There are many good reasons for leaving a job, even one you like. But before you quit, you need to confirm that it is the right thing to do.<\/p>\n
Your job offers several benefits, including career growth, a chance to meet new people, and, of course, money. But it can also be stressful, boring, isolating, and soul-sucking.<\/p>\n
Think of the benefits you gain by staying (such as a steady paycheck) versus those you gain by leaving. Changing jobs doesn\u2019t guarantee a better situation, so it\u2019s not always an easy decision.<\/p>\n
You also need to consider how you will explain why you left \u2014 because it will come up during your job search. With your friends and family, it\u2019s okay to say that your boss is a jerk or you hated everyone at the office, but you can\u2019t say this to an interview panel!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you leaving your current job?\u201d or \u201cWhy are you looking for a new job?\u201d are common interview questions that might also appear on a job application.<\/p>\n
Here are some common reasons for leaving a job, with tips on how to honestly and professionally answer why you left.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re here because you are thinking about quitting, it\u2019s probably time to find a new job. But you have to plan what you will do after quitting your job before you hand over your resignation letter.<\/p>\n
Leaving a job without another one lined up will leave you in a place no one wants to be: unemployed.<\/p>\n
With no income or plan in place, you will start eating into your savings; before you know it, you will have nothing left. So please don\u2019t rush this decision.<\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t one standard way to answer \u201cWhy are you looking for a new job?\u201d or \u201cWhy did you leave your last job?\u201d It really does depend on what your reasons are.<\/p>\n
Although it may seem invasive, hiring managers want to assess your integrity, honesty, and fit. They also genuinely want to know why you left. For instance, if you were fired, was it for a just cause? If you went back to school, what did you learn?<\/p>\n
Regardless, your answer needs to be:<\/p>\n
Use the examples below to prepare what to say and how to say it based on your situation.<\/p>\n
Is\u00a0hating your job<\/a> a good enough reason to quit? It might be. But you may not like your next job either. Or the one after that.<\/p>\n Before quitting, evaluate why you hate the job. Is it because your colleagues don\u2019t support you? Is your boss too bossy? Does the job take too much of your time? Try to resolve the issues and see if that changes how you feel. Quitting should be the last option.<\/p>\n That said, don\u2019t invest too much of yourself into something that will never work. You only have so much power to change things within a company \u2013 but you have the power to switch to a different company altogether.<\/p>\n Explaining that you quit your last job because you hated it there without raising red flags is tricky but possible. And yes, you can still be honest about it, too.<\/p>\n \u201cAt my previous job, there was a disconnect between my skills and interests and the responsibilities and environment of the role. It became clear to me that to continue growing professionally, I needed to pursue opportunities elsewhere. I\u2019m now eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to a role where I can make a real difference and feel like part of a supportive team.\u201d<\/p>\n You might feel like you deserved the recent promotion someone else got, and now you\u2019re upset and thinking about quitting. Before making any hasty decisions, take a step back and give yourself time to think about it.<\/p>\n Was the other person just as qualified as you, if not more? Have they worked on more successful projects? Have they been with the company longer than you?<\/p>\n Instead of quitting, consider what you can do to improve. Better yet, go to your supervisor and ask them what else you could be doing. You may be closer to that promotion than you think.<\/p>\n Or they may give you completely bogus reasons, and moving on is the best thing for you and your career. In that case, by all means, start looking for a new job.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you can say when you get to the interview stage.<\/p>\n \u201cI left my previous role because I felt my potential for growth wasn\u2019t being recognized and I wasn\u2019t advancing as I had hoped. After discussing my concerns, it became clear that there were limited opportunities for progression. So, I decided to seek new challenges where I could contribute effectively, leading me to apply for this position.\u201d<\/p>\n You can only advance and be promoted if there\u2019s another role to promote you to. When I worked at a small non-profit, the only position above mine was management, which I was not interested in. So it didn\u2019t matter how good I was at my job. If I wanted to move up, I had to move on.<\/p>\n If you are also in this situation, here\u2019s what you can say.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter reflecting on my career goals, it became apparent that there was limited potential for progression within the organization. I\u2019m eager to join a company where I can continuously learn, grow, and take on new challenges that will help me progress in my career.