Chatting with Bianca Jankovska: Quitting a Job, Simplified
- Written by Julia Hackober
- Approx. 6 mins read
Pondering Job Change: A Coach Opines Whether Securing a New Position Is Necessary First - Job hunt ahead, it seems.
First published in May 2023.
You may have dreamt of quitting work when tempted by a stressful day or clashes with superiors. Yet, for most, it's the usual story: McKinsey's recent survey in nine European countries shows that almost a third of employees are contemplating quitting within the next three to six months.
But, quitting can often seem like a daunting process, fraught with questions: Must I have a fantastic new job lined up first? What if the managers are upset about my leaving? And, what does it look like when I leave just after a year with the company? Bianca Jankovska, a seasoned resignation coach, offers her invaluable insights in this interview.
- Job Switch
- Work Life
- Labor Market
- Workplace
The winding path from thinking about it to actually doing it can be a lengthy one, mostly due to various concerns and apprehensions. Here are some of the common ones:
- Job Security: People often worry about leaving their current job without a guaranteed new one.
- Managers' Reactions: Leaving a job can cause upset among superiors, and it's natural to be concerned about these reactions.
- Staying Duration: If the employee has been with the company for just a short period, leaving may raise questions.
Now, let's dive into Bianca Jankovska's advice-
Don't Rush Finding a New Job Before Quitting
It's common to think, "I'll only quit when I have a great new job in my pocket." But, Bianca disagrees: "This approach often delays the necessary action, and people end up stuck in a toxic situation for much longer than needed."
Dealing with Emotional Responses
When quitting, maintaining a professional approach is essential. Bianca advises preparing thoughtful responses to potential emotional reactions, such as:
- "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I have gained valuable experience and will carry these learnings forward."
- "I appreciate all your support and encouragement in my career journey, and I look forward to staying connected in the future."
Never Stop Learning
Bianca emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, even in difficult work situations. "View difficult moments as opportunities to grow and develop your skills," she says.
Stay Focused on your Goals
Negative work environments can be demoralizing, causing employees to lose focus on their career goals. Bianca encourages employees to refocus on their aspirations and seek guidance from mentors and career advisors.
[1] "Navigating a Job Quit During a Pandemic," Harvard Business Review, 2020.[2] "10 Reasons to Quit Your Job Now," Forbes, 2021.[3] "How to Quit a Job Professionally," Glassdoor, 2022.[4] "Steps to Take After Quitting a Job," Indeed, 2022.[5] "Coping with the Emotional Aspects of Job Transition," American Psychological Association, 2023.
- When contemplating quitting a job, it's essential to consider the community policy regarding resignations and the potential impact on one's career development.
- Gaining knowledge through education-and-self-development and job-search strategies can prove beneficial during a career-development phase, as one navigates through employment policies in various workplaces to achieve their professional goals.
