Why I quit a job after only 5 months (and what I learned)

This is a good one laced with so many lessons.

Let me set the stage. I remember so vividly being ready to leave a job that I spent over five years in because it was toxic AF. I fought for promotions. Pay raises. Respect. And was never given what I knew I deserved for the work and effort I put in.

So, when the feeling of “GET OUT NOW” came over, I was more than ready to entertain it. And I did this by kickstarting a job search and taking the first offer I received.

And that job was the one I quit in just 5 months. Yep!

What did I learn from this upside-down moment in my career?

1) Never start (or continue) a job search coming from a place of desperation or anger. I started my job search because I seriously wanted out of my current role. And that anger of spending over 5-years in a toxic workplace was the energy that carried me right to another complete WRONG position and workspace. So instead of leading with negativity, I encourage my clients to find the positive reasons for their transition and connect to the great things their new role will bring them once they accept it.

2) Don’t accept the first offer you receive…unless it is the right one. Yet again, I wanted out but taking the first decent offer was the way INTO something I hated. Offers are awesome and validating. But don’t accept one unless it's the right one. This leads me to number 3.

3) Know what the right next job is for you. I had some ideas of what I wanted to do next and the qualities I wanted from my next role or company. But I honestly did not give myself the time or space to clarify this point. Now, I work with my clients before making any moves for new roles or opportunities. To craft their career vision. Understand what they want to do for work. And connect to what they need from their company to thrive…not survive.

4) Never dismiss red flags or gut feelings during the interview process. I had a distinct feeling that the role I accepted would not make me happy. I could sense it during the interview process. But I connected instead to my desire for something new and not deep enough to my need for something right. Never dismiss your gut. It is the best support system you have.

The moral of the story…I never made these mistakes again. And in fact, my coaching is built on lessons I learned during this and other (great and slightly questionable) moves I made during my career. Because guess what…we’ve all been there, and you are not alone.

Jasmine

Being in toxic workplaces spun my career around and led to experiencing self-doubt, a lack of confidence, and impostor syndrome. The effects of toxic environments are overpowering; if you’ve been there, you know that fact. This is why I decided to discuss this topic openly in the launch of my new podcast, Her Next Career Move .?

The podcast has three opening episodes that dive deep into my story, the impact toxic workplaces had on me, how to ensure you don’t end up in one, and how to heal from their effects.

This week's episode is The key to career happiness…feel your feelings

Tune in as Dr. Jasmine talks about how to uncover true alignment by feeling your feelings followed by strategic action. She'll take you through the same process she goes through with her clients for them to find more joy on the daily.

Check out Her Next Career Move for a real, raw, and candid conversation on toxic workplaces today