Chances are, if you’re thinking about whether there’s ever a “right” time to quit your job... well, you’ve already made your decision to skedaddle out of there. It’s just a matter of time. You hate to admit it, but you’ve been counting down the time until you can sayadios to the coworkers you’ve mindlessly chit-chatted with at the water cooler. It won’t be long, you tell yourself, till you can hit refresh on your career and start anew.
The problem is, you’re not exactly the kind of employee to just up and leave. And you don’t want to burn any bridges, do you? Which is why you’ve been wondering, what’sthe best time of year to quit your job? Does it matter what day of the week is your last day? Is it better to give notice before orafterthe holidays?
We reached out to career experts for their advice on how you can determine the best time of year to quit your job. The key takeaway? Take a look at the company culture and listen to your gut.
The following nuggets of wisdom should help you determine the best time of year to quit your job.
Do a gut check to see how you truly feel
“While there may be arguments to be made for certain times of the year to bebetter than others to leave a job, I really think you should feel empoweredto leave whenever you feel is right for you. Listen to and place yourselffirst. Staying in a job that is making you unhappy can take a large toll onyour mental and physical health, which should be your first priority overany job. What do we have if we don’t have our health?”
—Sara Young Wang, career coach
Ask yourself: Have you stopped learning?
“Ask yourself: did you learn everything you could from this company? Grab that added value by the horns and apply it to future career endeavors/goals. When youstop learning and stop growing, it’s time to get out.”
—Heather Bothwell, founder, Style Roster
Pay attention to the fiscal year and school calendar
“Employees who are planning to quit their jobs usually do so shortly afterreceiving a large bonus or profit-sharing payout. The majority of Americancompanies distribute Christmas bonuses in late December, or profit-sharingpayouts sometime in January, after the fiscal year ends.
As a result, a substantial number of employees quit their jobs in late January,February, and March of each year. More positions becomeavailable at this time of year as employers attempt to fill newly vacantpositions. Alternatively, employees should not quit their jobsin June, July, or August due to the sudden influx of eager universitygraduates flooding the job market. ”
—Lauren McAdams, career adviser and hiring manager, Resume Companion
Turnover in the public sector usually happens in spring and summer
“The time frame for leaving your current job can be industry specific,although of more significance is *how* you leave your job. Leaving in themiddle of a large project or prior to the fiscal year end can beproblematic, and result not only in disruptions to your former workplace,but in not-so-favorable references down the line.
Many public sector linesof work, such as education and government, typically anticipate highturnover in the spring and summer each year, as people are promoted or moveto another location. If you find that for whatever reason you cannot waituntil the ideal time to make your exit, focus on making your departure assmooth and seamless as possible. This includes giving your boss as muchadvance notice as possible, as well as being available to train or consultwith your predecessor—if the relationship with your employer remainsfunctional.”
—Kenzie Bond, empowerment coach
Recognize that the ‘best’ time is deeply personal
“There is no definitive ‘best’ time of year to quit your job. Quittingyour job should be based on a number of factors, including (but notlimited to) whether you have another job lined up, if you need torelocate for a new job and what notice you are expected to give to yourcurrent employer.
For many people, there will never be a ‘good’ time toquit. There are always projects or expectations at work that will bedifficult to leave incomplete. Deciding when to quit will need to bebased on what is best for you and your career.”
—Robin Schwartz, HR director, Career Igniter
