Giving up job before finding another

Sorry for what are probably very basic questions, but I have had a very good job for a long number of years and I am at the stage now where I can't take the pressure anymore as I also have a number of small children and the juggling is proving too much. I am part time but I've really just had enough of this job. I am planning at this stage to take the summer off with the kids and then start looking for a less stressful, and obviously a less well paid job. My understanding of unemployment benefit from the social welfare is that I must be available for work and actively seeking it, which I would be. My question is that as I will have some childcare costs I will at least need to cover my costs before accepting any old job. I don't think I will have a huge amount of trouble getting a job, but I don't want to sell myself short either. In practical terms what sort of checks job SW do on your actively seeking employment. Would I get into trouble, or would they have any way of knowing if I turned down a job if I felt it wasn't right for me? Sorry if thats a stupid question, I have absolutely no experience of how this works and any practical tips would be hugely appreciated

In general, given the choice, it's usually better to job hunt while in a job rather than packing it in and looking around while unemployed. Many employers might have reservations about the latter approach.

Thanks for your comments Clubman. To be honest I am just at my limit with this job and really cannot take much more. I know the problem is me and not the company/job. I really just have too much on my plate and wanted a few months off to clear my head and be able to move on and get things in perspective.

If your job is too stressful then you should consider taking a block of unpaid parental leave, to which you are entitled. During this time you could look for a more suitable job but could return to the old job, possibly somewhat recharged, should you fail to find suitable alternative employment. I suspect that you may find job hunting while unemployed to be stressful also.

michaelm said:

If your job is too stressful then you should consider taking a block of unpaid parental leave, to which you are entitled.

Click to expand...

Good idea. But bear in mind that you must give at least 6 weeks notice and the employer can defer it for up to 6 months. See .

Is there any way that you can stay in the job for the moment but address the issues that are causing you stress? Ultimately your health and well being are more important but if you can step back and take a clear look at things perhaps there are improvements that can be made? Maybe if you can post more detail (without identifying yourself or your employer obviously) people can make suggestions on this aspect of your situation?

I have no doubt that my perspective on things is somewhat skewed at the moment. I suppose I just feel so drained, really at the end of my tether. Its a really good idea about the parental leave, which could be a runner. I suppose I feel that I have 4 small children and maybe I just cant have it all with a good job too. I feel constantly pulled between the 2, no different from most parents I suppose. On the other hand I feel I've worked bloody hard to get to a certain level and it would be a shame to just walk away from all that. Other times the temptation to do just that and walk away is just unbearable. It feels when I try to talk to friends or family that they either tell me I'm nuts to consider giving it all up or else to just do whatever it takes to be happy. This is useful cos I can bounce things off people constructively, so thanks for that.

the co you work for can agree less than this, in my co. you need only give 4 weeks notice, check maybe your company has a tailored policy

Maro

My wife was in the same position 2 years ago and decided to give up a well paid/pressure job. We started to live a proper life with our 3 kids despite taking a major wage hit. She claimed her social welfare benefit for over a year, no real problems with them only to register with FAS. They asked her once for proof of applying for work, she got a few letters from companies stating the usual "we acknowledge receipt of your cv etc." Our families initally taught she was mad giving ALL up to be at home but now they admire her and hey her sister has just done the same.

cosy said:

She claimed her social welfare benefit for over a year

Click to expand...

What specific social welfare benefit? Unemployment Benefit or Assistance or something else? In the case of a two parent family with one giving up work and the other working the [broken link removed] may take some of the sting out of one parent giving up work.

maro said:

I have no doubt that my perspective on things is somewhat skewed at the moment. I suppose I just feel so drained, really at the end of my tether.

Click to expand...

Not sure if it's any consolation to you but I'm sure that many of us have been in the same situation at some stage (and survived!). I know that I have! Sometimes sharing the problems with others and getting an objective perspective on them can help.

Sorry

Unemployment Benefit which I think you can claim for 16 months. If you are unavailable for work lets say sick or pregnant you transfer to Disability benefit and it does not affect your unemployment benefit, but you send in welfare certs from doctor to social welfare.

Claiming UB/UA while not genuinely available for and seeking work is welfare fraud. Plain and simple.

Your right ClubMan, but I did not sugest fraud in my previous post just explaining how UB works and if your are sick/pregnant you are unavailable for work so you must send in certs to socail welfare.

cosy said:

Your right ClubMan, but I did not sugest fraud in my previous post

Click to expand...

I know - I wasn't insinuating that you did.

Maro - The kids are growing and maturing and needing you less and less every day. The conflicting demands you are presently experiencing will reduce gradually as time passes, as a matter of course. Having got to a responsible (if pressured) level with your current work and employer you will be disgruntled and may begin to resent them if a year down the line you are not only much poorer but miss the challenges in the adult working world you're handling today. If benefits were an adequate substitute for a salary cheque nobody would be working, and that's clearly not the case. Clawing your way back onto the career ladder after a number of years off is very very difficult and you have a lot to lose.

You feel over-stretched. OK! Go to your employer, tell it like it is and negotiate temporarily delegating some of your current workload with an inbuilt review in - say - 6 months.

Then think about childcare/minding arrangements which will allow you to have some time (say one evening a week) off for yourself.

It neednt be 'either-or' and you don't have to sacrifice either the interests of your kids or your work (which is also part of who you are, as well as being an important economic asset of your family).

Manage girl! Manage!

One thing thats clear to me is from reading the above is that I probably shouldn't be making any decisions at this point in time from which theres no going back. My mind is just all over the place (no doubt completely obvious to everyone else, news to me!). Anyway I think I will see if the parental leave could be an option, can suss them out now, they can only delay it for 6 months at most anyway. During that time out, hopefully things might be clearer. Thanks all for the input

Marie

How many Kids have you and what ages are they??

maro - I would agree and easy and all as it is to just say it from a distance it is a good idea not to make rash decisions that may have long term implications when you may not be looking at things completely clearly/rationally due to the pressure etc. This is not a criticism of you by the way - just an observation. Been there myself etc. If necessary post more details or queries and let us know how you get on. Good luck!

Marie said:

You feel over-stretched. OK! Go to your employer, tell it like it is and negotiate temporarily delegating some of your current workload with an inbuilt review in - say - 6 months.

Click to expand...

Sorry to disagree and call me paranoid or whatever but I would not trust any employer enough to give them that much information.

Sorry Maro, I am coming to this thread late, but have you spoken to anyone about the stress you are feeling. A colleague of mine was in the same position for some time and when she finally went to see someone couldn't believe the difference.
Also, if you are working part-time, have you considered changing the hours that you are working to suit the life you lead with your children?
I understand how hard it can be to balance career/children/family commitments.

what a couple of mothers found useful in my workplace was changing to term-time working; lower pay all year round but at least it's still coming in AND you get the summer (school) holiday off which gives you time to have quality time with your kids and recuperate. Not available everywhere though.