Is it OK to walk out of your current job without a fall-back plan?

WE’VE all had a boss who is less than ideal. Mine was a bitter 50-plus year old woman who would shout, throw things at my desk and generally just be very unpleasant and disrespectful. When one morning she arrived at the office, opened the door and took a step over some letters on the ground that had fallen from the post box and hollered at me to “pick those f***** letters up,” that was the last straw – I quit.
Without thinking about how I would pay rent, buy food or whether I’d find another job, I walked out the door. According to a new study this trend of upping and leaving a job without having anything else lined up is a trend among young employees these days. Whether it’s a mean boss, unsatisfying work, a boring work environment or hating the job, the itch to quit comes pretty quickly to many young people.
Eighty-six per cent said that even though they know job hopping looks bad, it wouldn’t stop them from walking out the door. Young people nowadays are apparently attracted to small independent companies and unlike previous generations a job isn’t for life, but only until something better comes along.
This drive to be happy in one’s workplace is an admirable quality but even still experts say if you’re really unhappy and want to move on, or you’re ready for new challenges, do start looking for another job – just don’t take a rash decision. A thoughtful transition can really help your career and here are some ideas on how to do just that.
Think about how your CV will look with a big gap in it if you hastily leave a job. A good idea is to immediately enrol in a course to further your professional development once you leave a job so that your CV is filled with something productive during the time you’re searching for something else.
The pain of having no salary each month will hit home fast. Therefore think about your lifestyle. Six months before quitting, work on a business plan and save up. Move to a smaller apartment and cut back on travel and going out with friends. Or, if possible move back in with your parents, as rent is usually a massive expense.
And remember – don’t go out guns blazing either. It’s not wise to burn bridges as old colleagues could become future clients!