[Career Consultation] Is It Okay to Quit Without a Plan?

Hello, everyone! I’m Unlock, here to open doors for your employment and career transitions as a current accounting professional.

Today, I'd like to share my thoughts on a frequently asked question about “reckless resignation,” as opposed to planned job transitions.

 

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To get straight to the point, I am strongly against “reckless resignation.” The only situation where such a move might be considered is due to health reasons. Outside of that, resigning without a plan carries significant risks. Here are my reasons in detail:

1. Disadvantages in the Hiring Process: Having a long gap on your resume often raises questions during the hiring process. This can lead to more extensive scrutiny during interviews, especially if there is no reasonable explanation for leaving your previous position. Employers may suspect that you could quit their company just as easily. Such doubts can result in your resume being filtered out more frequently and can create a negative perception of you as a candidate.
2. The Importance of Career Management: Strategic moves are crucial in career management. Quitting without a plan can mean it takes longer to find new opportunities compared to planned transitions. It may also lead to the pressure of making hasty job choices. Naturally, rushing into a new position makes it harder to find a job that aligns well with your career goals and long-term aspirations. This could result in entering a position that isn’t the right fit, causing you to face another job change.
3. Financial Risks: Sudden resignation can threaten your financial stability. Fixed expenses and living costs can quickly become a burden, making it difficult to pursue your desired career path. The financial strain may force you into less-than-ideal job decisions.
4. Skill Degradation Due to Career Gaps: Accounting is often described as a field with “high volatility.” Even consistent work can quickly fade from memory, so continuous hands-on experience is critical. A career gap makes it challenging to regain such skills and expertise, and catching up with changing tax laws, accounting standards, and rapidly evolving business environments requires constant learning. Longer gaps put you at risk of falling behind industry trends and make recovering your skillset a significant challenge.
5. Visibility of Career Continuity: Consistency and continuity are key factors in any career. A career gap can break the flow of your experience and raise questions among hiring managers regarding your planning and commitment to your professional growth. This is especially important in accounting and finance, where consistent work experience builds trust and demonstrates expertise.

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For these reasons, reckless resignation is a decision that should be approached with extreme caution. While each individual’s situation is unique, quitting without a plan generally introduces significant risks. It’s wiser to build your experience and skills at your current position while strategically preparing for your next opportunity.

I encourage you to focus on stable career management and future growth opportunities as you navigate your career path.

Wishing you all great success on your career journeys!