If I just up and quit.....
 

I'm curious to know people's opinion on this matter. Do you think it will be detrimental to my abilities to get another job if I quit the one I'm currently at without having another job to go into?

To better explain, I thoroughly dislike Kansas. I do nothing but work. If I'm not working, I'm bored out of my mind. I started working for this company in Colorado which is where I wanted to be. I'm ready to return home to Georgia already. I've been looking for a job in Georgia for months now. No luck and I question if me not being in Georgia presently is hurting my chances of getting a job there. I honestly feel like I'm missing out on life by staying here in Kansas. The only dream I am presently working towards is saving money for a house. As far as I am concern, that really sucks. I'll have plenty to keep me busy once I do get back to Georgia and some of those ways will make me money. However, I'd be looking to find another job. So, what should I do?

Thanks

Bored ? What no hookers in Kansas ? :rofl:
Im in northern Illinois and barely paying the bills , not much out there .
Just read 1 in every 706 homes are in forclosure .(Illinois)
Stay put till you have something solid .

I'd stay until i found a job. but it depends on your finances. If you have some funds set aside and are really that unhappy, then move.

That's part of it. It's only me and a demanding cat but she doesn't really cost that much. I've got plenty saved up for how I live, but I also make great pay and have great benefits. I've come to realize money isn't everything though. As you can see, I'm very torn over the thought or decision and honestly, a little scared too.

My wife spent her entire career as a HR exec..... she says DO NOT just quit a job. You're more likely to be hired if you have an existing job.

Boredom is mental... you've got to get yourself out of that line of thinking... focus on finding another job where you want to be and make that your goal.

In this economy -- no way anyone could advise you walking out of a paying position before you have another one to go to. Even if you can "afford" to do that - it's a backwards step in savings. While you might be prepared to be out of work for 6 months -- what if it turns into a year...

I hire allot of people... It's always better to get a job while you have one...
I always (even if unfounded) consider an employed candidate more attractive then a on paper equal unemployed candidate..

It may be psychological but somewhere in your head you think the employed person is a better get...

I would (no offense intended) question the decision making / critical thinking of a candidate that quit a job without a new one lined up...

Good luck with you employment.. keep your options open and your decisions sound and you will be better off in the long run..
:cheers:

Get yourself locked into a new job before you quit your old one, It's much better that way... I speak from experence Good luck to you!!

I've got a saying my dad used to tell me growing up. He said...."Son a nonworking man eats today. A working man eats everyday." Get it? In case some don't, I'll elaborate the way he used to explain it to me. He would say, if you don't work, you'll eat today only. And that's probably what someone will give you or what you'll beg for. If you are working, you will eat everyday, because you know you've got another dollar coming tomorrow. Now, that dollar may not be enough..but you will definately eat though.

Well, the reason that most HR Execs tell you to stay employed is that any break in your employment history will hurt your chances to find a new job. Ok, that is not really true. Depends on your HR Exec, and your skills. I give you an example of interview.

Back in 1998, I had an interview at GM Powertrain in Detroit, MI. Actually, I was working as an Engineer at a Naval Aviation Depot in Jacksonville, FL. My skills was in Project Management on developing the manpower forecasting for EA-6B, FA/18 and F-14 aircraft. http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm...3-672396D366B6

Anyway, GM brought in 30 people for the interview, and GM had this big dinner at the Marriott at the airport. Each potential person had to tell their background, so one lady said that she was a former Ford Engineer that quit her job at Ford to design shoes in New York. So, who do you think that GM hired for the job? Well, it wasn't me! It was her!

Actually, I was glad that I didn't get the job, because of the location was horrible as compared to Florida. Detroit airport was one of the worst that I ever been in my life. The main reason that I was looking for a new job was to be closer to my family. I relocated back in late 1999 to Dayton, Ohio but it was a transfer to the USAF.

A friend of mine that is now retired has several breaks in employment, but he usually gets a dream job. So, it is based on your skills. My friend has worked for several companies, including Northrop, Pratt & Whitney, Booz Allen, etc. If you have the skills, then you don't have to worry about the breaks in employment.


Jeff

Current employment gives you leverage.

