I just want to quit

[Anonymous]

In a really terrible job situation after just a few months at a new company. Nightmare boss, nightmare work and hours. What I was told interviewing is completely different from what it has turned out to be in several respects. The stress is unreal and I am severely unhappy and have been since day one. I have kept trying to see if it gets better over the first couple of months and it has not. And I do not see it or my boss improving. I want out.

I’m having lots of “I quit” fantasies and each day as I realize how untenable this job is for me I get closer to wanting to give notice, even though I have nothing else lined up. I could swing it for a few months financially if need be. But how does that look to potential employers? How would I explain leaving with nothing else in the pipeline just after a couple months? My resume up to this point shows only commitment - increasing roles of responsibility and several years at each job over 15 years with no gaps, so I am not a “serial switcher” but I am unsure how to proceed. Stick with it until I can find something else or leave now for my sanity and health and try to find something that is a better fit?

[Anonymous]

Can you just leave it off your resume? If you were only there for a few months, you can just tell potential employers you've been looking for a job during those months.

[Anonymous]

Get a new job THEN quit. Don't worry about your resume.

[Anonymous]

Have you started looking yet? I would give yourself a set amount of time to look and/or find a new job, saving as much as possible along the way. If you find a new job within that timeframe, great. If not, then you've saved a lot of money and can look for a new job full time.

Could you also freelance or consult while you're looking for a new job?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I don't think I could freelance or consult in the meantime, unless I found a temp agency for something short term in the meantime.

I have started looking but haven't applied anywhere yet. Do I apply with this current job on my resume?

[Anonymous]

What industry? If you're in a high demand industry -- you can consider just quitting. If you're in something like law where there's tons of people walking around w great credentials and no jobs -- try to hang in.

[Anonymous]

I think it is easy to explain why you only stayed a few months at a particular job - especially if it is a single episode and not a pattern. You just explain it wasn't a good fit (without whining) and then explain why you think the job you're applying for is a better fit.

If you're applying to other jobs while still at your current job, then I would suggest you go ahead and put your current job on your resume.

[Anonymous]

The field is client relations in a professional services environment. Other jobs are out there but I am thinking that this is a good time to change industries perhaps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The field is client relations in a professional services environment. Other jobs are out there but I am thinking that this is a good time to change industries perhaps.

What would you try to switch to? Keep in mind that sometimes industry switching takes more time -- unless you have it all researched and planned out and have the connections in other places that'll allow you to interview for a different job right away. If you don't have that and are just applying like a regular applicant -- resume, cover, and maybe a follow up phone call w someone you know at another company -- it'll be fastest to get another client relations job esp if you have a long experienced client relations resume. If you can get another client relations job, take it, THEN think about/work on industry switching once you're in a situation that isn't so miserable bc if it takes another 6 months or 18 months or whatever, at least you won't dread waking up in the mornings if your client relations job is tolerable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you just leave it off your resume? If you were only there for a few months, you can just tell potential employers you've been looking for a job during those months.

That doesn't exactly work, as you would need to disclose all employers or explain any employment gaps in a standard background check for pre-employment. Additionally, I would (as a Hiring Manager) prefer a candidate to be upfront and simply state the previous position was a poor fit and they decided to part ways, rather than try to hide and sweep in under the rug. As long as your entire resume doesn't show a trend of short term gigs, I would believe it and completely understand.