Are you sick of your current job? If you have reached the point where you would rather return to the barbacking gig you had in college than drag your miserable self into the office for another week, it's probably time to dust off your modern resume and start writing some cover letters. Before you put in your notice, however, there are a number of factors to consider and precautions to take so that you can guarantee you don't end up back in your parents' basement – the other part of your college days that you would like to forget.
If you are hoping to make 2014 the year you switch jobs, you are hardly alone. A recent CareerBuilder survey revealed that job satisfaction has dropped in the past year, causing a fair number of employees to throw up their hands and start devising getaway plans so they can change up their employment situation.
With 59 percent of respondents stating that they were satisfied with their current positions, the rest have been combating issues like low salaries and being undervalued, which have not left them the happiest workers in the world. In general, 21 percent of full-time professionals reported that they are ready for a fresh start and plan to change jobs. Of the employees who explicitly confessed that they were dissatisfied with their current employment, 58 percent hope to leave their positions behind for new ones.
Brace yourself for a bumpy financial ride
Oftentimes, giving your notice and quitting your job is far easier said than done. There are so many considerations to weigh before making a graceful exit, and nearly every creative job agency will tell you that you have to get all your ducks in a row before peacing out.
Even though the economy has made significant strides since the Great Recession, employment prospects can still be somewhat shaky. Because of this, you want to ensure that you set yourself up with a secure financial situation, which also includes landing another job before giving your notice.
Mashable explained that, especially for younger professionals, finances can be a deterrent for leaving even the most infernal of employment situations. It is vital to come up with some sort of savings so that you can support yourself as you hunt for a new position sans income. The source advised that you sit down and do a little ciphering to figure out how long you could last without a salary.
This entails tallying up all your monthly expenses, such as your rent, utilities, loan payments, food and other essential items you purchase on a regular basis. On top of this, you should always allow yourself wiggle room to account for any emergencies or unforeseen expenses. After doing all this, you may have a good idea of how much time you can coast without taking in a salary. If this is a particularly narrow window, you should rethink your choice and stick with your existing job until you pin down a new position – unless living out of a cardboard box and defaulting on school debt sounds like a tempting option, of course.
Stick with your soul-sucking position in the meantime
It is challenging to apply for jobs when you have nothing else on your plate. This becomes that much more arduous if you are simultaneously working full-time. However, there are endless online resources that can help you along the way. With everything from job sites like Monster and Indeed to social networks, you can connect with potential employers and increase your odds of securing a position. If you really can't find enough time to search for opportunities, you may also want to enlist the help of a creative employment agency, which can do all the leg work for you.
