10 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Quitting Your Job

As Americans continue to quit their jobs or move to other positions, you may be tempted to follow them.

You wouldn't be alone. In fact, more than 3.3 million people quit their jobs in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of people quitting or changing jobs has become so prevalent that it's even been dubbed the Great Resignation.

But making a job change can be a daunting decision. So, as you think about what to do next or how to make extra money, here are a few important questions to ask yourself as part of the process.

You may think that you aren't being fairly compensated for the level of work you do. Before you quit and switch, it might be a good idea to ask your current company for a raise or additional benefits.

Also, remember to do your research to find out what other companies pay for your job. You may be surprised how over- or underpaid you are in your area. That information may not only help you get a better pay package but could also help you get a good idea of what to ask for if you decide to pursue a new opportunity.

If you quit, you're cutting off a major revenue stream for your personal expenses. Things like housing, utilities, car payments, and more are probably being funded by your current work position. It may be a good idea to line up a new job before you quit your current position.

You also may want to review your savings and emergency fund. If you feel like you have no other choice but to quit, ask yourself if your emergency fund is an adequate safety net if it takes a while to find a new job.

You may be feeling like you're in a rut at your current job, but where would you go instead? And what would you do?

For some workers, it may mean you want to try working with a different company in your particular field. Others may want to cut all ties and pursue something in a completely different area. But it's good to have an idea of what you want to do next before you quit the job you have now.

Stress can be a potentially big factor when deciding to stay in your current position or move somewhere else. Think about ways you may be able to limit your stress as an employee or if there are solutions you can find with your supervisor.

You also may want to consider the stress level that could come from a new job. If you're in a stressful line of work, for example, switching jobs may not solve your stress issues.

If you've been thinking about leaving for a while now, it may also be affecting your long-term work situation. Perhaps that may be a sign you really need to make a change and try something else.

On the other hand, if this is a recent concern of yours, you might be able to salvage your current position. It may be a good idea to talk to a supervisor or mentor within your company about ways to make you happier in your current position.

Sure, there are money moves to make if you earn $5,000 a month, but is that kind of salary realistic for your particular job? While it may be good to save money for retirement or have extra cash to spend on personal items, quitting your job isn't going to automatically bump you up to a higher monthly income.

Look at the average salary you can expect in your field with your credentials. You may need to adjust your view of quitting compared to staying with those kinds of salaries in mind.

There are both monetary and non-monetary issues to consider when you think about what you could lose from quitting a job. Perhaps you have a good health insurance plan that would disappear or a retirement fund that won't get additional cash into it.

And from a non-monetary view, you may have cultivated good relationships with co-workers or clients. Perhaps you've been lucky to find a mentor who can help you. These are benefits you might lose if you leave for a new job.

There were 7.6 million job openings in the U.S. at the end of December according to the BLS, which may be a sign it's a good time to quit and find another job. But you also might want to consider other factors besides the "Help Wanted" signs you see around and prepare yourself financially. 

Perhaps there has been a downturn or layoffs in your field that may make it more difficult to find a new job if you quit your current position.

You may also want to consider your personal life. If you're dealing with a major life change like the birth of a child or a divorce, for example, a job change may be extra stress that could negatively impact your professional life.

More Americans are working from home even as the economy recovers from the pandemic, and they may like it. In fact, a study by the Pew Research Center showed that more than 46% of Americans said they would consider quitting their jobs if they couldn't work from home.

You may want to consider your commute or lack of a commute. Many people have enjoyed working from home and are now being asked to return to the office full-time. If you don't mind the commute in exchange for better pay and benefits, then this might not be an issue.

After you ask all of these questions, you may be surprised to find that your current position is actually a good place for you to be. Weigh all of your options and remember that sometimes it may be better and easier for you to find ways to make your current job work for you instead of going somewhere else. 

It's good to ask questions about whether you want to pursue a career in a new field or get a job with a different company in your current area of interest. There are both professional and personal things to consider.

And of course, you should evaluate your current expenses and your budget to find out if a move might be good for your finances and to build wealth. But know that you aren't alone as many other Americans are also making a switch.