Quitting is not a sin...it can protect your health and sanity.

It’s Ok To Quit

Moving jobs, even after a short period, to protect your health and sanity is not a sin.

I have seen a number of my clients expressing a real fear about explaining the reason for leaving their job, especially if this is after a short period of time. Unfortunately, this is translating into a complete lack of confidence with job searching, and often life in general.

They just don’t know where to turn, afraid they make the same mistake again and worried that they will look weak, a failure, someone who has no resilience.

Let's look first at why they are leaving their HR jobs?

I have heard accounts of workplace bullying, discrimination, belittling, unethical behaviour and of course the rising tide of burnout. Many describe an environment that has clearly become toxic.

I remember being in a similar place myself. I was headhunted back to a high salary job in the private sector. It was an odd recruitment process, all very secretive and I was never invited to the premises. I only found out who the company was when I said yes to the offer and only saw the offices on my first day!

The job was not as advertised. My colleague post was never recruited for. The environment was one of fear and obedience to the Group HR Manager. My team were very competent and self-sufficient. I was bored out my mind and worse I was subject to that subtle bullying by a female manager who couldn’t let go of a job she once held. 

I couldn’t just sit there and take the money, nor could I let this bullying behavior continue to chip away at my confidence. I was downright miserable and it was starting to affect my health and my marriage. I knew I didn't have the power to change things in this insidious environment, so I left after 6 months.

I remember feeling a bit of an idiot for succumbing to the flattery of being head hunted and being back on the job market after such a short period. I questioned if I had done my research properly at interview. I did ask lots of questions, but some of the answers turned out to be false and plans did not materialise as indicated. It was difficult to fully research when they wouldn't even tell me the name of the company!

Once I left, I soon gave myself a good talking to that it was a mistake anyone could make and my health and wellbeing and my marriage were more important. Luckily I had a good relationship with a recruiter, so I was able to walk into another job, albeit a 6 month contract. At interview I simply explained that the role was not as advertised and I felt it was the right thing to do all round to move on.

That is my story of leaving a job after a short period. Absolutely no-one should have to suffer in silence in a similar place, or in any of the situations I described above. Your health, your self-esteem, your relationships and the very core of your integrity will be damaged if you do not protect yourself. If you can't influence a change for the better, it often means you have to quit.  

There is absolutely no shame in that.

As an HR hiring manager, I looked for honesty and integrity in candidates and I would have had the utmost respect for someone explaining the facts of why they felt there was no alternative but to leave.

This needs to be seen as acceptable by all recruiters and it should not automatically be assumed the person is a job-hopper or lacks any resilience. Quite the opposite they have self-respect and integrity.

If you are an HR professional who needs some support to take back control of your career so you can have the success and happiness you deserve, I am here to help you.

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