Know How to Leave a Job after Only 3 to 6 Months in 2024
Quitting smoking quickly has some risks. Here are 10 tips for a smoother exit.
The great resignation is upon us. If you haven’t been on LinkedIn lately, you may have missed this trending hashtag, which reflects the growing number of employees quitting their jobs in search of companies that better align with their goals, aspirations, and values.
While the pandemic and the trade-off between remote and in-person work have increased the acceptability of quitting a job that doesn’t meet your needs, quit within the first three to six months does carry some risks. Here are 10 tips on how to quit your job after a few months.
How to Leave a Job
Change jobs
The best way to make quick jumps irrelevant is already having another job scheduled. If your dream company makes an offer to you, and you know it’s better than where you are now – do it. Your new employer is fine with jumping jobs because they are hiring you.
Do a good (even great) job
People usually remember (and judge you) by their most recent interactions. If you’re ready to leave, this is your chance to leave with a high profile. Do your best even if you’re only there for a few months.
Evaluate how things can be improved at work
If you don’t have a job but are ready to leave, see if there is anything you can do to improve your job. Can you ask for different hours so you can avoid a bad commute?
Can you switch projects or get more money? Changing jobs is taxing — so if you can find improvements that make you want to stay, you can avoid the distraction of leaving.
Found a temporary fix
If you can’t make big changes that make you want to stay long-term, is there anything that can help in the short term while secretly searching for a job?
Consider whether any small changes can mitigate the negative effects of your work, allowing you to do your job well and reduce stress.
The less negativity and stress people have in general, the better success they will have in their job search, rather than any role that takes them out of their current pain. If you can buy some breathing space, you’ll reap the benefits.
Plan for the worst before exiting
Finding a new job often takes longer than anyone would like. And, leaving after three months without a backup plan could affect your candidacy for the next position. If you don’t have a job, ensure you have enough financial resources to manage your long-term job search.
Identify your references
Prospective employers may wonder why you left after six months. One way to confirm that you are a model employee caught in a toxic environment or a mismatched role is to have a reference who can discuss these issues.
Keep it private
If you can’t afford to lose your job until you have a new job, don’t share your grievances and job search plans with colleagues. You don’t want to be fired until you’ve had a chance to arrange the ideal transition.
Be professional
When you’re ready to quit after three to six months, end any project or program as much as possible. Alternatively, you can create a training or overview guide to help the next employee pick up where you left off.
Anything you can do to make the transition easier will be appreciated and will likely leave the most positive possible impression possible.
Create a resignation letter
Write a professional and general resignation letter or resignation email. If you need a reference, take it lightly to understand why you quit.
Stay active and productive during notice periods
Two weeks’ notice is considered standard. The company is not obligated to keep you on the board or pay you a notice fee after such a short term.
Make sure you are prepared to lose your income on the day you quit and willing to work on the full notice you provide. If you still have two weeks to work, please help as much as possible.
Leaving a job after only a few months can be tricky — but sometimes it’s the best (or only) option. Start with a worst-case plan that considers the long-term job search. Being professional and productive is often the best guarantee of future reference and goodwill.
