Jobs, for the most part, are a dull, boring experience most of us must go through in order for us to quench our thirst for materialism and social status. They are mostly just a means for peo- ple to live their lives with some level of comfort.
Lots of us would rather be doing something else rather than working in that same old uniform, punching the same old clock, doing the same old thing. When you have finally had
it with your job, knowing how to quit the right way can be crucial.
We all know how tempting it can be to storm out on the boss that constantly nags you, or on colleagues that refuse to carry their weight, in a big scene of your own style of social justice.
But it is also tempting to not do any- thing, and to continue to take the abuse and extra work to keep your income coming in. The good thing about this is that you’re not alone by a long shot and there are many steps a person can take to make their situation better for
themselves in the short term and long term.
Rule number one, you have to pick and choose your battles. We all have or have had that cool job with the unbear- able boss that makes life way harder than it needs to be.
The lucky ones only have to see that unbear- able boss once in a blue moon, which makes their job easier. The question is how good is your job relative to oth- ers, and do you enjoy where you work?
If the positives out- weigh the negatives, then you can’t flip out and throw a tantrum for every
little grievance.
So sometimes there has to be a trade
off. It’s a case of “bad job and a good social life vs. good job and a bad social life.” That being said, if you feel like you are being over exploited or treated unfairly then this is the perfect battle to choose.
Rule number two, the “two weeks notice” is your best friend. On paper it always looks good that you ended your business relationship in a pro-
fessional manner, even if it was not on the best terms. It also heightens your chances and options at having a good reference for your next job.
RecSports Manager Jason Macias deals with the two-weeks notice pro- cess and has his own experience as an employee giving one.
“I’ve never just quit a job, I’ve always put in my two weeks…that’s just me…I got tired of it, doing the same thing,” Macias said.
He also deals with employees who quit in a moments notice.
“I wouldn’t hire them back on… it was the communication, it wasn’t there… I’m thinking, if they put you in a bind like that will they do it again?” Macias said.
Now if you cannot stand your job, it is advised that you put in your two weeks notice, for everyone’s sake. If two weeks is way to long to get out, just leave and say “good health and good riddance.”
TAMUK music education student Ismael Lopez was one who could not wait two weeks.
“I walked up to the manager and told him that I couldn’t work anymore… and they tried to keep me there…I was going to get a promotion, but I just couldn’t,” Lopez said.
That leads us to rule number three. Always have a backup plan. If you go ballistic at work and end up quitting without another option to get income, unless you have generous parents who make good money, you will go broke, guaranteed. The job searching process is way too long, so unless you know somebody where you are applying, the process can take up to a month before you even get hired.
Sometimes a backup plan is not an option given the circumstances. In that case quitting is not a bad option. Men- tal health can take a serious hit in a bad work environment and really flourish in a good one.
It is better to feel free of a bad job than constantly stressed about work. Time in between jobs can feel like a vacation, but the key is to get back to working ASAP and keep on grinding.
Rule number four, do not, do not, do not burn every single one of your bridges, even if you feel on top of the world.
Burning bridges is bad, usually, un- less it’s just a bad relationship. Burn- ing a bridge means that a relationship is done for good, especially in the work and business world. Plenty of us are or will be guilty of this at some point in our lives.
If you ever need someone to put in a good word for you or to help with a favor, you will need to keep those rela- tionships aka “bridges” intact.
TAMUK kinesiology major Manuel Rojas quit his job without burning his bridges completely.
“I was an (umpire)…. I just told them not to call me or text me, I’m done, I don’t want to do it anymore….it was just too much…the stress and the col- leagues…I talk to most of them and I still see them around,” Rojas said.
The fifth and final rule is to make it memorable. Yes, we all know the two weeks notice route by now, but it is of- ten the anti-climactic way to go.
This is how to memorably quit your job, aka “how to really burn that bridge because there is no way you’re going back.”
If it’s because of a boss or coworkers that exploit you and make your work life a miserable experience, make sure you play along until they need you most then leave them high and dry so they can realize how much they took you for granted.
TAMUK kinesiology major Patricia Tovar took back her power when she quit her job. “I quit my job….it was unethical circumstances that made me leave…I walked out during my shift,” Tovar said.
Making a scene during your big exit is part of the “I quit” experience. That is not to say get yourself in trouble but as long as you are not harming any- body or causing an extreme and pro- longed disturbance all else is fair game. Go ahead and throw the napkins in the air like Lebron James in pregame. Go ahead make that free burger with ex- tra bacon and walk out singing show- tunes. Go ahead and file a complaint with all the higher ups about your boss and colleagues that you were too nice to address in the beginning. Reclaim your power as a human being and as an employee.
On a side note, even the threat of you quitting is enough to make some jobs show a little more respect towards you. That is why it is always crucial to know your worth and what you bring to the table.