STAY!!! Get another hobby if you're that bored! Seriously, if you got a "good paying" gig, you're better off than 75% of America, not to mention 99% of the world! Keep your eyes open and something will come up. What you're "going thru" now is preparing you for something in the future that needs perseverance.
Just my .02 :cheers:

You're right about the perseverance part, Jimmy. I left Grand Junction, CO two years ago now. I've been wanting to leave Pampa, TX and now Liberal, KS since I got here from CO. I told myself it's only temporary and I'll get back to Colorado soon enough. While I've only been actively looking for a new job for the last few months, I feel like I've already had two years of putting my life on hold. Colorado was were I wanted to be. I didn't leave Georgia because I was unhappy. I just wanted to try out Colorado for a few years. I only got four months there and now I feel like I need to return home and settle down already. I'd try to go back to Colorado but I'd feel like I wasn't being honest with any future employer since I know before I even had the new job that I'd be leaving again in a year or two. Maybe I shouldn't be so nice and just use them as they'll use me :lol:

I don't agree at all with the "stay" posters.

Life's short. Too short to compromise your heart. Too short to work a job just for money. Quit! Go back to Georgia right away! That's where your heart is.

I've left many jobs without another lined up. Always landed on my feet. I am submitting my two weeks notice this Monday. So, I'm not talking out the side of my neck here. Also, I've got a lot more than a cat to look after. However, I'll have no bills except food, utilities, gas and healthcare. And healthcare is free now. :rofl: So, I've got a lot of flexibility in my situation.

Sounds like you have "no strings attached" and are relatively flexible, too. Go for it. "Follow your bliss" as Joesph Campbell says.

I don't understand people who let money dictate their lives. I never chased money and I have been blessed with much of it. Totally foreign to me to chase a buck doing something I don't love to do.

I love the "animating contest of freedom". Fear sucks.

Can't wait for the next chapter..:woot:

I feel much the same way, Bryan. However, I don't like making emotional decisions. For the most part, I enjoy what I do a great deal. Ultimately though, I have no future with this company. They don't have camps in the SE mountain region of the country.

For what it's worth, I have a mech engineering degree and I'm a registered Engineer-in-training. That means I'm part way to getting my Professional Engineer license. Honestly not even sure I'd want to go that far but being an EIT is something a lot of degreed engineers don't even accomplish. I'd like to think I'll always be in demand given my degree and life experiences. This economy is a different kind of beast though.

FWIW - October 25th I left my job after 35 years 364 days. The last ten years (2nd gen family business) was destroying me and my family..........not sure what I'm going to do but the peace of mind and actually being able to enjoy time with my wife, kids 11 & 13, and dogs has been priceless.

Financially if you can afford a few months...........money can't by you time on your death bed but it can when your healthy. You're a good guy with a desirable degree, you'll find work. :thumbsup:

I hire A LOT of people too.

I agree with you for the most part about conventional wisdom and what the masses think, but regarding your statement above (bolded) I look at it in a different light... I ask myself "does he have a high earning spouse that allows this?" .... "did he inherit money from his parents or a relative?" ..... "did he make a killing in the dot com or another venture?" .......

I for one left a job 7 years ago without a new one lined up. I had the ability and finances to be able to. I wanted to do it and thankfully I was able to leave on MY terms. If one can afford to do that, it is quite liberating.

And I was hired/recruited 2 months later.... way earlier than I had planned on returning to the job market. Oh well. Something to think about.

Unfortunately, in most of the real world, this is fact.

I like your style. :cheers:

Try to think of all the unknowns before you make a decision.

It may not be the simple fact that you're not in Georgia that's keeping you from finding a new job.

How long could you really go without work? Regardless, doing so would set you back and probably put a dent the savings for the new house.

Would an interviewer see you as someone that just bails when things aren't to your liking. Would he/she see you as the smart type of person they want to hire?

I'd love to just quit my job and be home more often. Doing so would hurt me and my family a great deal. I was on the street for nearly a year after the carrier I flew for went under. It sucked on so many levels. While I don't think you should 'chase the money' you shouldn't ignore it either. Life is all about balance. If you don't make enough you won't be happy. If you work to much to get what you need, you won't be happy.

My suggestion....take that free time and do all you can to find a job that gives you what you want and need. Sure it might take a little time, but sometimes we have to suffer through some sucky times so we can enjoy the good ones.

It will work out. Hang in there.