\u201d<\/p>\n We all need more money, but there is more to a job than just a paycheck.<\/p>\n Now, hear me out. You may get a better-paying job elsewhere, but what if it means working longer hours? Or a longer commute that will increase your transportation costs? These will rob you of your free time and time with your family and friends. You may no longer be able to attend your children\u2019s talent shows or Friday pizza nights.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t only focus on your take-home pay. Your current employer may offer good health insurance, 401(k) matching, and other benefits you don\u2019t have to pay out-of-pocket. There may be other work perks, too, like working from home or access to training programs to enhance your skills. Consider these factors when you are evaluating different jobs.<\/p>\n However, studies<\/a> have shown that switching jobs leads to earning more than those who stay with the same employer. So, by all means, move on to something new if that means you\u2019ll be making more money. Just don\u2019t let the salary be the only reason; you still want to do something interesting that gives you a work-life balance.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough I enjoyed the role, the compensation didn\u2019t align with my financial goals. After careful consideration, I realized that I need to pursue opportunities with financial stability for my personal and professional well-being. So, I decided to explore new avenues where I could be fairly compensated for my skills and contributions.\u201d<\/p>\n It is also understandable to make a\u00a0career change<\/a> because your interests, values, or lifestyle have changed. I started my career in arts education, working all hours (due to evenings and weekend classes), and the pay was terrible. So, it wasn\u2019t long before I was applying elsewhere.<\/p>\n \u201cInitially, I pursued a career in arts education, but over time, I realized the demanding schedule and low pay were not sustainable for me. I learned a lot from this job, but the communication skills I have developed better align with the projects companies like yours have to offer. I\u2019m excited about transitioning into [new career field], where I can leverage my skills and make a meaningful impact while maintaining my personal and professional life.\u201d<\/p>\n Remote work might be the only good thing to come out of the last few years, but many companies are phasing out remote roles and mandating a \u201creturn to the office\u201d (RTO).<\/p>\n A ResumeBuilder.com survey<\/a> of 1,000 companies found that 9 out of 10 will return to in-person work by the end of 2024. Although 64% say they will still offer hybrid roles, having to go into the office even once a week doesn\u2019t work for everyone.<\/p>\n Many people moved, assuming they could continue to work from home. Others simply dread that time-consuming commute or can\u2019t afford it. Transportation expenses, child and pet care, and domestic assistance costs add up to an average of $561<\/a> per month for employees returning to the office.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d rather keep that money in your pocket or have relocated, frame your answer like this example.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve found remote work to be incredibly beneficial for both my productivity and work-life balance over the past few years. However, with the recent mandate to return to the office, I\u2019ve had to reconsider my circumstances. Continuing remote work would be the best option for me at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n On that note, moving somewhere new, whether it\u2019s because you need to or want to, is also a good reason to quit your job. Unless you can work remotely or there is another branch you can transfer to, it\u2019s really your only option. It\u2019s also easy to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cMy partner has accepted a job in another state, so my family and I are moving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m currently seeking new opportunities because I\u2019m relocating to a different city to be closer to family. I\u2019m excited about exploring new professional avenues in [the new location].\u201d<\/p>\n Uncooperative colleagues, a difficult boss, and a company that does not provide the resources you need all constitute a toxic working environment.<\/p>\n If you face these challenges and cannot perform your duties, try to solve the problem. This could mean talking to your boss, your HR department, your union, or seeking medical help from your doctor or a counselor.<\/p>\n But if the issues persist, it\u2019s time to leave. Your mental health has to come first.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve decided to move on because I\u2019m looking for a more supportive and positive workplace where I can grow professionally. I\u2019m excited about finding a workplace that aligns better with my career goals and values.\u201d<\/p>\n Maybe you didn\u2019t quit your previous job but were let go. Being\u00a0laid off from work<\/a> is nothing to be ashamed of. Companies are always downsizing or going out of business.<\/p>\n In this case, a good answer would be simple and direct.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was some restructuring at the company, and my position was affected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDue to organizational changes, my position was eliminated, and I was let go from my previous job.