You're thinking about quitting your job for a slew of reasons-you're underpaid, overworked, and taking a vacation with the kids is out of the question. But money's tight and with the economy in the toilet, can you risk not having that extra income? We've looked at the options and came up with the five best ways to put in your stop-work order…or make work start working for you.
1. Try a new outlook
You've complained for the umpteenth time about how your manager is a louse, the hours are too long, and the chains don't even come off for you to have a proper lunch break. Even the kids are calling your boss lady Mrs. Grumpy Pants. It's time to stop-with the negatively, that is. Sure, you've got valid issues, but continuously harping on less-than-ideal situations only brings more bad feelings. And that's unhealthy. Take a look at the positive-the commute is minimal, you have summer Fridays, your office chair rules. This will help you focus more on the tasks at hand and whether or not a new job is really the answer.
2. Negotiate other perks
If your last raise was met with sentiments worse than those your two-year-old gives you at bath time, you can try other types of benefits. Discuss more vacation time, an abbreviated work schedule, or some work-from-home options. See if your employer is open to work-profit goals, which would earn you a bonus. Think these options through and present them at a one-on-one meeting with your supervisor. It'll show your enthusiasm for a better work culture…one that works well for you and allows you to be most productive for the company. Or maybe you can parlay your full-time job into part-time, giving you more time at home and more appreciation for work.
3. Quit with class
You've exhausted all the options and the decision you've come to with your family is to quit. But before you do, it's best to have another job lined up first, especially if your income is essential. Jobs are scarce right now and the unemployment rate is rising, so resign with caution. But once your final decision is made to leave, go straight to the boss. Schedule a private meeting to break the news in a tactful way. Thank her for her employment and tell her you will be moving on. It's best to come up with an exit strategy and end date together. Send her a formal resignation letter after the meeting. Keep any opinions, particularly negative ones, about the company to yourself-whether talking in person to your boss, your writing in the letter, and when speaking with co-workers. It's best to discuss how your superiors would like to handle alerting the rest of the staff of your departure. Don't overshare even if you are on your way out. Keeping good relations is always important.
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Written by Michele Zipp for WorkingMother.com.