:cheers:

That's something I worry about as well. From the outside, I'm sure many people would question my desire to walk away from a great paying job especially in this economy. I'd like to think I have a "legitimate" answer. That answer being that I enjoyed the job and was not quitting because it was tough and that, right or wrong or if you can even understand or relate, my environment has a huge impact on me. I'm not talking about the people I work for and the office conditions. I literally mean the environment. The world outside. If I can not look out the window and enjoy what I see, I will not be able to stay in the area for long. Money will only keep me there so long. That's the situation I'm facing now. This is not pretty country to me. It's flat with no trees or hills and too much damn wind. I could never live up north near the great lakes for the same reason. The winters would make me suicidal. Gray all the time would seriously make me depressed.

You're right about the balance part. This job is definitely lop sided towards the working too much side. I don't see how people do this for years on end and have families. I've seen too many families torn apart because of the hours we work. I do my best to get my guys off the clock as soon as I can when a job is over so they can spend time with their loved ones or simply be able to sleep an extra 30 minutes. I'm fortunate that it's just me right now. I can handle the long hours to an extent because it'll payoff in the end with all the money I'm putting away now. I'm just getting to that point where I want more time to live my life. I've been working my butt off since my early 20s and haven't really had the time to enjoy the things I've wanted to do. I kept saying next year. I'm 32 now, will be 33 in April. I'm tired of saying next year.

I'm not going to be quitting tomorrow. I'd like to stay here until I can find something else. That would be best, I agree. I'm just not sure if I can hold out that long. I appreciate all the feedback and opinions. I welcome any more comments or thoughts on the situation. I know that only I will be able to make this decision and if it will be right for me or not. I guess I'm just using this as a sounding board more than anything else.

Thanks everyone.

The environment is very legit IMO. If you wake up not appreciating where you're at or if your workplace is in an undesirable location (traffic, people, etc.) it has an impact your attitude and quality of life.

In my situation location was an issue, spending 60+ hours a week in an area that had become a social services district littered with vagrants, travelers, mental cases, and gang activity wears on you day after day. You can ignore for a while but it eventually takes it toll.

What you don't want to do is to use up all the "extra money you've put away" -- by being in an unemployed situation beyond your control. Then that would make all the long hours of work just go down the drain. That would make me suicidal!

I reminded my kids daily -- SCHOOL is the easiest thing you'll ever do... 'cause after that.... life starts and it's far longer and far harder.

So, I would remind you... that a couple of months of living in your current situation should be looked at as "the easy part".... Find work that you WANT in a part of the country you want - then make the jump - keeping all the extra dough you saved up as a "reward" for the crappy time you spent. :cheers:

I hope one day I can have the time to be bored. ;)

I see a few saying to quit now, that money isn't everything, and happiness is more important. Even been some examples of those that did just that and found another job without a problem. I agree to a point. I did the same thing, quit a very good paying job (for the time) and left because I was not happy where I was. The owner of the company tried to talk me out of it, then got pissed when I told him that "money wasn't everything". :D

With that said, how many of your examples of quitting were in the last couple years? It's a whole different market out there right now. In 2005 things were roaring and getting a job wasn't nearly the same as 2012. I am not saying you will not be able to find a job, good skill sets usually pay off. But there are a lot of talented unemployed people right now, at least unemployed in their field. If you're willing to work for $8/hour you can always find a job.

I agree. My only question is what do you like to do that can't be done in KS? With no wife and kids and only a cat and it sounds like a good job. You obviously like cars, is working on them when not working an option? Travel? Riding motorcycles? hunting? Learning to weld or run a Bridgeport or lathe? Work out? Make furniture? Paint ball league?

I hire and have hired a lot of people and in this economy, good people apply all the time. If I had a person that bailed on a job because he didn't like what he was doing or where he lived, and didn't have a job, I would be concerned he would do the same to me.

Darren

You have to first realize, I'm basically married to the job. I'm on a 6 and 3 schedule. During that 6, it's 24 hours a day if they want me. I've lost count of the number of days I've worked over 20 hours and done that in a row. That makes it very hard to commit to anything beyond being ready to go at a moment's notice. Right now, we are slowing down a bit for different reasons but typically, I only see my house in the dark. I wish I could work out regularly.