\u201d<\/p>\n Being fired, on the other hand, is a little tricky. Although trying to cover it up is tempting, you should be honest about it. The truth usually comes to light at some point, so you might as well address it now.<\/p>\n Find the right balance between acknowledging what happened without saying anything more than necessary. Try to use terms like \u201clet go\u201d and \u201cdismissed\u201d instead of \u201cfired\u201d \u2013 it may sound like strange advice, but it softens the impact.<\/p>\n In your response, show them that you can own up to your mistakes and that you\u2019ve learned from them.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the business grew, I could no longer keep up with the workload. I spoke with my manager several times, letting her know and asking about getting additional help. Unfortunately, no one else was added to the team, and I was eventually let go. While it was not the outcome I had hoped for, I now have stronger organizational and problem-solving skills because of it.\u201d<\/p>\n The saying \u201cPeople don\u2019t quit jobs, they quit bosses.\u201d is common for a reason. Having a bad boss is awful \u2013 and I\u2019ve had my fair share. Poor leadership is a valid reason to leave your job, whether there was some restructuring and your new manager can\u2019t manage very well or just can\u2019t handle your boss\u2019s bad decisions anymore.<\/p>\n Honesty is key, but choose your words wisely to avoid sounding rude or unappreciative.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter a management changeover, my last role was no longer a good fit for me. I learned that I thrive in a proactive environment rather than a reactive one, and I am pursuing opportunities with more forward-thinking companies.\u201d<\/p>\n The 40-hour, 9-5 workweek does not apply to all jobs, which can be good or bad, depending on what you\u2019re looking for. These days, jobs have all sorts of different schedules. That 9-5 might actually be more of an 8-6 (plus that half hour you spend checking your work email before bed).<\/p>\n Working too many hours, not enough hours, weekends, night shifts<\/a>, being on call\u2026 if the schedule doesn\u2019t work for you, find a new job with a schedule that does.<\/p>\n \u201cI left my last job because the schedule wasn\u2019t working for me. I found it difficult to balance my personal life and work commitments due to the irregular hours and long shifts. I realized the importance of having a more stable schedule for my overall well-being and productivity, which is why I\u2019m seeking opportunities with more predictable hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Being sick can affect your work performance, just as work can deteriorate your health.<\/p>\n If you are injured or unwell, you may need to leave your job to fully recover. Or an illness affecting a close family member may require you to leave your job to take care of them.<\/p>\n However, if you are considering leaving your job for a medical reason, you may not need to quit. See if your insurance has any medical coverage. You may also qualify for government support, such as Social Security Disability Insurance<\/a> (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income<\/a> (SSI). Take full advantage of whatever income support you can get before you resign.<\/p>\n However, for long-term medical needs, you may have no choice but to leave until you recover.<\/p>\n \u201cI had to leave my last job because I was facing some medical issues that made it difficult for me to perform my duties effectively. I needed to prioritize my health and focus on getting better. Now that I\u2019ve recovered, I\u2019m eager to return to work and contribute to a new team.\u201d<\/p>\n Personal reasons for leaving a job vary and often revolve around significant life events or responsibilities. For instance, being a parent may necessitate leaving a job to care for your children. Burnout, resulting from prolonged stress or overwork, can lead you to prioritize your mental and physical well-being by taking time away from the workplace.<\/p>\n Your job is not your life \u2013 even if it sometimes feels like it is. You don\u2019t have to share the specifics when asked in an interview.<\/p>\n \u201cI had to leave my last job because I encountered some personal challenges requiring immediate attention. It required a significant amount of time and attention, making it challenging to balance work commitments. I decided to temporarily step away from my job to focus on these responsibilities. Now that the situation has improved, I\u2019m ready to return to work with renewed focus and dedication.\u201d<\/p>\n A one-page job description and an hour or two of interviews don\u2019t tell you what a job will actually be like day to day.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, a lot of people quit their new jobs \u2014 about a third within 90 days, according to one study<\/a> \u2013 primarily because the job wasn\u2019t what they were led to believe. Some even quit on their first day (I\u2019ve done that once!).<\/p>\n I\u2019ve helped employers find and hire new employees, and yes, some purposely made the role sound much better than it was just to fill the role. But most were just absolutely clueless about what their employees actually do all day. Each scenario sets you up for failure and disappointment, so why you would choose to leave is clear.