Why Quitting a Job Can Make Financial Sense

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note to Ellen: you are not wrong to look for a new job. I just gave my two week notice at a job that sounds very similar to what you describe. I knew that if I stayed there, even after being there for five years, it would destroy me and my paece of mind. There have been so many manager and personnel changes here that it is no longer fun to work here. I hated going in to work each day and all the inspiration and enjoyment has gone out of my work because of the people I work with and the general attitude of the employer. I have left not having another job lined up but I have faith that I will find something else. I believe that it is important to get out of a job that makes you depressed, otherwise you cannot present a positive image at a new job opportunity or even get the energy to pursue one. I know I have to be very careful financially until I get another job, but I am willing to take that risk. I even know where the local soup kitchens are if I really need little help. I am not afraid to use those resources for a little while.

Suzie of MA 9:07AM September 27, 2011

This article does make logical sense...quit your job if you're miserable, and it's not worth getting sick from. However, that it makes financial sense to quit is nonsense if you really need the second income. And yes, 'needing' to work is not always what these career women who have a husband making 200K need to do. They only work themselves just to have 2 Mercedes!! Sad for the kids...kids would rather drive in a Ford and have mom around more!! However, in many women's cases, if their husband's make 40K and they have a family of 3, 4, 5 or more, you better believe in almost all parts of the country 40K is poverty level if you have a mortgage and basic bills!! You DO need to work, sadly, in those cases.

Lisa of IL 7:23AM September 27, 2011

I left my job to stay a home with my kids. I worked second shift with one in school. I hardly saw him except in the mornings when I was putting him on the school bus. By the time I got home at night they were asleep. I felt like I was neglecting my kids and with the summer comming up, daycare was gonna be killler! So my husband and I decided it would be good for me to stay at home, less expensive anyway. What I didn't figure in was my sanity lost over the summer with all three at home and now that school is back and two are in school now I have yet to find a job!

Robin of TX 9:55PM September 26, 2011

I have a supervisor that plays favorites, micromanage employees, two face , and think she knows everything. I have a co worker that kiss ass, finds fault and two face. everytime I come to work , I get nervous that whatever I say and do will go back to my supervisor. My supervisor listens to whatever my co worker tells her.

I am looking for a new job at this time, am I wrong ?

ellen of CA 7:05PM September 26, 2011

Well for reasons beyond my control I lost my job in July and am not getting unemployment. Looking at August and September - my costs of "going to work" have reduced dramatically. Automobile fuel for one; has reduced from around 300.00/month down to 50.00/month. The wear and tear on my vehicle too. The money spent on upkeep of my work clothes, shoes, hairspray, makeup have reduced as well. I am not eating lunch out ($8-$12 each day) like I did when I was working. I also continue to make my grocery list and go to the store when necessary; not "just because I want to run into Walmart today when I get off work".

Penny of TX 5:57PM September 26, 2011

I quit my job 6 months ago and most everyone I know thought I was crazy. My salary was great, my title impressive, but my health and happiness were suffering. The reality is my employer quit me long before I quit my job, I felt like I was treading water. The decision to quit was hard, but I have no regrets. I am now able to focus more on my family, I'm a single parent and sole provider for our household, so financially we have made a few adjustments. I have shifted my professional energy to my own business FAST FIX BUTTONS. I was working for my employer, working my business and parenting. There were never enough hours at the end of the day. I now have more energy and enjoy life in a different light. I have no regrets and am a lot happier.

Fast Fix Buttons of CA 4:11PM September 26, 2011

Thanks for the uplifting comments. I was ''let go'' due to not wanting to sacrifice quality for quantity. The company wanted VOLUME and when I started with this company they promised ''mutual respect'' which was never given. I was hired on to manage a laboratory but a money hungry dentist wants to sell his patients a crappy denture and I would not do it. I am wayyyyyyy better off now. My blood pressure is better and my mindset is clearer and I am happier. On to bigger and better things.

Burton Kelsey of IN 4:07PM September 26, 2011

What motivated me to quit my job , was 1. We moved a half hour away and it was a split shift. 2 hrs in the am and 3 in the pm. I loved my job very much. But with gas prices the way they are now, and living 1/2 hr away didn't make sense. 2. I now have the time to do the things i love, and am VERY fortunate that i do not HAVE to work. It gives me the time i need to volunteer , do gardening , spending time with new friends, and home schooling my son. I am a more happy , content person for it. That means the world to me.

jackie grossman of OH 3:06PM September 26, 2011

I absolutely HATE my job and always wondering how long I can survive before I just quit. I have been at it for almost 9 years and there seems to be NO light at the end of the tunnel. I think the only reason I haven't quit yet is my age (47). If I were 10 years younger, I would have been gone long ago.

I have probably shaved 15 years off my life expectancy for health reasons due to my un-satisfaction at my J.O.B....I hope to recover and get my mind healthy again very soon. If the economy would just show ANY sign of recovery.

Tom of FL 2:30PM September 26, 2011

Yes. I quit my nursing job about a month ago because I was being put in a position that I felt could cost me my license. I was the main income for my household, but feel that I have been given this opportunity to pursue a long time dream of opening a cookie business. Financially, it's difficult, but I feel this is the right direction. We are on a very tight budget, but I am so much happier and am able to spend more time with my family and son. Hopefully, my business will be up and running soon and our finances will improve. Happiness is more important to me than money!

Susan K. of AL 2:18PM September 26, 2011

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Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about making smarter financial decisions. She’s the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.

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