“I’m going to be stuck here until I retire.” Have you found yourself daydreaming about how life might feel with another job – or even a complete career change? You’re not alone – studies show thousands of middle-aged women are quitting their jobs at the peak of their career. Yet quitting your job without a plan is a scary prospect.
Like you, I spent decades in corporate fantasising about an alternative life. I wondered if it was even possible for me to realise my dream of setting up my own business – a dream I’d had since the age of 19. Fast forward to my 50s and I now run three successful businesses, set my own schedule, and leave plenty of breathing space for adventure, rest, and wellbeing.
In fact, as a coach, I support women in their 40s and 50s to make the leap of faith into a new lifestyle. You’re capable of this too, whether you realise it yet or not. And during these conversations, one burning question often crops up: is quitting my job without a plan the right move?
In my latest blog, I’m answering this question once and for all, and offering what may well be timely advice to help you plan your route forward.
Is quitting your job without a plan wise?
The truth is, it depends on you and your personal circumstances.
There’s no definitive answer to the question. Quitting your job without a plan is a terrifying jump into the unknown, which is exciting to some and panic-inducing to others.
Most of my clients want to make a change from being in the corporate arena to taking charge of their own destiny.
Does that sound familiar?
If so, you may be wondering what the next steps are: quit your job on a whim and hope things fall into place?
Or start formulating a plan of action to make your dream life happen, while putting up with your full-time job in the meantime?
Signs that quitting your job without a plan is the right move for you
You have the financial means
Do you have enough savings to manage comfortably while you weigh up your next move? If you have enough saved to take a breather and assess your options, by all means take the plunge.
Your emergency fund should cover your outgoings and expenses for a good few months, as well as a slush fund for any nasty (or even nice) surprises that could materialise, like home and car repairs or spontaneous trips.
Your job is affecting your mental health
For many of my clients, a toxic work environment is having a devastating effect on their mental wellbeing and time is of the essence.
One study revealed women experience 50% more work-related stress than men of the same age. If you’re anything like me, this won’t come as a shock.
Every job has its challenges, but some aren’t worth risking your wellbeing (even if you don’t have a back-up plan yet).
Leaving may be a necessity for you if you find yourself in that situation. So, if you have the means and leaving your current job quickly will heal you mentally and emotionally, then go for it, and put a plan in place as soon as you have the headspace.
You’re impulsive and it tends to pay off
If you’re a free spirit who loves to make an impulsive leap into the unknown, who am I to deter you? There’s no rule book about leaving your job. And for you, losing the security of a traditional 9-5 may be just the thing to propel you into the next phase of your life.
Again, it all comes down to your circumstances and personality. Does this idea fill you with dread or make you tingle with excitement?
What to do instead of quitting your job without a plan
If I’ve managed to catch you before you inhale a huge gulp of air and send that email of resignation, read this first.
The chances are you’ve had enough of your current job if you’ve found yourself here, and it’s my job to offer you the support and confidence to move forward into the next stage of your life.
As a coach for women contemplating big changes in their personal and professional lives, I ask the right questions and guide you to discover the answers within yourself.
So, instead of firing off that email with no plan B and opening up a world of anxiety and insecurity about your next steps, here’s what to do first.
Consider your options
If you’re approaching or basking in middle age, you’re likely facing some of those existential questions that can be confronting and pretty mind-boggling!
- If I ditch this toxic job, is the next one going to be any better?
- What do I really want from life right now, and how can I go about getting it?
- Could I really set up my own business? What would I even do?
- And why did my parents seem a LOT older at this age?!
I can’t help you with that last one, because I’m wondering exactly the same thing. But fortunately, I can guide you through the rest.
If you have absolutely zero clue what you’d like to do next, it’s time to consider your options.
You could:
- Take the next step forwards in your profession
- Make a complete pivot into a new career
- Set up your own business
- Go into partnership with a friend or contact
- Start a side business to plan for eventual self-employment
- Retire early (if you have the savings)
Now is the time to reflect on the options in front of you and find your purpose.
Make a long-term plan
What’s your vision for the future at this stage in your life and career?
Are you counting down the days to early retirement? Saving to up sticks to the Spanish coast or the Scottish wilderness?
Get clear on your long-term plan and work back from there to determine what you need to do to get there, whether it’s saving up a set amount, getting the wheels in motion, or retraining now to plan for a career change later.
Build your network
If you have a clear idea of where you’d like to be, it’s time to build a strong network, either in your existing industry or one you’d like to move into.
Join an online community, attend virtual or in-person networking events, connect with key industry contacts on LinkedIn. Before you jump ship, it’s smart to get a name for yourself in the right rooms to start your next job or career on confident footing.
Hire a coach
Working with a coach was one of the pivotal moments for me in making the decision to leave the comfort and security of my corporate life and go it alone.
It created the space in my diary and mind to tap into my true priorities in life, organise my thoughts, and make concrete steps towards a life that would fulfil me mentally, physically, and financially too.
There’s more to life than the corporate world: are you ready to explore what’s waiting for you on the other side?
Hopefully, this blog post has reassured you it’s okay to quit without a plan in certain circumstances, and given you the inspiration and encouragement you need to start planning your next steps if you’re biding your time.
It’s important to mention there’s no perfect time to leave your job, so trust your instincts, get the right support, and be sensible about the right steps for you personally.
And of course, if you’d like some guidance along that path, that’s what I’m here for. Drop me an email and let’s start with a free exploration call to start contemplating your future happiness.