<\/p>\n \u201cI left my previous job because it didn\u2019t match what I was looking for. When I joined the company, I was eager to contribute and grow within the role. However, as I became more involved in the day-to-day operations, I found that the reality didn\u2019t match the picture I had in mind. So, I decided to move on and find a better fit.\u201d<\/p>\n Advancing your education is always a good idea. But if you want to pursue a degree or specialize in an area of interest, it may be impossible if you also have a job.<\/p>\n The number of hours you work, how much time your classes will take, and your schedule for both will determine whether you have to quit or if you can manage a job and school.<\/p>\n Some courses are part-time or online, making it possible to keep your job and pursue your education simultaneously. But if you are going to be a full-time student, keeping a full-time job probably isn\u2019t feasible. You don\u2019t want to spread yourself too thin and fail your classes or struggle at work.<\/p>\n \u201cI left my previous job because I decided to go back to school. I felt it was important to continue my education to improve my skills and knowledge in my field.\u00a0 Now that I\u2019ve completed my courses, I\u2019m eager to apply my new skills and knowledge to a new role.\u201d<\/p>\n Perhaps the best reason to quit is that you have a better offer and want to pursue it\u2014particularly if the new job offers career growth, better hours, flexibility, increased pay, a promotion, and\/or personal satisfaction.<\/p>\n Since you already have the offer, you won\u2019t have to worry about interviewing for now. But in the future, you might need to explain why you switched jobs, which is easy to do.<\/p>\n \u201cI switched jobs because I was offered a better position. It allowed me to grow in my career and take on more responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made the decision to switch jobs because I was presented with a more promising opportunity. The new role offered a better fit for my skills and provided a chance for me to make a greater impact in my field.\u201d<\/p>\n Now that you know how to answer questions about leaving your last job, why does it come up in job interviews?<\/p>\n Hiring a new employee costs the company money. Therefore, they ask questions about your background to understand you better and determine if you are the best candidate or if you will quit this job, too.<\/p>\n Did you leave on good terms? Was it for valid reasons? Did you leave on your own, or were you let go? If you were fired, do you take appropriate responsibility for what happened?<\/p>\n They want to know!<\/p>\n They also want to check your integrity by assessing whether your answers hold up. For example, if you say you left your last job because of a lack of growth opportunities but later say it was due to a conflict with your supervisor, this inconsistency can make you look dishonest or deceptive.<\/p>\n You may have good reasons for leaving your job, but how do you know when it\u2019s the best time to go?<\/p>\n You need to evaluate your life, not just your job. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n Your answers to these questions will help you determine if it is time to call it quits or if you need to stick it out a little longer.<\/p>\n When it\u2019s clear that you need to move on and quit your job, you have to do it right.<\/p>\n First, understand that not everyone will support your decision, so be ready for different reactions.<\/p>\nExample Answer:<\/h3>\n
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2. You Were Passed Over for a Promotion<\/h2>\n
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3. There Is No Room to Grow<\/h2>\n
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4. You Want a Bigger Paycheck<\/h2>\n
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5. You Are Changing Careers<\/h2>\n
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6. You Don\u2019t Want to Return to the Office<\/h2>\n
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7. You Are Relocating<\/h2>\n
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8. You Work in a Toxic Environment<\/h2>\n
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9. You Were Laid Off<\/h2>\n
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10. You Were Fired<\/h2>\n
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11. You Don\u2019t Like Your Boss<\/h2>\n
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12. The Schedule Doesn\u2019t Work For You<\/h2>\n
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13. Health Reasons<\/h2>\n
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14. Personal Reasons<\/h2>\n
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15. The Job Wasn\u2019t What You Expected<\/h2>\n
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16. You Are Pursuing Your Education<\/h2>\n
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17. You Have a Better Job Offer<\/h2>\n
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Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?<\/h2>\n
How to Tell When It\u2019s Time to Leave a Job<\/h2>\n
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How to Tell Your Boss That You\u2019re Quitting<\/h2>\n