“People Who’ve Quit Their Job On The Spot, What Did It For You?” (30 Answers)

Personal, career, and business coach Sarah-J told Bored Panda that, generally speaking, acting and reacting on impulse isn't a good idea. "It doesn't suggest you have the maturity and professionalism to deal with conflicts or situations at work, and what happens the next time you don't like something or someone upsets you?" Sarah-J said.

According to her, the way you deal with difficulties at work depends on many factors. But is this a career area you are interested in and want to develop in the industry or sector? In this case, think about the longer-term impact on your reputation in the sector. After all, the word may get out.

"'On the spot' does suggest impulsivity (even if you are in a toxic environment). By walking away and quitting, you are potentially walking away from any financial settlements, notice payments, claims, and other things too."

But if it's a casual job and you are being treated really poorly, Sarah-J believes it's different. "You may choose just to leave as long as you think you can get a job elsewhere," says the coach who helps new and emerging leaders advance their careers, build confidence, resilience, and a can-do mindset.

"I actually did that myself," she added. "I was 17, working in a kitchen but it was a really bad environment. I knew I shouldn't have taken the job; people were shouting at me. So I went to lunch and never went back as I knew I could get work elsewhere, and I did not want to stay in what I felt was a toxic environment. I would not put myself through that. I had had doubts before I took the job, so I perhaps could have listened to my gut more!" Sarah-J recalled. "But happily, I got other jobs to pay for my studies that were far more fun!"

Sarah-J said another excuse for quitting your job on the spot could be the fact that you know you are never going to work in this area again. You feel like it won't create any damage to your future opportunities or perhaps your future looks very different, like moving abroad or starting a new enterprise.

"But I would say only do this in an extreme situation of harassment, for example," Sarah-J said. "I think you need to have a plan A and plan B for your career. When you follow that path and adapt to the twists and turns, you will know inside out what the right move to make is and when. So you are acting from a foundation of confidence."

As we can see from the stories in the comments, the American workplace can be grueling and stressful. A 2017 in-depth study of 3,066 U.S. workers by the Rand Corp., Harvard Medical School, and the University of California, Los Angeles, found that nearly one in five workers — a share the study calls "disturbingly high" — say they face a hostile or threatening environment at work, which can include sexual harassment and bullying. Not surprisingly, workers who have to face customers endure a disproportionate share of abuse.

If someone decides that enough is enough, there are ways they can minimize their exposure. "I would typically say check your contract, speak to your manager and keep it professional, stick to the facts and why you are leaving," Sarah-J said. "Be polite, this may be a shock for them, follow up with a short email or letter explaining why — you may want someone to look at this for you. Again, keep it to the point, polite, and state the reasons without personal criticism. Suggest when you want to leave and see what notice agreement you can deal with or agree upon — for example, a week."

Sarah-J stressed that job changes are a big deal and can be stressful, so having an overall career plan is key to securing your future whatever the present throws at you.

"It's always good to think about 'Where do I want to be in 5 years.' Work back, break down your game plan, or just work a year back. Get clear on what career suits your personality. Then break the plan into goals so you can progress and monitor success." This way, the uncertainty is less overwhelming.