Could you leave your present employer without having another job to walk into?

I could but then I’m nearly at retirement age.

I did once, about 8 years ago. I figured that I had enough savings to last for a year.

As it happened, I had a new job in my profession about 10 weeks later.

I could, but I would be doing a really big mistake.

Not a chance.

I have done that. It is not a good decision. This was quite a few years ago and I lived on savings for a few months until I got another job. I do not recommend that, however.

I could and am considering just that! However, my husband is working so the bind wouldn’t be as tight!

Too many variables.

However, as I’ve had job hunts last over 13 months while never having had enough to put a year’s worth of living expenses into savings, I have never even been close to any position where leaving without something lined up was even a possibility, let alone a feasible option.

Of those here who have done so, I must wonder how recently, as the economy is vastly different from 10 years ago, and whether it’s an option for them since their mortgage is paid off, thus freeing them from the largest single expense most Americans face. Those are the only two ways I see anyone who isn’t rich enough to not need to work in the first place pulling it off.

I don’t think I would do something silly like that. Hopefully I would have second thoughts or take some time off and rethink things. I have great benefits and it’s pretty hard to find such benefits now. Lots of time off, plus lots of holidays and lots of sick days, and a “holiday bonus” which is not called a holiday bonus and health care that is very very cheap.

Self employed so N/A

I did 4 years ago and I’ve not looked back.
I have a minimal income from a rental property and selling junk.

I was laid off in 2010 and it took 2 years to find a full time job. So no, I would not walk off of my job although I have wanted to at times.

It takes a good amount of privilege, that many others don’t have, in order quit a job without having something else lined up. I’d bet the people suggesting it also live with the same priviledge.

That being said, I have quit my job without anything lined up. And even with the priviledge I was born into, it was very difficult for me to get on my feet again.

I’ve done it, but my income was extra. My husband was the breadwinner. I still gave notice. I didn’t just walk out.

When I was young, I’d quit a job in a heartbeat, but the economy was a whole lot better then. I could get a new job the next day. Things are so different now and I’m also older. Also, I have a child to support so I am not one to take chances. We need our health insurance and we need money.

I wasn’t even thinking about when I was a teenager. Is that what you mean by young @jca? Or, were you already supporting yourself when you say young?

@JLeslie: I mean when I was 20, 25, I’d decide I didn’t like a job any more and I’d be done with it. I went to college on and off until I was 24, then I went full time. So I mean early adulthood.

I could most of the time and did, but I could usually rely on my husbands income for the daily financial support when I would be unemployed for weeks. However when times where tough, I would remain with my job while applying to other jobs and then give my two weeks notice. Even if I couldn’t stand to stay, I would give a two weeks notice. Only two times did I actually quit on days I was suppose to work and that was because they gave me an ultimatum and thought I wouldn’t leave.

Nope. I am still raising kids and have to pay spousal support for my ex. II would be in deep in about six weeks.

No.

Yes, I could. I’m very lucky to know that I could do this financially. However, being who I am, I doubt that I could do it emotionally. I think that I should make as much financial contribution to our household as I am able.