I hate my job and want to quit. Do I have any legal options to mitigate the risk of quitting?

I talk to a lot of people who hate their jobs. They're on the verge. Their boss is terrible. They've worked their hearts out but it's just not working. They drag themselves in everyday. They're not sure they can do it much longer -- and perhaps, more importantly, they don't know if they want to.

They need time and space. But should they hang in there for the career?

For the money?

Is there something they can do to attend to both the career and money issues?

Perhaps. I can't answer it generically. Every person is different. Every situation is unique.

That said, putting together an exit plan to try and address both of these things is wise. Talking to an employment lawyer about any legal options, including the availability of unemployment or the possibility of a severance agreement, can be helpful. We would talk about what exactly is going on now at work.

We would talk about how much time you're looking to create and what you're thinking you might do next. We would try to put together a plan addressing all the variables.

In the meantime, here is some great advice on how to explain to a prospective employer why you left a "soul-sucking, toxic workplace."

Interviewer: So, I see you were working at Acme Explosives until a few weeks ago. You’ve left that job?

You: Yes! I left three weeks ago.

Interviewer: And why did you leave?

You: I learned a lot at Acme and I made some big contributions there, particularly with respect to their supply chain processes and supplier quality. After three years I reached a point where the company wasn’t going to be as focused as they had been on supplier issues anymore — and I understand that from a business perspective. It meant that my job was going to become more of a maintenance role and I’m interested in continuing to grow my skills, so I decided to job-hunt. I was way too busy to be able to job-hunt while I was working at Acme, so I quit my job to focus on my next adventure!

Doorways Employment Law specializes in employment law counseling, strategic advice and representation to individuals and businesses across Massachusetts, including with respect to performance reviews, performance improvement plans, and planning for reasonable accommodations, taking family medical leave, or separation from employment. Contact Doorways Employment Law for an employment law consultation.