Starting a new job is an exciting experience, but sometimes, it may fall well below your expectations, and you may be considering leaving the position soon after. You may be wondering if it’s even possible to quit a job just after starting. The short answer is yes, but there are several things to ponder before making the final decision.
There could be many reasons why you feel like quitting a job you just started. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons:
A Toxic Work Environment
A toxic work environment is a workplace culture that makes employees feel uncomfortable due to reasons such as poor communication, lack of boundaries, unreasonable workloads, and bullying or antagonistic behavior. Early on in the job, if you realize that the work environment is not what you hoped for, you may feel the need to leave. Working in a toxic environment with an unhealthy work-life balance will damage not just your career but your mental health, too. If you have tried talking to your manager about it and nothing seems to work, quitting the job might be the best call.
Better Offer Elsewhere
If a company approaches you with an offer you cannot refuse, it’s worth taking it even if you must quit a job you just started. It may be uncomfortable to leave right away, but this move could be pivotal for your career development. But, do so with caution, only if you are satisfied with the reputation of your new company (to ensure they don’t pull the rug out from under you in the last minute) and only if you intend to stay on for at least a few years.
Does Not Align With Your Expectations
Suppose you realize that your responsibilities in the job are vastly different from the job description or how your employer initially described it. In that case, it can affect your experience as an employee. You may not feel satisfied with your work or feel pressured to upskill rapidly if the job requires expertise outside your purview. Furthermore, if the culture in the organization is not friendly, flexible, or accepting of diversity, you will find more peace in quitting the job than staying in it.
Personal Reasons
Health emergencies or family issues can happen when you least expect them, and the worst possible time to tackle them is when you have just started a new job. If your problems are weighing heavily on your mind, you cannot give your job 100%. You will experience mental breakdowns and try to overcompensate for your lack of productivity on the job by working long hours. If the issues you are dealing with are long-term, then it would be better to prioritize your mental health and take a career break.
For whatever reason you choose to do it, terminating a new role is far from easy. Most people feel compelled to remain in the job for fear of damaging their professional relationships. Yes, your employer will likely be disappointed that you want to quit so quickly, but if you handle this situation well, it doesn’t have to be a bitter parting. But you have to be sure it’s the right thing to do.
Things to Consider Before You Quit and How It Can Affect Your Life
It Can Damage Your Reputation
Even if your reason for quitting is valid, leaving a job right after starting can seem unprofessional. Your employer would have invested a lot of time in the application and onboarding process, and when you quit, they could be deeply disappointed. During the exit interview, explain why you want to leave and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience it has caused them.
You Could Suffer Financial Setbacks
Quitting a job will certainly jeopardize your financial security. Hunting for a new job may take far longer than expected, or your new offer could fall through at the last second. So, you must ensure you’ve got a backup plan before quitting, such as other streams of income and an emergency fund to support you. Also, don’t quit your job without ensuring you have a new job waiting for you!
You Could End Up Overburdening Others
Your absence from the company could burden your coworkers and put pressure on essential deliverables. If you know that the company does not have the resources to fill your position quickly, giving more than two weeks’ notice is important to allow them to prepare for your departure. It would be best if you were willing to help with the transition.
How To Quit Your New Job Without Burning Any Professional Bridges In The Process?
Prepare Well For Your Exit
Make sure that you are financially secure before you quit your job. The last thing you want to do is make things more complicated by not managing your money correctly. This is why it’s best to secure a new job before you quit your present one.
Communicate With The Right People
It is very important to maintain honesty and transparency regarding your intentions for leaving. Be exceptionally professional and discuss your willingness to help in the transition. This could be by transferring your knowledge and giving you enough time to find a replacement. At all times, be respectful and cordial in your interactions.
Be Courteous
Express gratitude for your experience in the company and ensure that the door is open for future opportunities. Help ensure a smooth transition by completing any pending work and even offering to take on extra tasks, such as training your replacement.
Maintain Professional Ties
Even after you have quit, maintain a professional network on LinkedIn and similar platforms by connecting with former colleagues. At the same time, avoid any remarks that can jeopardize the company’s brand or reputation, even if you had a sour experience with them.
Bottom Line
Quitting a job you just started is not easy in any way. You will undoubtedly experience feelings of guilt or regret. But if you genuinely need to resign, it’s your call, and the decision is yours alone. Just ensure that you handle the situation in a manner that is thoughtful and respectful.
