How many times have you told yourself that you’re quitting your job after your PTO gets denied or you get passed over for a promotion again? And how many times have you trudged back to work after that?
I get it, quitting isn’t easy—especially when you have no backup plan in sight. But is it really crazy to leave without another job lined up? Well, not necessarily!
Yes, it’s a bold move, but sometimes, that is just what you need. Still unconvinced? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you through this life-changing decision.
Pro: Time To Recharge And Refocus
Do you feel like you’re running on fumes and desperately counting down to clocking out? Are weekends too short for you? Do you need more than a two-week vacation to really unwind and recharge?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you could use some time to yourself. And that’s precisely what quitting without an immediate next step gives you: precious time.
You get time to sleep in. Time to remember who you are outside of work. And more importantly, time to really consider the career path you’re on.
Taking a break now gives you the chance to rediscover your passion and energy. Maybe you’ll finally read those career development books on your Kindle. Maybe you’ll find your true calling in a different field.
The mental clarity that time can give you can genuinely be transformative—both personally and professionally.
Con: You May Feel Anxious About Your Financial Situation
Financial uncertainty is often the biggest reason why many people, young and old, stay in jobs they’ve long outgrown. In today’s economy, the prospect of not having any job prospects might be the only thing holding you back from sending that resignation letter you have in your drafts.
Here’s how you can make the leap into unemployment less scary: build an emergency fund. I’d say start saving up the minute you find yourself considering quitting. Aim to have at least six months of living expenses as a buffer. This will keep you afloat, help you sleep better at night, and give you the freedom to find your dream job.
Even better, build a roadmap for the next several months. Having actionable steps laid out can stop you from falling into a funk.
Pro: You Escape A Toxic Workplace
Toxic workplaces are just like toxic relationships. The longer you hold on, the more damage it does. The work experience on your resume rarely pays back on the toll it takes on your mental health.
Conversely, the mental health benefits of leaving a toxic workplace can be immediate and dramatic. Finally, walking away can feel like a breath of fresh air.
You’ll be amazed at how much clearer you can think about your next steps, your career options, and everything else once you get out of a negative environment.
Con: You Miss Your Team Members Who Made The Job Worthwhile
A toxic workplace isn’t always doom and gloom. Oftentimes, the friendships you form in such environments are forged in fire—ones that will stand the test of time.
So, while you might be thrilled to leave a toxic, micromanaging boss behind, I’m sure you’re not as excited to leave the work buddies who brightened up your day.
But guess what? Leaving doesn’t mean going radio silent on them! Your friends will support you through your decision and still meet up with you after you leave.
Schedule coffee dates, set up virtual Netflix movie nights, or meet up for brunch even just once a month. Catching up and maintaining relationships is a valuable foundation for your professional network.
And hearing updates about the workplace you left might be something you need to strengthen your resolve and reinforce that you made the right decision.
Pro: Opportunity For Personal Growth
Since you now have all this time for yourself, use it to enrich your personal life. I’m willing to bet that during your time at your job, you haven’t had time to develop new skills, try out new hobbies, or go out and expand your horizons by traveling.
What is something that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time or energy for? Whether it’s starting a blog or learning a new language, this is your chance to put your personal growth first and invest in yourself without any (or at least not as much) limitations.
Who knows? Maybe that new hobby you pursue can turn into a viable passive income source! Or maybe the people you meet while volunteering can open up new professional connections and opportunities.
Con: Potentially Long Gap In Your Resume
I’ll be honest: there’s no telling how long it can take before you find a new job. But while the gap in your resume can be a potential liability, it doesn’t actually have to stay blank!
Turn this con into a pro by documenting your professional or personal growth. Taking online courses, volunteering for causes you care about, starting a personal project to practice and showcase forgotten skills—all these can go into your resume.
If you use your time between jobs intentionally, you’ll have plenty to put on that blank space. And if interviewers ask you about the career gap, wow them with stories about your proactiveness! The secret is how you frame your gap experience to sound purposeful, valuable, and enriching.
Quitting without a job waiting for you isn’t for everyone. But it might be what you need right now. Yes, it won’t be easy—but most things that are worth it rarely are. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is hit pause, put your mental health first, and reassess your career path.