MY WORK here as a writer in SunStar Davao is not my first job. Over the years since graduation, I've been a part-time instructor in a university and a supermarket merchandising supervisor.
But as they say, there's something about millennials that they would sometimes reach the point of wanting to quit their job for various reasons. My mother, on the other hand, is still working in her first job in the government for about 30 years now.
I know as you read this, it might have crossed your mind to finally leave your job and consider finding the path that is really for you. In this article, I have talked with Human Resource officers -- the expert on their field, to help you weigh things properly before you leave your current job. We're lucky to have the chance to talk with the President of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Davao Chapter, Mirasol Tiu herself, who shared fruitful insight on this topic.
One particular remark she said that I appreciate is when she said that temporary reasons for resigning as issues with bosses, burnouts, workplace conflicts should be looked at with a solution. She also said challenges in workplaces will always exist and that it's something we can't hide nor run away from. "Young people need to learn not to put themselves in a bad position by rushing the process of leaving their respective companies. Give it time," she shared.
Here are some of the other advice of HR professionals all over Davao City that will surely help you in this career decision:
Whether or not you are single or married, the major considerations will always hover around your financial well-being and emotional/mental state. The bills will still keep on coming and your obligations will not care if you are unemployed or not. It will be wise if you have a 3-month financial contingency fund in place to tide you over while you are transitioning. With this, you're secured and will be able to maintain a positive disposition throughout the job-hunting process. Also, please bear in mind that we are in a pandemic now. Some businesses have either closed down, laid off employees, or both. The uncertainty of our current situation demands that we be more prudent in our decision-making process especially those that affect our careers and/or livelihood.
Jose Mykel R. Avellanosa
Human Resource Consultant
Masters in Management major in Human Resource Management student
While some consider job hopping as perfectly fine to do during your 20s, it would be sufficiently wise to acknowledge some of the ups and downs of jumping from one job to another. THE UPs. Finding an organization with values that aligns our own sets of personal values is a dream come true. Job hopping will truly help you discover such. Hopping in the job market guides you to find that "perfect" company for you. THE DOWNs. If clarity is not evident on your reasons or objectives, then it might be construed as a weakness in decision making. Hiring managers will see it as if you have no clear direction and lacks commitment. During recruitment, HR reckons this as detrimental if hired.
Mirasol B. Tiu, DBA, FPM, FPCHA
COO, Davao Doctors Hospital
President, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Davao Chapter
When I decide on quitting a job, I always consider SHOFF - Situation, Health, Opportunity, Finances and Faith. I ask myself these questions for every factor: Situation - will leaving what I have now make my situation better? Health - will leaving what I have now be better for my health - physically, mentally, emotionally and socially? Opportunity - if I leave what I have now, will I be able to find better opportunities? Finances - if I leave now and the opportunity does not knock on my door right away, will I be able to sustain myself (and those dependent to me, if any) financially? Faith - Will I be a better servant of God if I leave what I have right now?
Vesta Arces Q. Cuyugan
HR Manager
Consumer Goods Distribution industry
First, identify the reason why you want to quit your job. Is it because of your boss? Is it the working environment? The salary and benefits? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Or maybe there's not much room for growth and opportunity? It is important to know the reason why you want to leave so you can decide properly and not regret your decision in the end. We also need to evaluate ourselves and know if we did the end of the bargain. Example, if you want to leave because of workload, have you ever opened this up with your manager or did you seek help to at least somehow ease the burden? Check if you have already exhausted all the possible means to communicate these issues and do something about it. If you already have and it's still the same, then it's best to leave while you can, and make sure that it's on a good note because you wouldn't want to burn bridges.
Jessa Escalante
HR Assistant Manager
One of the BPOs in Davao City
Most millennials I worked with find it easy to quit their jobs. It really depends on one's priorities in life. Before deciding to quit one's job, the considerations could be: Will quitting give you peace of mind, and at the same time sustain you financially for a short [or extended] period of time? Is there a better job offer that's waiting for you should you quit your present job? Based on your skillset and your years of experience [and industry], to your assessment, will it be easy for you to find another job after your quit, considering that there is also a pandemic?
Christian Aleleo D. Cabagnot
HR Business Partner
Fresh N' Famous Inc., Chowking
Evaluate first your reasons why you want to leave before submitting your resignation letter. Never quit your job because of emotions. Never leave your job because you have been offered a higher salary somewhere else. Many people make that mistake and end up pursuing something they do not have passion for. You have to weigh the pros and cons and reflect on having a higher salary versus doing what you love.
Jennifer Boquinquito
Human Resources Officer
Wee Eng Construction Inc.
At this time and age, it's never a bad thing to jump from one job to another as it gives you the edge to also upgrade your skill set and eventually be a more valuable employee wherever you end up. Maybe what's important is that you maintain good relationships with former employers and try hard to be on the same track/same industry so it's not a very messy resume. It also shows what you really want in your career. Good luck!