Quitting a job before you have a new job...

For those of you on here who have done this -- quitting a (miserable) job before you found a new job...I know there are at least one or two members who have done this in the last year (or so) and probably more who have done so in total...  Well this is something that I have never done before (not counting a job I worked in the past for only one week), but it's gotten to the point that I just can't tolerate things anymore -- and I am on the verge.  I have given my current position about a six month go & it's just not working for me.  My question is:  How did you explain your employment situation to prospective employers where you are applying and interviewing for that next job?  How/what did you say about your 'reason for leaving' - particularly in light of not yet having another job already lined up?

I'd say that it wasn't a job suited for me and I felt it best to move on.

or something to the effect that it wasn't challenging me and I wasn't enjoying my job

When I did this I said that the old job wasn't appropriate to my career path and I wanted to devote myself full-time to finding something that was. I tried to spin it as though I was too concientious to be job hunting and interviewing while I had another job. I would go out of my way not to criticise the former job in any way shape or form though....

I usually told the truth, just worded to better suit the situation.  For example:  the job I was in was not one in which I felt I could thrive, so I chose to leave it to be able to focus on finding work that better suited my talents.  Granted, this doesn't work so well if you're looking for similar positions.

Just saw Anne's post... good ideas!

my boss was an a**hole?  ..joke

When I did this I said,like others here, that it wasn't challenging enough for me

Carolyn, Anne's advice is good. Prospective employers will know that you left because you weren't happy but will pay close attention to the spin you put on why you left. Any criticism of your current employer will be frowned upon. Good luck!

Good luck on your new job hunt, Carolyn...

I likd Anne's advice too..

Thanks for everyone's help, advice & support!  I've been teetering on the edge of this decision for the past 2-3 months, but wanted to give the job a fair chance.  Rather than continuing to ride that emotional roller coaster ('should I stay or should I go?') -- I've made the decision to give my notice tomorrow.  I am on good terms with my current employer and I am reasonably confident of their giving me a good reference.

And so on to the emotional roller coaster of job searching again now...  LOL  (Although I'd already started applying for other jobs anyway!)

Good news -- when I got home this evening, I had a letter wanting me to come for an interview on one of the jobs I recently applied for!  Yaye!

If you have any other advice or suggestions as to my original question -- keep it coming!  Thanks again.

For others in a similar boat, here's a cool, fun link to peruse...

http://www.i-resign.com/uk/home/

Carolyn,

Best of luck in your job search! You have to do what makes you happy and don't worry too much about what you say to a potential employer. Everyone has given great advice and at the end of the day...its your life and about the choices you make and what will make you happy.

I know as someone who has interviewed people in the past, I really don't care why they left as long as they have a good CV/experience, seem like a nice person and can do the job and be a great member of a team.

As for me, I have so been there with "should I stay or should I go" thing in the past, of course singing the old Clash song in my head the entire time while pondering it! 

Carolyn- good luck with the new interview/job!

Personally, when I have recruited new people, I am far more interested in someone who has the courage and the confidence in themselves to leave an unsuitable position to gain a new and more challenging one. There is a clear difference in some youngster/unreliable type who stomps out of a job than someone who has thought things through, stayed longer than they should have and attempted to resolve things and then decided that they need to move on.

I have also left a job without a new one (am in the position right now, but I emigrated so I have a "reasonable excuse"!) but what I like to hear and what I have said in the past is that the opportunities to grow were limited in my previous company- that can neatly sidestep any difficult questions. As someone said above (Paula?) employers know what you're saying, they're more interested in how you wish to present the situation in the event you do the same with them. It's about their confidence in your integrity imho.

It can also work well to point out that your reasons (staying or leaving) are not financially motivated- I've had my most successful interviews when I explain that the compensation is less important than what I do/achieve for 8/9 hours every day, week in week out.

Best of Luck and do feed back, you're a good communicator and this will be half the battle.

I did it!  Although I was quite nervous, it actually went pretty well.  The manager said she sensed I'd not been happy or 'been myself' as she put it for awhile...ha!  Which is an understatement to say the least.  And I left things on good terms, although I really wanted to lay into the management of this place -- they are absolutely horrible!  And that's coming from someone who once worked for a coke-head (in the mid-80s of course) -- this has been even worse than that was.  It's not a Brit/American thing...just a 'this company' thing.

Anyways, I'm encouraged...onwards & upwards.  I've got the interview a week from Tuesday, among other prospects I'm looking into.  Worst case scenario, I end up doing house frau duty again for awhile.  But if nothing else, I'll go back to temping until the right permanent opportunity comes up.

In resigning, I just spun it in terms of 'this job is just not right for me'...'I don't see myself continuing a career in this particular field'...etc  (UK pensions industry)   I am still planning to work out my notice period (one month) but they said (since I'm still in early months there) if I needed to leave sooner, that I probably could.

Thanks again for everyone's support!

PS -- All the other people on my team, who are just as miserable there as I am which tells you a lot, were so chuffed that I just up & quit.  DH says I might start a trend...it's gonna be like 'The Great Escape'.  I said yeah --  you know in Chicken Run, it was the American chicken who came & helped the British chickens break out of the coop.  LOL

Well done!    One of the nicest feelings in the world to know you can move on!

These companies are not that daft either, when talent begins to leave........and I hope you motivated some of your soon-to-be-ex colleagues to re-think their position.

Let us know how the interview goes and best of British (but of course) 

You must feel great!! I can't wait until I give my notice at my job. Good Luck with your upcoming interview.

Ahhh, it's such a great feeling!!!  I'm so glad for you!