I also rent so I'm limited on what I can do with the place. I've thought about getting a 110v welder but am honestly scared of the wiring in the house. I'm not interested in buying this place. Especially if it's a burnt out frame. I've thought about bringing my TA out here and working on it but having the proper space and tools then comes into play. I do go over into Colorado and ride my motorcycle when the weather is good and not cold. That's been one thing that I have enjoyed. Riding around here is worthless unless you have a cruiser. Too much wind and no curves.

I have a second motorcycle that's a project bike. I'm nearing the point where I'll have to wait and get to a better place before I can take it as far as I want to go with it. I'm working on it when I can but lack of proper place and tools is holding me up a bit. I've thought about getting a third one that needs mechanical work because I can do that more easily than custom body panels or other changes. I'd really like to try out a Triumph Speed Triple :D

Liberal is a town of about 24k people. I went to college with 33k people. I don't do small towns. It's one hour to the closest larger city and it's maybe 40k people. It's hard to describe how little there is out here unless you've been here. It's also difficult to describe how annoying the wind is unless you've spent time here. Amarillo is the closest major city and it's 3 hours away. Also, I drive a lot for my job. So driving on my days off isn't a thrilling prospect.

Specifically, I like to hike and explore, ride the motorcycle in hills and with curves, I want to be more involved in the local car scene, I'd like to get an exercise routine going(I hear crossfit is fun and it puts the girls in cool positions :D), and most of all, I'd like to be able to make plans and know I'm more than likely going to be able to keep them. To be able to know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow night would be fantastic. I'm a planner and this job keeps me guessing.

I understand what you're saying. I have a friend who's a new dad with two young kids. He has no time for anything but raising them. However, that's what he wants to do. He misses the things he's given up but ultimately, those activities pale in comparison to spending time with his kids. He and his wife are great parents. I'm sure one day I'll get to a point where I wish I could be bored. However, being bored isn't as enjoyable as it sounds and when you've been this way for two years, it's old.

That's part of what has kept me here this long. I've been patiently waiting for something to open up in Colorado with the company. Me being loyal etc and my bosses know this. I've been wanting to leave since the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, gas prices suck and the industry has fallen even worse there than here.

I've got ways to make money once I return to Georgia. I've got a few ideas for new parts for Corvettes and I'd really like to redesign the headers I created a number of years ago. While I'd be taking a monumental pay cut, I'd have money coming in to help. I'm honestly more worried about benefits and health insurance. Regardless, I understand what you're saying and that's been the number one thing keeping me here this long.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Most of the people I work with like this area because it's all they know. While I don't look forward to the traffic of ATL, it would almost be a blessing to see that many people in one place again. Besides, I may get a job where I can ride MARTA in ATL. That would be cool. I'm down with mass transit.

Thanks guys. As I've said, I do appreciate the responses.

Well, that is the reason that you can't just quit. Although, you can look for a job. Here is a place to look. https://www.usajobs.gov/ (There is only 44 jobs for Mechanical Engineer), but here is lot of things people don't know. You can apply for any Engineering position, and most likely they will hire you. Takes awhile to get a job, but just keep applying. I wouldn't limit myself to one particular city. Have to be open to travel on the job.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I've been using indeed.com mainly. I've also been looking throughout the southeast but concentrating on Atlanta because that's where I want to be. That and Atlanta is the commercial center of the south.

Usajobs is for the federal goverment, which is the largest employer for engineers. I never used Indeed.com, but it could limit you in ways. Some people will only search on their career field or location. This can limit your chances of finding a job. For example, you want to be in Atlanta. Well, I got only 10 hits for Atlanta on Engineer. I changed the search terms in Usajobs to "Engineer" and "GA". I get 23 hits. Now one of the positions is a Mechanical Engineer position at Warner Robins, GA. Well, you are within a 2 hour trip to Atlanta.


Jeff

I understand things better now. Like Jody said, things are different right now as far as hiring goes. Resumes flood in everyday at my place. If we needed to hire an engineer, I could pick a dozen from the trash can. Having a job gives you a real advantage over those that don't. I feel for you and wish you luck. What does corporate say about your situation?

Darren

Warner Robbins has a very different landscape than the Northern part of the state. That's one thing I do love about Georgia. It's very different north to south and east to west. I grew up in Savannah which is nothing like Athens and Atlanta. Warner Robbins wouldn't do it for me just like Savannah won't either, though.

