Should I quit my job without another one lined up

YouAsked

Hi,

A few things...

You say you work in finance - do you have sector qualifications? If so, register with specialist agencies to get a feel for what is out there (I work in an industry where it is all but impossible to recruit FDs with knowledge of this industry and they can pretty much name their price) - if you've got an in demand skillset, there WILL be a job out there for you. If it's more generic skills and you've got to where you are through internal promotions, then I do completely understand where you're coming from BUT you've already said you will take pay cut so there will be *something* for you. You may find it useful to look at sectors which are becoming increasingly "professional" but the pay is restrained (school business manager type role is springing to mind as I'm assuming - probably wrongly- that you're financially literate but not necessarily a certified professional?).

Anyway on to the other more personal stuff...regarding when your kids go to school. IN some ways it's easier, in some ways not. The school day is 9.00-3.00 give or take so you'll need warp around care if working full time - the school my kids went to was £11 per day (so still around £200 per month)...plus you'll need to work out what you're doing for holidays and if you're using holiday clubs then this is anywhere from £100 p/w upwards. Even aside from the money, there's other considerations...for example my eldest wanted to join an afterschool athletics club - it was my responsibility to get him from the school premises to the athletics site. I hadn't considered things like that when I diligently sat down and worked out my £s and pick up/drop off rotas. So yes, you will probably have a bit more money when your kids start school, but school trips, lunch money, wrap around care etc all cost money too so don't bank on having exactly the same amount as you spend on nursery fees/child care now as extra cash - it won't work out like that!

Speaking from a purely personal perspective, I would not jump ship without another job lined up - and even then I'd be careful! The job I am in now sometimes overwhelms me despite people repeatedly telling me I'm good at it. I'm the main wage earner and this does bring a certain amount of pressure. However, when my children were small as I earned less than my partner, we took the decsion that I would put my career on hold for a few years and do a very much "just a job" type role. Obviously it didn't pay well and despite my carefully crafted spreadsheet telling me it was manageable, it wasn't. It was horrible. No matter how overwhelmed I sometimes feel now in my current role, that is NOTHING to the sick feeling of dread when an unexpected bill came in - if the car started making a funny noise, if one of the kids' shoes wore through, if a short notice demand for money came home from the school came in. We lived from payday to payday (or more precisely payday to the week before payday). We never went out unless it was something free (and even then we often couldn't afford the petrol/travel money!). It's a miserable, grinding way to live. That was my experience though and you may be better able to deal with it, but I found it truly energy sapping - constantly thinking about every penny. I would never willingly go back to living like that.

I do understand how you feel, I really do. But sometimes people will glibly say "you can't put a price on happiness" but in some ways I am glad I experienced those very lean years as when I am feeling in a "hate my job" mood, it does give me perspective!

Sorry this is so long - and for all of the typos which I can see but can't be bothered to amend!

FBaby

If you didn't have that niggling worry that you might get fired, if some solution was found so you felt more confident in your current role, would that be enough to feel ok?

You say that you don't think you do your job properly and you are not supported enough. Have you had a review of your performance and discuss what training you might need? How long have you done this job? You could possibly be more negative than your boss and a solution could be found without jumping ship?

Scorpio33

YouAsked wrote: »

Hi,

A few things...

You say you work in finance - do you have sector qualifications? If so, register with specialist agencies to get a feel for what is out there (I work in an industry where it is all but impossible to recruit FDs with knowledge of this industry and they can pretty much name their price) - if you've got an in demand skillset, there WILL be a job out there for you. If it's more generic skills and you've got to where you are through internal promotions, then I do completely understand where you're coming from BUT you've already said you will take pay cut so there will be *something* for you. You may find it useful to look at sectors which are becoming increasingly "professional" but the pay is restrained (school business manager type role is springing to mind as I'm assuming - probably wrongly- that you're financially literate but not necessarily a certified professional?).

Anyway on to the other more personal stuff...regarding when your kids go to school. IN some ways it's easier, in some ways not. The school day is 9.00-3.00 give or take so you'll need warp around care if working full time - the school my kids went to was £11 per day (so still around £200 per month)...plus you'll need to work out what you're doing for holidays and if you're using holiday clubs then this is anywhere from £100 p/w upwards. Even aside from the money, there's other considerations...for example my eldest wanted to join an afterschool athletics club - it was my responsibility to get him from the school premises to the athletics site. I hadn't considered things like that when I diligently sat down and worked out my £s and pick up/drop off rotas. So yes, you will probably have a bit more money when your kids start school, but school trips, lunch money, wrap around care etc all cost money too so don't bank on having exactly the same amount as you spend on nursery fees/child care now as extra cash - it won't work out like that!

Speaking from a purely personal perspective, I would not jump ship without another job lined up - and even then I'd be careful! The job I am in now sometimes overwhelms me despite people repeatedly telling me I'm good at it. I'm the main wage earner and this does bring a certain amount of pressure. However, when my children were small as I earned less than my partner, we took the decsion that I would put my career on hold for a few years and do a very much "just a job" type role. Obviously it didn't pay well and despite my carefully crafted spreadsheet telling me it was manageable, it wasn't. It was horrible. No matter how overwhelmed I sometimes feel now in my current role, that is NOTHING to the sick feeling of dread when an unexpected bill came in - if the car started making a funny noise, if one of the kids' shoes wore through, if a short notice demand for money came home from the school came in. We lived from payday to payday (or more precisely payday to the week before payday). We never went out unless it was something free (and even then we often couldn't afford the petrol/travel money!). It's a miserable, grinding way to live. That was my experience though and you may be better able to deal with it, but I found it truly energy sapping - constantly thinking about every penny. I would never willingly go back to living like that.

