Is it bad to leave a job after 3 months? We tell you the pros and cons

Have you ever started a new job and immediately knew it wasn’t right for you? Unfortunately, it happens. In this situation, you can choose to stick it out and hope it gets better, or you can hand in your resignation letter. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of leaving a job after a short period can help you make your decision.

In this article, we’ll answer the question, “Is it bad to leave a job after three months?” We’ll also go over some other questions you might have, including:

• What are some valid reasons for leaving a job early?

• What are the pros and cons of quitting after three months?

• How do you explain your departure in your next job interview?

Is it OK to leave a job after three months?

Here’s the short answer: Yes, you can leave a job after three months. Some people might feel guilty about leaving a job this early, but the truth is that sometimes you don’t realize a job isn’t a good fit until you start.

There are many reasons you might decide to leave a job after a few months. You might get to work on the first day and quickly realize the employer didn’t fully explain the scope of the role during the hiring process. You might learn the company has a toxic culture with a history of stress and burnout. In some cases, you might encounter problems with your boss or co-workers. All these scenarios are valid reasons to leave a job, even if you’ve only worked there for a few months.

You can also have personal reasons for leaving a job early. For example, you might quit a job after 90 days if you:

• Get another job offer with better pay or more benefits

• Decide to go back to school or make a career change

• Make the leap to start your own business

• Experience a major life change, such as becoming a caregiver for an elderly parent

• Have a spouse or partner who suddenly gets relocated

Pros and cons of leaving a job after three months

If you’re thinking about leaving a new job after a few months, it’s worth considering the pros and cons. Weighing both sides can help you determine whether it’s the right choice for your career.

Pros

Leaving a job that’s not right for you allows you to pursue a different opportunity. When you decide to start job searching again, these are some potential benefits:

• You can earn more money. You can use your current compensation as leverage to negotiate for a higher salary in a new position.

• You can achieve a better work-life balance. If your job involves staying late or putting in overtime to get all your work done, a new position may offer better work-life balance.

• You can boost your productivity and output. Working in a job that’s wrong for you can often result in decreased productivity. By finding a job that’s a better fit, you’re more likely to feel motivated to do your best work.

• You can improve your mental health. Chances are, staying in a job you don’t like—or worse, remaining in a toxic environment—will negatively impact your mental health. Getting a new job can make you feel happier and more satisfied.

Cons

There can also be some disadvantages to leaving a job after a few months. The cons of quitting early can include:

• You may appear disloyal. When applying for your next job, a prospective employer might have questions about your loyalty. They may assume you’re more likely to leave their company early, too.

• You may have gaps on your resume. Employment gaps are common, and having one on your resume isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, if it’s not the first time you’ve left a job after only a few months, it might be a red flag for future employers.

• You may have money problems. If you quit your job without having a new position lined up, you won’t have a steady paycheck to pay your bills and other expenses. Make sure you consider your financial situation before resigning.

• You may have a lapse in benefits. You’ll lose your benefits, such as health insurance, once you leave your job. If you rely on those benefits, it might be better to find a new job before you leave your current one.

How do you explain your early departure to a future employer?

When you start to look for your next job, a prospective employer might ask you, “Why did you leave your last job after three months?” In this situation, it’s best to be honest. Explain the reason you left and briefly describe why you made the decision.

However, don’t criticize or attack your previous employer. If you left because of a bad experience or a negative environment, simply say that the job wasn’t a good fit for you. When you answer this question respectfully, you show a prospective employer your grace and professionalism.

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Key takeaways

1. It’s OK to leave a job after three months. In fact, there are many valid reasons for quitting a job after a short time.

2. Before you hand in your resignation letter, consider the pros and cons of your decision.

3. When discussing your short stint with a future employer, be honest about your decision without badmouthing your previous employer.