You bring up good points about the search terms etc. It's why I only type engineer and put it at a 100 mile radius. I don't need to be in the metro area. Also, I have no idea what all is out there so I go broad based by just using engineer. I've also looked at some other broad based job titles.

I never knew the federal government employed the most engineers. Interesting.

Thanks Darren. Until I got here, I didn't think it would be so bad. I even figured I would get adjusted. When I left Grand Junction, CO, a place I loved, and pulled into Pampa, TX during the night, I didn't think it was so bad. When I ventured out of the hotel room the next day, I nearly turned around and went back to Junction to demand they either take me back or I'm done. It really is very different out here compared to where I grew up and what I like.

I've talked with my bosses and they know I want to leave. They say they'll help but I don't think they will. Problem is, they'll put some stipulation that I have to find a replacement first. Well, we have a fourth engineer coming in very soon. He could easily take my place as he has experience and wants to be in Liberal since his wife is from here. I can already see the wheels in my direct boss's head turning because at this camp only me and the new guy can do the big money horizontal jobs which require two engineers and two crews since they are 24 hour operations typically. He, meaning my boss, has zero incentive to help me and every incentive to force me to stay. There are other issues and indications that aren't worth going into that tell me I won't get out of Liberal, KS with this company. Sucks too because right or wrong, I'd prefer to stay loyal to a company that was willing to take a chance on me.

I've noticed that about the jobs I have found and I've found plenty. There really are a lot of good, well paying jobs out there right now. It's an employer's market though. They are being very specific about the experience, qualifications, and certifications they are looking for. Many of the certifications are ones you would normally get as an entry level employee, which is what I'm looking at. However, I'm finding so many jobs wanting 1-2 years of experience but a list of certifications along with that. I don't have those certifications and getting them outside of a job isn't feasible. I'm better of waiting to find something. It's an employer's market.

lots of good advice here. I was making good money in a job a didn't like. It wasn't challenging, the environment I was I was in was toxic and I needed a PLAN!

You are probably like most of us on the board who could get a job anywhere...yes even in this economy. But you need to figure out what you want to do and where you want to live.

The best thing I did was start listening to Dan Miller's 48 days podcast and read a couple of his books. His plan is simple. Have a plan and find meaningful work in 6 months. My plan took 3-4 years of hard work and commitment but is worth it.

Weld is right- don't give away all your money to move into a lateral position. Think smart. Emotions are mostly right and with a little reason they can be the right catalyst for changing. I wish you the best!:thumbsup:

Thanks Chris. I appreciate the kind words. I'll look into this Dan Miller guy and see what he has to say.

Good point Jody. In general I would agree. I guess that's where each individual needs to know his or her place in their niche and what they bring to the table and the whole supply/demand situation of their situation.

None in the last couple years. However, I have left jobs at tops in the economy and at lows in the economy. Doesn't make a hoot of a difference to me. I try to live a life based on faith.

Essentially dropped out of high school in '77 to pursue professional sports. Was eventually blessed with an opportunity to earn a PhD in Chemistry. Left athletic sponsors when the arrangements no longer fit and was blessed with suitable alternatives. Earned an advanced degree "owning" only a few sets of clothes, a '74 Jeep CJ5 (:yes:) and a Rottweiler. No money to my name at that time. But, a decade later, and after having quit a few unsatisfactory bio/pharma jobs, ended up as point man in a start-up biotech. Put $100M to work for one of the richest guys on the planet.

Now that environment is toxic and it is time to leave.

I have a plan of action. No expectations it will work out. Actually, I have many contingency plans without expectations. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up working at Harkins Theaters asking, "Butter with that popcorn sir?"

Here's my bottom line advice WSSix. Faith fulfills the spirit. Believing one is in control is an illusion. Give it up. No fear.

Two hours and fifteen minutes 'till resignation time. New chapters in life are exciting. :woot: :woot: :woot:

I just wanted to say this whole process has been so frustrating :bang: Man my patience has been tested with this. I've had a few responses to my resumes and a few phone interviews. Hopefully, something will work out.

Whats wrong with Kansas? Aren't houses only like 50-100K out there?

John, just go street view on google maps. Kansas is flat and boring state. I wouldn't have taken a job out there at all. There is not much to do out there. Most parts of the countries, the homes are relatively inexpensive. Especially now with the foreclosures. Typically, most homes just need to be updated, but you can buy them at rather low cost.

Jeff