Despite a tricky job market, we regularly come across candidates who have decided to leave their current job WITHOUT a job to go to.

My default answer to anyone considering this is…

DON’T DO IT. STAY PUT.

If you are unhappy where you are currently, look for a new job first of all.

Think it will be difficult to focus on your job search, arrange an interview, and work?

Well, sometimes yes, but communicate your difficulties well, and most recruiters/employers should be sympathetic to people’s work commitments. (After all, they will want to sell their opportunity to you too).

Explain to your recruiter or potential new employer the time constraints you have for interviews.

If a new employer refuses or is unable to be flexible, politely decline and continue your search for the right role or take a half-day holiday if needs be.

We do get people asking employers to do weekend interviews. Most won’t but often they are willing to do earlier or later interviews in the day.

The one thing you really don’t want to be doing is leaving any job without something to go to or a genuine reason for leaving.

Some valid reasons we hear are:

• If your job is seriously affecting your mental or physical well-being.
• Being a carer for family members
• If your workplace has become toxic or unethical.
• You are so unhappy, and you have enough savings to support yourself while you search.
• You plan to travel (genuine plans, not just a weekend away)

Needing to take an extended holiday won’t always cut it, though, as any decent employer should be flexible about your request.

I would suggest if you needed time to upskill or learn some qualifications, try to make some of your own time available and keep your current job.

It is really tough out there looking for work, and just leaving for no good reason worries potential employers