I do understand how you feel, I really do. But sometimes people will glibly say "you can't put a price on happiness" but in some ways I am glad I experienced those very lean years as when I am feeling in a "hate my job" mood, it does give me perspective!

Sorry this is so long - and for all of the typos which I can see but can't be bothered to amend!

Thanks for this very helpful insight.


Yes, I am an ACCA fellow from a big 4 background. The next level up for me would be FD, but I do not want the stress that goes with being an FD. I want to come home from work and forget about it. In fact before I came here, I turned down a job as they wanted me to be a director within 18 months. I have registered with specialist agencies and there are jobs out there, but it seems all jobs want blood from you - even if I took a step down.
It should be simple - I want a 9-5ish job without the hassle and accept the pay will be lower. The issue is that those jobs are either entry level (and so too low) or they take one look at me and don't give me an interview as I am overqualified and over experienced.


I didn't take account of the fact that when they are at school different expenses come in, but bear in mind we pay £800 a month for childcare at the moment (even with my wife working part time), there will be some cost savings. Yes we have looked at reducing this and yes it is impossible.


I guess I just need to look for a job with slightly lower pay with slightly less responsibilities and hope it works out. Then I can only hope that in the mean time I don't get sacked from my current role.




I do regret my career choices. If I could go back, I would accept an entry level job, not get qualified and accept the lower pay. After all, you never miss what you didn't have.

Scorpio33

FBaby wrote: »

If you didn't have that niggling worry that you might get fired, if some solution was found so you felt more confident in your current role, would that be enough to feel ok?

You say that you don't think you do your job properly and you are not supported enough. Have you had a review of your performance and discuss what training you might need? How long have you done this job? You could possibly be more negative than your boss and a solution could be found without jumping ship?

I have thought about this and the issue stems from the people in the company. I can't change people's personalities and even if a magic wand was waved and all the things I want in my role were granted, it wouldn't change in the long term as people don't have personality transplants.


Its also my failings in that there are some aspects of the job that I am expected to do, but I can't as it is not something I have done before or even want to be involved in. Yes, I could ask for specific training, but then I would be pushed into doing something I have no interest in.

Scorpio33

Doshwaster wrote: »

Of course that's is possible but a it's very pessimistic outlook. Anyone with the talents to get a £50k job in their mid-30s shouldn't have that much difficulty in finding something which suits them. Just be honest with recruiters. There's no shame in admitting to making a wrong turn in your career and making a fresh start. Better that you do something about it now than wait another 5-10 years.

I'd also look at short term contract work where companies need some extra staff for a few months for a specific project. You don't have the long term security but it's a good way to get experience a different environments and the basic pay is often higher (but other benefits such as pension contributions, health insurance, bonuses etc lower or non-existent). Also as a contractor you typically don't get bogged down in internal company politics as you are just there to do a job.

Yes I would love to do that.


I am going to be working for at least another 20 years and do I want to do something I dislike for the next 20 years? Contracting would give me a feel for what else is out there, but that brings risks and is not something I could entertain, being the bread winner to a wife and 2 kids who I adore and want the best for.

YouAsked

Instead of 9-5 have you considered part-time? Three days per week instead to provide more balance? When I have recruited to part time posts, we have known that they are more likely to attract people who for whatever reason are looking for more balance. Might be an option for you, particularly with your background.

FWIW I regret my career choices for the opposite reason - I wish I had a recognised trade/quaification in ANY field as I sometime feel "trapped-by-promotion" if that makes sense?

Scorpio33

YouAsked wrote: »

Instead of 9-5 have you considered part-time? Three days per week instead to provide more balance? When I have recruited to part time posts, we have known that they are more likely to attract people who for whatever reason are looking for more balance. Might be an option for you, particularly with your background.

FWIW I regret my career choices for the opposite reason - I wish I had a recognised trade/quaification in ANY field as I sometime feel "trapped-by-promotion" if that makes sense?

I never thought about part time, and that does seem ideal.


The trick is of course to find the ideal role.


Thank you for all your advice and help

YouAsked

Also, just to be clear...the costs I mentioned for wrap around care/holiday club were per child so I was actually paying double the amounts quoted...

27cool

This may sound a bit trite. But, better the devil you know, than one where you have no idea if it will be better elsewhere.
If it was me I would be actively looking for a new job while putting up with the old one as best I could.

missbiggles1

Doshwaster wrote: »

Of course that's is possible but a it's very pessimistic outlook. Anyone with the talents to get a £50k job in their mid-30s shouldn't have that much difficulty in finding something which suits them. Just be honest with recruiters. There's no shame in admitting to making a wrong turn in your career and making a fresh start. Better that you do something about it now than wait another 5-10 years.

I'd also look at short term contract work where companies need some extra staff for a few months for a specific project. You don't have the long term security but it's a good way to get experience a different environments and the basic pay is often higher (but other benefits such as pension contributions, health insurance, bonuses etc lower or non-existent). Also as a contractor you typically don't get bogged down in internal company politics as you are just there to do a job.

If it's going to be that easy (and I hope you're right), then why not apply now whilst still working? If the OP can't get a suitable job while s/he's working, it isn't going to get any easier after a period of unemployment!