I left b4 with a contingent contract lined up, it fell through after I gave notice.
Two months unemployed, landed a dream job.
My opinion: having a small gap works in your favor, it lets you weed out employers who prioritize things that are in fact meaningless.
That said, it is scary and only do it if you have half a year cash reserves on hand.
Not saying it is the better option to leave before a new job. However, I see this more often now in my country. People are just done with it. Too much negativity on senior 3+ levels up until manager.
I’m in the exact same situation as you, I’ve been in Tech Risk/Audit the last few years and it is insanely draining.
Been trying to leave for the last while, hopefully it works out for you.
If you need
I did a 4 month tech risk internship and really disliked it, really really mundane work that managers each have their own style to approving documentation.
Stay strong. I’m in the same practice at a big 4 and finally just landed the job I really wanted. I don’t think it would have worked out if I left early.
If you want to have an easy time finding your next job, stay in the current one while looking for a new one.
I had my mate left his big 4 job out of frustration and wouldn't be able to find anything for half a year, ended up getting a shitty admin job to pay for food atm.
My advice is don’t leave without a job lined up. Recruiters n hiring managers prefer employed and actively looking than unemployed candidates . I was in this situation and I regretted leaving a job without one. Mind you I had 6 months worth of savings .
I am an executive recruiter - out of big 4 you can get a job within 2-4 weeks tbh. Every company is begging for big 4 resumes. Just don't leave during a busy season.
yea, 1.5 years is perfect. Just long enough to get a couple of busy seasons under your belt but short enough not to pigeonhole yourself into something you dont want to do.
You don't leave during busy season because you're leaving your team, no matter how big the engagement, with more work and makes their lives hell. All of big4 alum normally knows that it's kind of a black mark on your record/resume.
Even if I were to secure a job new job in busy season? Or are you saying ‘black mark’ for jobs down line if they see I left first job in busy season? Understood that definitely not ideal for the team but in all honestly it’s business and have to do what’s best for yourself at the end of the day the team/company will survive
It depends on the opportunity. Sometimes it's obvious you just wanted out. But if you leave to a big name, it's not a "black mark". Also people leave companies at every month of the year. No one really asks why you left during x month, more like why you left in general.
\*Jobs down the line. 100% do what best for yourself but if you are ever being interviewed by a big 4 alum they will ask you about it and it reflects that your not a team player when the going gets tough.
(I am an agency recruiter so not bias toward any company)
Don't do it. Open your LinkedIn to open to work (the stealth version only visible to recruiters outside your org) and take the first decent option that comes your way. Fastest way to bail.
If you were to simply leave with nothing lined up you run the risk of a resume gap which (for whatever reason) is a huge turnoff to recruiters and can make your life far harder.
Lmk if you want general advice on how to build out your LinkedIn.
So LinkedIn needs to be comprehensive. All of your professional experience, all your certifications, etc should be on there spelled out in detail and in narrative format to conplement and expand upon your resume. You should have your skills endorsed where possible for the most niche and specific marketable items you bring to the table. You should have a professional headshot in a suit or equivalent with a professional and streamlined banner photo. You should be connected to as many people as possible - don't be afraid to connect with folks who share your job title or are connections of connections. You should engage in some capacity (commenting, liking, etc) to boost you in the algorithm from engagement. And all of your experience should incorporate as many marketable buzzwords as possible. Your resume should have your LinkedIn on it and your LinkedIn should have a PDF of your resume featured. Your LinkedIn URL should be customized to just be your full name. And, lastly, turn it on stealth "Open to work" and then leave it that way regardless of your employment status. These steps taken together will maximize your visibility and potential of receiving interested recruiter messages.
Did the same thing some years back. Was in a group of 8 grads and was the only one who’d studied accounts and finance - so got exempt for first round of professional studies. Double edged sword - I got given a shit load of work - did well - but also really hated it. By the time everyone came back from exam / study leave I was at the end of my tether. Put my notice in - no job lined up - but contacted every local firm till I got picked up. Finished my chartered with them. IT audit killed my soul
I put my notice today LOL. Literally the same job position as you and don’t regret it. It’s true that with all the job recession going on it’s going to be tough but I rather prepare for interviews for couple months than suffer during busy season with the work I hate. Little more context about myself: Have prior experience with software engineer so aiming for that position right now.
