I’ve quit at least 4 horrible jobs/contracts without something immediately lined up (that I can think of off the top of my head). And wow every time that was the best decision for me each and every time and I never looked back.
Granted I’ve otherwise had long tenure at jobs and was lucky enough to either find another opportunity right away (in one case quit before hearing back about an interview the previous day, which I did end up getting) or I was financially prepared to be unemployed. As others have said, definitely consider that you’re trading daily misery + salary, health care, stability, stuff to do with your day for no misery + logistical challenges.
But if you are prepared to deal with job searching or just supporting yourself for a bit from your savings while you get on your feet, pls pls pls leave a job that is making you miserable and has no chance of getting any better (burnout is often defined as being in a situation where you have some combination of no upward mobility, continued frustration from the same sources, and endless work all without signs that it’ll get better, so look out for the signs).
Man this rec is giving me the ole itch again (current job is pretty bad in a lot of ways, but not quite “leave immediately” status and I do need a salary + healthcare after a long unemployment period last year 😿).
Mar 15, 2024
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Not exactly the same situation, but I left my old job for a better job and I was really distraught over disappointing my boss. We had a habit of getting lunch together and grew closer professionally, but it was her idealization of loyalty as a virtue and the intensity of the job that made me ruminate and ruminate too much. Looking back, I was too wrapped up in it and I just needed to make the choice that was right for me and not put other people's feeling or the organization first. As important and talented as you may be, your job will survive without you. As scary as unemployment may be, your boss mistreating you is a symptom of organizational failures. If you haven't tried advocating for yourself yet or having a conversation about it, I would do that before quitting or start actively searching for another job first. Action alleviates anxiety. But there's no need to feel bad about wanting better things for yourself.
May 19, 2025
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Tell me why the stress of trying to find employment isn’t even remotely touching the stress I’d felt at that job
Like I knew in the moment that I was really scared and unhappy, but I still didn’t realize exactly how bad it was until I got out of it
Thinking about how I spent THREE years in constant fight or flight (mostly freeze and fawn actually) is astounding. I can’t imagine whatever my next job is, staying there until 2028! I could but not if I’m that miserable again! Never again!!
May 22, 2025
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just because it’s a dead end job, it doesn’t mean you gotta die there 🤔 think of it more as the wrong path in the capitalistic maze called surviving in the usa. even if you have to make a lateral move to another similar dumb job, the change of scenery and personnel can really be refreshing, and if new job sucks you can just quit and do it all over again…
Nov 20, 2023
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May 31, 2025
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We know what’s for dinner this week
Feb 1, 2025
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I probably have to pop that cherry today for work and I’m deeply sad since I’ve gotten this far with never once using it, which is the way things should be.
May 9, 2025