Why People Quit: Top Personal and Professional Reasons for Leaving a Job?
What are your reasons for leaving a job? Why are you leaving your current role?
Perhaps these questions seem superficial, but it’s better not to underestimate them. Your answers give the HR professional more information than you actually provide. They give insights into your problem-solving skills, communication style, values, goals, and motivation. Your whole personality.
Giving the wrong answer — or, to put it better, framing it the wrong way — can be the difference between landing an offer and being shown the door.
Whatever reason is pushing (or pushed) you to seek better career opportunities, you have to prepare the answers that show you in a positive light. You have to be direct and honest while letting your potential employers know that you are the right person for the job.
In this article, we will list the most common personal and professional reasons for leaving a job and give you some tips on how to make your answer stand out in an interview.
Top Professional Reasons for Leaving a Job
Better Compensation and Benefits
Money might not be at the base of our human needs pyramid, but if you think about it, most needs are tied to money. Better compensation remains the primary reason people seek new job opportunities. It’s as simple as that.
According to Statista, 37% of employees said they were looking for a new job because of low pay, and 20% stated that their current benefits package was insufficient to meet their needs.
“Pay transparency laws have also impacted the employee desire for better wages and benefits,” explains Luca Castelli, CMO at Detectico.
“As more companies disclose their pay practices, people gain access to actual data about how their roles are compensated across different organizations, which allows them to determine if their salary reflects the value they bring to their employers.”
Career Growth Opportunities
Staying at one company for the entire career was a formula for growth and success.
Now, the stability is not a vital part of the equation.
A new job brings fresh challenges that allow you to boost your skill set, expand your professional network, and gain valuable experience for future growth. There’s also a direct correlation with wage increases.
A 2022 study by Pew Research revealed that 60% of job switchers saw their earnings go up.
Another study found that career advancement opportunities were the second most common reason for leaving a job.
Read also: How Long Should You Stay at a Job Before Leaving - Insights
Poor Management and Work Environment
The “Toxic Culture Is Driving Great Resignation” Study (2022) found that poor culture and management styles are the primary predictors of a company's attrition rate within its industry.
In another survey, 30% of respondents said they felt disrespected and undervalued at past jobs.
These stats make it clear that a healthy workplace culture isn’t a whim of Millennial and Gen Z employees, who are often perceived as “too focused” on their mental state. Feeling underappreciated at work stresses people out, kills their motivation, and ultimately leads to burnout.
Flexible Work Arrangement
The pandemic has changed the way we view the workplace. Even though some big tech companies are rolling back their “work from home” policies, hiring remote or hybrid workers is still common for many businesses.
The benefits of remote work are clear. Reduced commute hours, better work-life balance, and more autonomy are among the most popular reasons job-seekers dream of landing a remote position.
In fact, the desire for flexibility is the third common reason why 24% of employees seek job opportunities outside their company.
Top Personal Reasons for Leaving a Job
Relocation
There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to relocation. A business might move or shut down a branch in a city, or maybe an employee might decide to study in a distant place or get married.
Either way, a lot of workers end up leaving a company because the new place just doesn't fit with their plans, lifestyle, or commute. In fact, one in five said they left mainly due to relocation.
Family Obligations
The ones who say, “Keep work and personal life separate” are idealists. The big ones.
The simple is that our life areas are so intertwined that changes in one area drive changes in others.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that nearly a quarter of Americans surveyed said they switched jobs because of childcare issues. Being a parent, especially of a young child, is hard.
A full-time job with fixed hours is not the best option to effectively balance parental duties with professional aspirations, so people seek more flexible roles.
Read also: 5 Strategies to Improve Employee Satisfaction With Flexible Work Schedules
Health and Well-Being Concerns
Health issues often occur when we expect them least. While most might be resolved without making any major life changes, serious ones force us to face tough choices, like switching jobs.
The circumstances are different for everyone. Some people just take a big break from working to recover from illness and fully prepare for a fresh start. Others have to consider adopting a new routine to maintain their well-being, which might not align with their current job.
How to Explain Your Reasons for Leaving a Job?
The tough question “Why are you considering leaving your job?” might arise in various situations. It could be your exit interview or first call with the hiring company.
Either way, you need to prepare an explanation in advance. Here’s to make your answer professional and clear:
Weigh Your Motivations
Put your thoughts on paper. If the straight answers don’t come to you right away, make a list of reasons why you’re moving onto a new role.
Here are some questions that will help you:
- What do I value?
- What do I plan for my career? What are my long-term career goals?
- What does my perfect job look like? What do I need in it?
- What do I like about my role? What do I dislike?
- How are my relationships with coworkers?
- Does my current job align with my values and goals?
When your answers are ready, highlight the key reasons you’re leaving your current role and focus on the professional aspects of your decision.
Be Concise
When you’re stressed, it’s quite easy to get wordy. Don’t complicate things. Boil your answer down to a few sentences, and then focus on the next part of your interview.
You might also be interested in: 5 Effective Key Tips to Shine in Your Job Interview
Frame Your Answer Positively
Stay away from negativity while being honest. Your interviewer accesses your personal qualities during the conversation, so if you want to showcase your resilience and problem-solving skills, avoid talking negatively about your experiences. Instead, focus on the professional skills you’ve gained in your current job.
Conclusion
Switching jobs to find better opportunities is a natural step in your career growth. Keep that in mind during your first interview with a new company.
Maybe you have left your old job because of poor culture, long commutes, or other reasons. It doesn’t matter.
Whatever drove you to seek something better, bring the positive energy with you to your interview. Showcase your skills and experience and shift your attention to the value you can bring to the new company. You’ve got this!