No worries it’s absolutely not rude. Basically I got hold of hiring manager via LinkedIn who was looking for people in software eng and cybersecurity. I was in school and wanted to get any full time position relevant to software and security. The hiring manager hired me by only chatting 30 min, which I thought was excellent opportunity to jump right into the field I always wanted to. I was wrong heh
Also, I thought about staying a bit longer until market gets adjusted. But to think about it, who know when the market will get better? Unless you need to meet the ends meet (family to take care of financially), I would say go with my route. Your health is #1. Now that I put in notice, I don’t really care about busy season. We both know that IT audit is not our favourite job so it’ll be good to transition to other job than later.
True, definitely helping to talk me off the ledge. Only issue I foresee is with busy season coming around the corner. Will be tough to balance increasing work with job interviews and additionally leaving in the midst of busy season
Unfortunately no, time off right now is a big no no. There’s a lot to get done, and not enough people to do it. One of the reasons I’m trying to get out before it gets too crazy
A lot of big4 in the US now offer flexible/reduced work schedule with reduced pay. If possible, I think you can initiate with the firm to go that route so your time can be protected during the busy season while looking for other opportunities. If you’re in another country then I’m not sure if this is applicable.
Leaving during the busy season tends to be looked at as a jerk move too. So if you go reduced hours first and then quit I think it’d be looked at as more favorable to transition the expectation gradually than just a sudden announcement of quitting if it’s during the busy time. It’s really best and easier to land a job while still being employed.
I’m sorry that really sucks, what would happen if you brought in your partner and counselor and told them your mental and physical health was deteriorating and you need a more defined work life balance?
No one can answer if it’s worth it. Do you want the risk to be one of the people who post on career subs saying “I have applied to 1000 jobs over 3 years and no one will hire me.”
If you’re okay with the risk go for it. You could consider doing an MBA, although with the work experience you probably won’t get into an amazing program but you can still get in somewhere with solid recruiting and find a job that pays well.
Consulting might be hit even harder in the next 6mo w/ the economy… I would really stay on and coast/apply elsewhere if possible… do you think it would be possible to really coast / do the minimum for a few months?
Honestly coasting not really an option right now unfortunately which is why I want out. Team is overloaded with work, understaffed, and busy season approaching. Can stick it out for another month or so but beyond that it’s prime time busy season and will become miserably overloading with work while also trying to search for jobs/interview prep
I left b4 with a contingent contract lined up, it fell through after I gave notice. Two months unemployed, landed a dream job. My opinion: having a small gap works in your favor, it lets you weed out employers who prioritize things that are in fact meaningless. That said, it is scary and only do it if you have half a year cash reserves on hand.
Not saying it is the better option to leave before a new job. However, I see this more often now in my country. People are just done with it. Too much negativity on senior 3+ levels up until manager.
I’m in the exact same situation as you, I’ve been in Tech Risk/Audit the last few years and it is insanely draining. Been trying to leave for the last while, hopefully it works out for you. If you need
I did a 4 month tech risk internship and really disliked it, really really mundane work that managers each have their own style to approving documentation.
May I ask which big 4 firm you’re doing tech risk with? Is it tech risk consulting? Why is the work so awful?
Stay strong. I’m in the same practice at a big 4 and finally just landed the job I really wanted. I don’t think it would have worked out if I left early.
Congrats! If you don’t mind sharing, what role did you land?
If you want to have an easy time finding your next job, stay in the current one while looking for a new one. I had my mate left his big 4 job out of frustration and wouldn't be able to find anything for half a year, ended up getting a shitty admin job to pay for food atm.
What the fuck
Depends what city are you out of
What would be the ideal city
Dont listen to me I’m an idiot, but probably a big city like NYC, SF, etc.
My advice is don’t leave without a job lined up. Recruiters n hiring managers prefer employed and actively looking than unemployed candidates . I was in this situation and I regretted leaving a job without one. Mind you I had 6 months worth of savings .
