Before You Quit Your Job

There are great rewards for diligently working. It may not seem like it at the time, but God uses work to teach us valuable lessons that we couldn’t learn any other way. That’s why it’s important to plan carefully Before You Quit Your Job.

Did you know God was the first to give people a job? In the Bible, Adam and Eve had work to do. – 

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there he placed the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. . . . Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it (Gen 2:7-9; 15).

Cultivating a garden was work, and it was good!

I didn’t understand the principle of work early on. Now, when I wake up, usually around 5:00 am, I understand that I have responsibilities waiting for me, it’s called work. Some of them I love, others are difficult to complete, but, just because I don’t like it, doesn’t stop the need to get it done. When you’re starting a ministry or business – there will always be less favorable aspects of getting the job done.

Here’s how I learned this valuable lesson.

I spent the early part of my post college career working in a corporate environment. I thought I would never need another job. The pay was good and my future looked bright, at least for a while. It didn’t take long for me to feel out of place.

So what did I do as a young twenty-something . . .  I quit.

 For the first few months after I quit my job, I didn’t do anything (don’t do that). I just kept spending money while wondering what to do next. As the money faded, I quickly learned that it wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought.

Eventually, and after a lot of wasted time, I found a job – less pay, less potential. It took years for me to recover from making the poor, unplanned  decision, to quit my job.

I wish I would have known then what I know now. I would have planned much better before I quit my job. Better preparation would have saved me a lot of money and valuable time. Even as a marketplace ministry, or starting a new business, timing matters.

Here’s what I learned and hopefully it will help you as you seek the best timing before you quit your job. 

1. When you know you are going to quit your job, stop spending money and start paying off debt. If you are stuck with a lot of debt, you will find yourself taking the wrong position or tolerating a job you hate because you have bills to pay. Get the debt under control and seek to live well beneath your financial ability. In other words, don’t spend all of your money. 
2. If possible, quit your job after you find a new one or when you have enough financial surplus to carry you until you can replace the income. There are no promises until you sign a contract for a new job. Find a way to endure, Pray for your coworkers. Do whatever it takes to stay where you are until the time is right to move on.
3. Plan your new career (or start your new business) before you quit your job. Before you leave, try to set up the foundational components of your new career or business (website, social media, insurance, office and marketing supplies, business plan, etc.). When you quit the old job, you may want to rest for a while, but it’s important to get moving quickly. Having your plan already in place will be helpful.
4. Don’t burn old bridges. Leave your job well. You have probably made some good social connections and friends on your current job. Keep their contact information and leave with the option to get a referral from your manager. Take care of loose ends and train your replacement if necessary. There may be a time in the future when knowing someone from your old job works to your advantage. If the relationship is challenged, then do your best to maintain a good reputation as you exit.
5. Create cash flow. It’s important to do what you enjoy, but you may have a need for cash flow if you choose to start a business. Look for money-making opportunities that leave you the time and flexibility you need for your own business. It may not be an enhancement for the resume, but it could be enough to keep you free to pursue your personal plans.
6. Keep your mouth shut. I know it’s exciting when you are on your way to greener pastures. But usually, it works better when you don’t talk about your new plans while you’re still at your old job. It could be a distraction for you and your co-workers. Also avoid unnecessary conversation from people who wish they had the courage to make a move as well. Don’t bash the job when you leave. After all, it was most likely a blessing when you started. 
7. Be bold and step out. If you have planned, prayed, and prepared, then go ahead and step into your new career. Put on your conflict management shoes and be prepared to solve the challenges that will arise. If you are stepping into a business, consider a side hustle until you have enough cash flow. It’s just another step in the planning, that will stabilize you faster.

Career changes happen. The only way to step up is to step out of the old and into the new. When you’re ready, just make sure you do it the right way. Get the full benefit that’s waiting for you buy operating in God’s timing.

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