it's time to leave.
You can’t control unexpected crises. But you can choose how you show up for your loved ones. Maybe someone you love has a critical or terminal illness, and you need to care for them or say goodbye. That’s time you can’t get back, so don’t feel guilty if you need to prioritize family over your career.
When an accident or illness makes it physically impossible to do your job, you have no choice but to quit or take leave. Reasonable employers will understand that you need time to heal.
You’re on the verge of walking away, but another little voice creeps in: "I'm scared to quit my job right now." That’s completely normal — giving up a job isn’t easy for most people.
Quitting your job without a plan is especially daunting. But you can be sure you’re making the right decision by following a few steps before telling your boss you're quitting:
Quitting without notice can and should be done professionally. Just because you aren't giving two weeks' notice doesn't mean you can't leave on good terms.
Professionalism and kindness go a long way. Unless you’re escaping a toxic or unsafe workplace, be sincere and respectful of other people's emotions.
Keep these tips in mind when delivering the news:
If you’re still asking, "Can I just quit my job?" know that the decision is ultimately up to you. Don’t feel pressured to stay at a job that makes you feel unsafe, disrespected, or just plain miserable.
Now you know how to quit a job without notice. And you know that it’s possible to do it respectfully and professionally. Leaving on good terms goes a long way and keeps your network strong.
The job you’re leaving wasn’t meant to last forever. The next one probably won’t be, either. What’s most important is that you find a balance between your career development and well-being. And that means knowing when it’s time to walk away.
Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.
Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.
Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships.
With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.
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