Giving Reasons to Leave Your Job

In this guide, we will break down some things to remember when leaving a position and some of the reasons for leaving a job.

Here at Refreshing a Career, we support people to find a new career and return to work after a period of absence. However, it’s essential not to forget that for many career changers, one challenge in this process is leaving a job you already have to pursue a new career. Leaving a job can be a tricky process, and it can be hard to find the right words to describe why you are leaving.

What to Remember When Leaving Your Job

When you decide you want to leave your current job, there are a few important things to remember. Changing jobs can be a big life decision for you and your family, and it’s worth putting in the time to make sure everything can go as smoothly as possible.

Speaking to Your Employer

Try to speak to your employer as early as possible, so they know to start looking for a replacement. You may even be able to help in the recruitment or handover process.

Notice Periods

You most likely have a notice period that you are contractually obliged to work for before you leave. Ensure to familiarise yourself with this period to know when you can start a new role or plan financially for being out of a job.

Staying Positive

When discussing leaving with your employer, try to stay positive about your experience working there, even if you are leaving because you are unhappy. You may rely on your manager in the future for a reference or work connections, and keeping a friendly relationship is beneficial.

Having a Plan for Your Next Steps

Try to come up with a plan for your next steps before you hand in your notice. If this means having a period out of work, make sure to assess your finances to see how long you can afford to do this.

10 reasons for leaving a job

When applying for new jobs, the employer may ask why you chose to leave your previous role, and it’s a good idea to have a clear reason in mind. You want to try and be positive about your role and focus on what you want next, rather than the negatives about your old job. Here are some reasons you may give for choosing to leave your job:

1. Looking for a new challenge and to test some new skills
2. An entire career change
3. Searching for more flexibility to suit your personal life 
4. You are looking for a role that pays more
5. Ready for more responsibility and managing more people
6. Moving to a new place and therefore need a new job
7. General career progression
8. Going to retrain or returning to education
9. Unhappy with your current management or workplace culture
10. Looking for a change to your work environment

If you are leaving a job because you have been made redundant, look at our helpful guide to redundancy.