Ask HN: How to quit the job you hate?

If you have savings for 1+ year and have been more than 10 years on the same company, you'll probably be allowed to get a leave. You could get a 3 months, 6 months leave or whatever you feel like, to think your next movement, explore options of what you would like to do, maybe experiment with new technologies and start some side projects to see if you still like coding but you don't like your work, or if you don't like coding at all, maybe experiment with other areas of work, even do some courses. Then go back from the leave refreshed, probably with new skills and a new view of things.

By then you might have a better idea of what kind of job you would like to do, so you can start looking for another job while you still have a job (which is always good in terms of negotiating power).

Whilst I don't know how's the job market where you are from, 1+ year savings should be more than enough to quit without fear (if it's not then you might want to consider why). You can take a break to regain your love for coding and to think what you want to do next. If you feel restless while on the break you can take courses or do some personal projects. Once you feel more refreshed you can start looking for a job with the right mindset. Don't leave it for the last minute, though.

You can obviously look for another job right now and just swap, that would be fine, too. But consider your current state of mind, which is due to your current job being so horrible. If you interview right now you might be nervous, more focused on getting out of there than finding a job you will really enjoy and thrive in. And that might not end well.

As a disclaimer, I will say that I've been in both situations and the first went better than the second (not that the second was terrible; simply not as good as the first). What I just wrote in the paragraphs above is me looking back and rationalising both outcomes.

Whatever path you choose, good luck!

In general, it's easier to get a new job while you still have the old one (because potential employers usually prefer candidates who have jobs). It sounds like almost anything would be preferable to staying where you are, so why not put together your CV/resume and apply for a couple of things that look not-terrible locally. If nothing else, you'll get some interview practice and learn a bit more about what's available and what you're interested in.

I see from a comment that you're about to become a father. I moved jobs two weeks before that happened to me; as long as you're up front about needing the time off, a new employer should be fine about it. If they're not, that's a sign that you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

>The whole idea of finding new job makes me sick.

Don't look for a job, look for people you can help.

Get out of your bubble. Start attending meet-ups, workshops, conferences. The more, the better. Find out who is doing interesting work, what problems are they trying to solve. Who might need someone with your experience and skill-set. The job opportunity will find you.

First, before you leave your current job write down your plan. I see you still love coding so it should not be too difficult to find a new job

Go to meetups in your area to get a clear view of the current tech landscape, look at firms you are interested in on linkedin/github. Also, get your resume/github/portfolio updated You could also take the consultancy route and start building applications for people. These involves doing a lot of handshaking, talking and marketing. If this is your thing by all means go for it.

It depends on your circumstances, but as someone who just jumped ship with some savings... it is much less stressful to get a new job first. I'd strongly suggest getting a new job before leaving! Even if it is one where you are underpaid: a consistent paycheck is very valuable.

An old co-worker of mine jumped ship in the way I wished I had. He had something like 16 or 17 days vacation, and he took every Friday off from September till the end of the year. He used those Fridays to look for new jobs and interviews.

You're burnt out. I'm in a similar situation so I decided to leave my job without any backup plan but my savings. I do have personal projects, things that I've always wanted to work on (lack of time and energy). I also plan to visit the people I appreciate in life for the next month or so.

I was working in the hottest company in the game. Landed an onsite to the 2nd hottest company in the game :-) when I was quitting. They contacted me in the first place and decided to bring me onsite without doing any phone screen. I cancelled everything last minute and didn't even show up. I was simply burnt out.

I'd say, the rule is much simpler than you think: life is short and you're unhappy. Your job is not to work for anyone. You're job in life is to make yourself happy no matter what it takes. Quitting could be the best think you could do right now. Don't be afraid. We're coders and everyone is looking for coders... do what you like!

Thank you all for sharing your experience and thoughts. That gave me some insight.

find another job first.

Life is too short to do what you hate. Either follow your dream or you'll work for someone else to build theirs. You're in control.

As cliche as all of that sounds, it is totally true. I fired a bunch of toxic clients last year and don't have savings. Screw it.