So, finally, you are leaving a job where you have worked hard for many years but still don’t feel valued enough. You had to fight for your rights, salary, benefits, and views. You are fed up with the toxic work culture and want to change it quickly!
Now you have returned home and started applying for jobs. Ting! You received your first offer letter and accepted it immediately because you were angry and wanted to leave the job ASAP.
It’s been only a month, and you have realised this job is not your best fit. There’s so much drama, your boss seems too bossy, and there are talks about downsizing the company!
Not again! So, what’s next? Job change, again? Is it right to change jobs too early? Let’s find out.
Common Reasons for Leaving a Job
1. Realising It’s Not a Good Fit
One should be able to realise whether or not you want to stay in a job within the three months of joining. Joining a job and quickly realising it wasn’t the right fit is actually better than realising it later. Remember, if you are not enjoying the work environment, that’s because maybe it’s time to go.
There’s no harm in realising that a job is not a good fit after 4 months. If you know you cannot thrive there for the long term, deciding to leave the job sooner than later is a great move. It helps the company find someone better fit for the role. Also, it facilitates companies to save additional time, resources, and funds on training you. Because what’s the point of staying in a job for a year or so even after you want to?
2. Company is Going Through Major Changes
Many professionals start experiencing downsizing right after joining the company. So, if you start hearing about budget cuts, downsizing, or financial cuts, it may be time to start looking for a new role.
When it’s about your career, it is best to look for financial well-being. Don’t feel bad or guilty for leaving for more stability. After all, financial stability is crucial for a sustainable life.
3. You Got a Better Job Offer
While searching for a job, you may attend multiple job interviews, and every company has different hiring timelines. It is not a surprise that you don’t get the offer when you really need it. Some companies offer you a job in one or two weeks, while others may take 1 to 4 months. If you are in dire need of a job or to avoid a career gap, you sometimes end up accepting a job offer from a company that you later feel was not a good fit for you.
Now that it’s been four months working for the company, and suddenly you get the offer letter from a company you wanted to join, this situation may look complicated. But it’s not. If you are not fully invested in the current role, you may find it beneficial to leave your job in 4 months. Before choosing a different offer, measure its pros and cons carefully. Ask questions about their onboarding process, probationary period (if any), professional development opportunities, compensation and benefits, and more.
Quitting a job in 4 months is a tough decision, and so is joining another company right after that. Be mindful of the red flags to make informed decisions. If you are working at a place you don’t fit and get a better offer from somewhere that values you, leaving the job is not a decision you should feel guilty about. Remember, you have to make career decisions best suited for you.
4. The Environment is Toxic
If you start a new job and discover the work environment is toxic, leave it without hesitation. If you think you might be feeling regretful for leaving a toxic job. No, you will not! You should not regret leaving a work environment after 4 months if the work environment was verbally or emotionally abusive or toxic.
Toxicity can be taxing for your health. Trying to sustain or fix it will not help. Living in a toxic work culture can take a toll on your mental and physical health, even if you are there for a short span. A toxic work culture is the major red flag ever for any job.
5. Leaving a Job, Because, You Have to be a Caregiver
Life is about uncertainties. And it became more relatable during recent times or the Covid-19 period. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes challenging due to some medical emergencies at your home sometimes.
If someone in your family gets sick, you may have to look after them, and depending on their medical or health requirements, you may not be able to work full-time or work from the office. However, before making a drastic decision, discuss it with your employer and benefits department. Look for flexible options. Ask for work part-time or work from home. You can also ask them about the policies of taking leaves of absence. If you like the job, explore all the options to stay there.
Is the 4-month duration too early to leave the job?
Well, this question appears A LOT! There’s a popular opinion about staying in a company minimum for one year before you quit. However, if you don’t think it’s a good fit, then there’s no point staying in a role you don’t enjoy and suffering due to made-up rules. As long as you don’t make quitting jobs early a habit, there’s no bad in leaving a job you don’t find satisfying.
Everyone makes career mistakes at some point in time. But realising that you have made one and changing it sooner is always better than doing it later. Suppose you have joined a company and quit the job after or within 4 months. Still, you have eight months left when you can work for a good company and a job you love in the same year! There is no thumb rule of staying in a job you don’t love for a year. So feel free to explore new opportunities if your current job is not the right fit.
Conclusion: Reasons for Quitting a Job and How Should I Explain it to Others?
Leaving a job in or after 4 months may have many reasons. One cannot define some specific reasons. When you make decisions that may be best for you, there’s no need to justify your thoughts and decisions to others. If you want to leave your job after 4 months, give your reason whatever you want to. There’s no exceptional reason for leaving a job.
Be authentic while giving your reason for quitting your job. Try to explain why you are leaving your current job or have already left it (briefly). Just avoid badmouthing your previous employer while you are sitting for an interview. Make them understand your reason for understanding without going into too many details. Stay positive, focus on the future, and explain why you want to work with them and how you can contribute to their company’s growth.
It’s better to research the company and show you are interested in working with them for the long term by aligning your skills and career objectives with theirs. If you are looking for a new job, we can help. Visit Remark Jobs here, and excel in your careers. Happy job hunting!