Very tempted to quit job without a new one lined up to move across country

[VAisforlovers]

I live in a small city that I ended up in after graduate school. I could've rejected this offer and continued looking in my city of choice, but what's done is done. I thought I could find something back home across the country while working in this job but I realized that it's nearly impossible because of the distance. Employers there want to hire someone local or at least within a reasonable distance and not over 2000 miles away.

I've been at my current job for over 1.5 years. After bonus gets paid out in January, I'm thinking of putting in my notice since I can't stand this small city anymore and wasting life here. Work is fine but low paying. I'm going to try to see if I can work remotely or try to work out some deal with my manager first. However, I doubt that is possible. Maybe I can get fired to get some unemployment support while I make the cross-country move and stay with my parents until I get back on my feet. Is this a terrible idea and what other option should I consider? I honestly don't see a way for me to get back to the other side of the country and made the mistake of not staying in that area.

 

[Imp]

Quit job + nothing lined up + internet = you gonna get flamed.

 

[IronWing]

If you have the money saved up to survive for awhile, go for it. Two thoughts come to mind. Decide if you have enough saved based on the cost of living where you are going. The longer you are out of work, the harder it is to get hired so you'll have to work your butt off to find a job as soon as you get where you want to be. Life is too short to spend much time where you don't want to be.

 

[ultimatebob]

Ya know, I get it. When people see the current address on your resume, they'll probably throw it out because they'll either think that you're not serious or that you'll want a huge relocation package.

You might actually be better off moving first, but I'd make sure that you have a full year of income in savings before you do so.

 

[Carson Dyle]

If you get fired with cause, you won't be able to collect unemployment.

What line of work are you in? Never heard of any job that's in demand being that way about only hiring local people. It's pretty common to hire job candidates from thousands of miles away.

What city do you hate so much? That sounds like a more interesting conversation.

 

[MrSquished]

Quality of life is a huge thing. I feel your pain as I could never live in a small town/city isolated from some serious urban action. I'd go nuts. Luckily I live 10 minutes from NYC so life is good.

That being said - Is your area of expertise a hot prospect to get a job in where you want to relocate to? If so then I would make the jump. If you are young enough and living at home is cool for a little bit then even better.

Not sure you can get unemployment if you are fired in all states - you must be let go. It depends on why you were fired in some cases. There are 3 levels of being fired according to NJ, and you can still get unemployment in some cases after a time delay.

And it depends on if your employer's HR department contests your claim for benefits where I live. If HR doesn't respond to the unemployment office's request for info, you are golden.

I got fired for a job, so wrongfully, it's a great story really, but I still got unemployment. I think either A) The HR department lady that did my exit interview believed my story of getting fired or B) They simply didn't get back to the Dept of Labor in my state.

That would be huge if you could do so as it would mitigate a decent amount of financial hardship, even though unemployment is kind of a pittance compared to the actual cost of living in any main urban area.

If you aren't an art historian or something like that where finding a job would be like finding a needle in a haystack. You have some decent cash reserves and can get unemployment as well - go set up your life where you would be happy.

 

[PowerEngineer]

Life is too short to spend much time where you don't want to be.

I agree with this. :beer:

"Over 1.5 years" is not all that long a time to be working at your first job after graduating. Assuming this job is actually in your field, your work experience could become what differentiates you from new graduates and makes you more attractive to potential employers across the country.

In your resume's cover letter for each job application you should indicate your determination to move into their area in order to reunite with friends and family and/or returning "home". Employers will feel better about distant applicants who they know will be comfortable with the area's climate and culture. You should also tout your job experience and indicate you are looking to broaden your experience in your field.

IMHO all this works better if you are still employed. I'd give yourself at least six to twelve months of serious "on-the-job" job hunting before quitting.

My two cents...

P.S. -- and be accommodating in parking lot situations.

 

[VAisforlovers]

These aren't the replies I expected and thought I would get flamed badly but thanks for chiming in. I've never quit a job without another lined up so this is new to me. I went to grad school after working for several years prior so this is my fourth job. I'm used to living in diverse, large urban areas or close to them and my quality of life jumps up immensely but my current town has a population of about 120K people. The closest large city from here is 2.5 hours drive away. I'm going to continue aggressively search for a job until next month hoping I land something. But if I don't, I'll think deeply about my job prospects and everything else including my financial situations then probably put in my notice.

 

[Carson Dyle]

You didn't answer a single question asked by anyone.

Have some faith in ATOT. Just give it a little time; the flames will come.

 

[Mai72]

Sounds like you're in a bit of pain.

I'd move. You only live once. Go for it. Get out of your comfort zone. It's a good thing.

 

[brianmanahan]

do it you won't