by Carol Gioia

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 15, 2010

Change is difficult under any circumstances, but the decision to leave a current job can be an extremely difficult one to make. Most individuals do not leave their source of income behind without much soul searching and angst.

Possible reasons for leaving a current job usually fall into two major categories:  Personal concerns and professional considerations.

*  Personal Concerns

Personal considerations for leaving employment are the easiest to understand.  Often circustances beyond your control dictate the decision. A family situation requiring your focused attention could take priority, the family might be relocating, or there might even be health issues.

Whatever the reason, when a letter of resignation states, "personal reasons," most employers will accept the voluntary termination with grace and the departing employee can be assured of a good reference.

*  Professional Considerations

Professional reasons for leaving a current position present a more complicated scenario. Some possible factors might be:

-  Not a good fit

Sometimes the job is simply not a good fit for an individual's aspirations and ambitions. The job description at the time of hire may not have spelled out in detail some of the duties and responsibilities for which an employee has a dislike. Staying in a job that is not satisfying can have negative ramifications. Being unhappy at work can translate into stress at home or  becoming depressed. Better to leave a job than compromise your health and happiness.

-  No room for advancement

If you have advanced as high as you can go with an organizationn and there are no further challenges to feed your ambition, a change of scenery might be in order. Most employers will usually accept this type of explanation for a congenial departure and a good reference is secured.

-  Underpaid for the workload

Obviously if you feel underpaid and have addressed the issue with your employer without positive results, there is no alternative but to seek a position elsewhere with better compensation. Some employers will not be as understanding with this reason for quitting. The period between giving notice and the last day of employment might be uncomfortable.

On the other hand, if your employer considers you a valuable employee, he might rethink his initial position regarding a salary increase and actually offer one in order to keep you.   Giving notice can sometimes

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