I'm worried about leaving one job without having another
job to go to
If you leave a career-related job before finding another one, here are
some things to keep in mind:
-
Try to leave your current situation on good terms, as you may need a
reference. If you're planning to move from the area or do some
travelling before looking for another job, it might be wise to ask
your supervisor for a letter of reference to take with you.
-
Be wary of job-hopping - staying a year here, a year there in a
series of jobs that don't show a career progression. Employers can
be hesitant to hire people who have a history of leaving after a
year and may wonder if you lack focus.
-
If you decide to take a break from work precisely because you don't
know what you want to do career wise, then make a Career
action plan before you go, so that you are ready to implement it
on your return. Spend six months or a year doing volunteer work;
work your way across Europe, Australia or Canada; or enrol in a
course you always wanted to take. If you figure out your
"life's work" in the process, you'll be able to describe
the skills you've developed, why you took the time off and what you
have to offer to any employer!
Remember: the longer you're away from work, the bigger the gap you'll have to
explain to a future employer.