It might be tempting to quit your job amid the Great Resignation, but it wouldn’t be entirely wise.

The so-called Great Resignation or Resignation Tsunami is gaining a lot of attention in the US. While it doesn’t seem to have hit Asia as badly, experts are certainly watching the numbers.

According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, 49 per cent of respondents in Singapore were considering leaving their current jobs, with many employees complaining about burnout.

The exodus in the US is apparent across sectors and job roles, with frontline industries such as retail and hospitality seeing a greater number of departures.

Various theories surround these exits. Some cite unemployment benefits as being attractive enough for certain groups of workers to simply decide to take a break. Others argue that it’s a function of workers re-evaluating what they truly want out of life and reassessing their career choices as a result. Some workers have also openly expressed that they would only work for companies that allow them to do so remotely, hence leave employers who don’t offer such work arrangements beyond the pandemic.

While it’s tempting to quit at a time when others seem to be doing so with no qualms, we advise considering such decisions carefully.

APPEARING IMPULSIVE WON’T HELP YOU

Quitting without a job in hand would put any candidate in a precarious position. During your search for a new job, interviewers are likely to ask you why you resigned from your previous job. If your reasons are based on emotions, you may come across as impulsive or even lacking judgement.

Without rational reasons such as seeking growth or pursuing an interest, prospective employers will wonder if you’re worth the risk.

NOT HAVING LEVERAGE WILL HURT YOU

In negotiating your salary package, not having a job to use as leverage would put you at a disadvantage. Without a job, candidates are likely to accept the first offer even if it’s not entirely satisfactory and employers know this.

Ultimately, the new job may not meet your expectations and this will probably result in another quick departure. Several such instances will cause prospective employers to wonder about your dependability.

If you have a job while searching for a new one, you’ll feel less pressure. This will allow you to be more selective and enable you to only accept offers you really want.

Before you tender your resignation, take the following steps:

1. Make a list of reasons for wanting to leave. Analyse each reason to determine whether it’s valid and not based on emotions.

As you do this, don’t negate the reasons you’ve stayed with the company for this long. You could reflect on how you’ve grown during your time at the company. Are there reasons to stay?

Understanding the reasons will enable you to consider the facts more carefully and decide if you’re willing to deal with the possible consequences of each action.

2. Contact recruiters who can give you an accurate reading of the job market and your own chances of landing a new job based on your current qualifications and skills. You might be better off working on building your capabilities on the side before quitting your current job. This would better prepare you to apply for a position you really want.

3. Consider speaking to your current employer about the reasons for your dissatisfaction. An open and honest dialogue could lead to contentious issues being resolved and your current job becoming more bearable, at least till you manage to find something that is truly better for you.