by Kenda Robertson

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: July 20, 2008

The best reason to leave any job: You are ready for something better.

A few years ago when I left my "secure" job of 15 years to start working for myself many people thought I was crazy for leaving such well paying, lucrative employment. On the other hand, others marveled at how "lucky" or "fortunate" I was to be able to do this.

Lucky? Fortunate? I think not! It took years of careful planning, saving, doing without and living below my means to get to this point. Luck had absolutely nothing to do with it. But I left my job because I had a goal in mind. I didn't hate the job or the people, though I was bored with it and was tired of commuting. I had found something I wanted to do even more: work for myself.

It took three years for me to get to this point because I wanted to make sure I was ready. I didn't want to leave on bad terms with the company or anyone I worked with. I didn't want to leave feeling guilty or afraid. I didn't want to leave worrying about money. I wanted to be ready for the next phase in my life and I was.

Yes, it was still a bit frightening to give up a guaranteed weekly salary, bonus and benefits, but I felt prepared. And besides, millions of people work for themselves and are doing just fine. Some of them run multi-million-dollar companies. Why not me?

So if you are contemplating leaving a job, make sure you are ready to do so. Do you have enough money saved up to get you through a few months of living expenses until you either find another job or find your true calling? Is your resume up to date? Are your skills polished?

It is not a good idea to leave a job in haste just because you are angry or frustrated. Those feelings can be temporary and you may regret your actions later. And you don't want a bad reference on your resume or job application. If you have a job you really don't like because of the grueling hours, low pay, a difficult boss or harassing co-workers, try to talk to someone at the company about it. If that doesn't work, do some financial planning and skill assessment, and then get out of there. If they don't care about you, then you don't want to work there.

Staying in a place that makes you miserable isn't good for your health, but neither is being without an income or money to rely on. Be prepared before you quit anything.

On the other hand, if you feel the company you work for is unethical or is discriminating against you, that's a totally different situation. Be sure to document evidence, then leave and file a complaint with the EEOC. There is no excuse for that type of behavior and you should not stay there.

If you are leaving your job to raise a child, take care of a sick relative or take a year off to travel around the world, it is still a good idea to plan and be prepared before you leave your employment. You will find it to be a much easier transition if you do. And it will be easier to get back into the work force too.

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