Tag Archives: leave

Poll Results: Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

poll_Results_Turnover_Feb2014In a recent poll we asked why you left your last job or why you’re planning to quit. The results show 34% of respondents want better compensation, while 13% said they didn’t get along with their supervisor. Another 13% had ethical differences with the company, and 10% just didn’t like their job. Only 7% of respondents needed a different schedule, 3% didn’t get along with co-workers, and just 3% said they haven’t ever left their job.

Looking over this summary of our poll results leads to the question, how can employees fix these issues?  Is leaving a job the only answer?  It’s understandable that not everyone will get along, and at some point people will decide to leave their job because they just don’t fit in. Maybe, they don’t have the right skills, or the schedule has changed and become challenging, but is there more that can be done instead of just moving on?

Talk to Your Supervisor
Even though you may not get along with the people in charge, before you quit, or if you’ve even thought about quitting, talk to your supervisor. Let that person in leadership know what’s going on. If you don’t like the job you’re doing let them know; they may have a new task they need you to work on. If you don’t get along with someone in the team you’re working with, let your supervisor know. There may be a different project you could work on that could totally change your outlook on your job and brighten your mood. There could be a promotion right around the corner, so keep working hard and doing your best.

Things at work may not always be wonderful, but don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty. Have you stayed at a job even though you haven’t always liked it? What did you learn in that process? Let us know in the comments section below.

Quit with Class

quitting with classIf you’ve been looking for a job, it may not be because you don’t have one, but because you’re ready to move on to something new. If that is case, you’ve got a task to take care of once you find that new job, quitting your current one. Here are three things to consider before you head out the door.

1.    Think it through.
Before you give notice to your current employer, make sure this is a step you want to take. Confirm you have a true job offer and that you’ve been accepted into the new job. Make sure you understand the function of the job you’ve been offered, agreed to the pay and benefits, and have an understanding of when the job will start. Jumping in too quickly to give you’re “I’m outta here” speech could end badly if things fall through with the new job.
Also, before you make your big announcement take some time to retrieve any work files, contact information, or personal belongings just in case you’re requested to make a fast exit after you give notice. It’s common to work two weeks after you give notice, but some workplaces have a policy to walk people out once they quit. It’s best to prepare yourself for that before you make your announcement.

2.    Remain calm and professional.
While you may dream of walking in and telling your boss to shove it, this really isn’t going to benefit you in the long run. It’s okay to inform them of your reasons for leaving, be it the lack of opportunity for advancement or development, the pay, or the schedule, but going off on a rant won’t communicate your message effectively. If possible, offer to work for two more weeks to give the employer some time to start looking for your replacement.

3.    Leave a lasting positive impression.
Think of ways to make your job easy for the next person to walk into. Discuss with your manager the production schedule and work load you’re leaving and update them on the status of your projects. If you work with equipment, make sure to create a log of when the machine had its last routine maintenance, what supplies may need to be ordered, and any challenges that may occur. If you have files stored within a network, leave clear instructions on where those files are stored.  Take a look at your job description and provide notes or guides on how to find the materials to complete the tasks listed there. Taking time for these steps will cause your co-workers and manager to appreciate you long after you’re gone.

Quitting a job can be exhilarating and emotional. And while you may go out celebrating with your family about your new job opportunity, you don’t really have a lot to gain by going out in a negative way when you leave your employer. Remember, whether you loved your job or not, it’s been paying your bills and has given you some experience to get that new job you are in love with.

Do you have any stories to share on how you’ve left a job in a classy way?