I am an executive recruiter - out of big 4 you can get a job within 2-4 weeks tbh. Every company is begging for big 4 resumes. Just don't leave during a busy season.
That’s crazy to hear because I’ve gotten mostly rejections non stop 😂 what am I doing wrong
That’s gonna piss off op, pretty sure IT audit busy season is right now
Looking for B4 with 1.5 ish years of experience as well? And can you give some more detail on why don’t leave during busy season?
yea, 1.5 years is perfect. Just long enough to get a couple of busy seasons under your belt but short enough not to pigeonhole yourself into something you dont want to do. You don't leave during busy season because you're leaving your team, no matter how big the engagement, with more work and makes their lives hell. All of big4 alum normally knows that it's kind of a black mark on your record/resume.
Lol at busy “season”. Every season is busy season rn
Truth
Even if I were to secure a job new job in busy season? Or are you saying ‘black mark’ for jobs down line if they see I left first job in busy season? Understood that definitely not ideal for the team but in all honestly it’s business and have to do what’s best for yourself at the end of the day the team/company will survive
It depends on the opportunity. Sometimes it's obvious you just wanted out. But if you leave to a big name, it's not a "black mark". Also people leave companies at every month of the year. No one really asks why you left during x month, more like why you left in general.
\*Jobs down the line. 100% do what best for yourself but if you are ever being interviewed by a big 4 alum they will ask you about it and it reflects that your not a team player when the going gets tough. (I am an agency recruiter so not bias toward any company)
Don't do it. Open your LinkedIn to open to work (the stealth version only visible to recruiters outside your org) and take the first decent option that comes your way. Fastest way to bail. If you were to simply leave with nothing lined up you run the risk of a resume gap which (for whatever reason) is a huge turnoff to recruiters and can make your life far harder. Lmk if you want general advice on how to build out your LinkedIn.
Would love it , haven’t had any recruiters reach out and I’ve been had it open for months
So LinkedIn needs to be comprehensive. All of your professional experience, all your certifications, etc should be on there spelled out in detail and in narrative format to conplement and expand upon your resume. You should have your skills endorsed where possible for the most niche and specific marketable items you bring to the table. You should have a professional headshot in a suit or equivalent with a professional and streamlined banner photo. You should be connected to as many people as possible - don't be afraid to connect with folks who share your job title or are connections of connections. You should engage in some capacity (commenting, liking, etc) to boost you in the algorithm from engagement. And all of your experience should incorporate as many marketable buzzwords as possible. Your resume should have your LinkedIn on it and your LinkedIn should have a PDF of your resume featured. Your LinkedIn URL should be customized to just be your full name. And, lastly, turn it on stealth "Open to work" and then leave it that way regardless of your employment status. These steps taken together will maximize your visibility and potential of receiving interested recruiter messages.
Did the same thing some years back. Was in a group of 8 grads and was the only one who’d studied accounts and finance - so got exempt for first round of professional studies. Double edged sword - I got given a shit load of work - did well - but also really hated it. By the time everyone came back from exam / study leave I was at the end of my tether. Put my notice in - no job lined up - but contacted every local firm till I got picked up. Finished my chartered with them. IT audit killed my soul
I put my notice today LOL. Literally the same job position as you and don’t regret it. It’s true that with all the job recession going on it’s going to be tough but I rather prepare for interviews for couple months than suffer during busy season with the work I hate. Little more context about myself: Have prior experience with software engineer so aiming for that position right now.
I don't ask this in a rude way, but what made you go into IT audit from software engineering? Not criticizing or anything just genuinely curious.
No worries it’s absolutely not rude. Basically I got hold of hiring manager via LinkedIn who was looking for people in software eng and cybersecurity. I was in school and wanted to get any full time position relevant to software and security. The hiring manager hired me by only chatting 30 min, which I thought was excellent opportunity to jump right into the field I always wanted to. I was wrong heh
it is such a non technical job
That’s awesome, glad to hear that and wish you the best. What level were you at? And how many total years of experience?
Also, I thought about staying a bit longer until market gets adjusted. But to think about it, who know when the market will get better? Unless you need to meet the ends meet (family to take care of financially), I would say go with my route. Your health is #1. Now that I put in notice, I don’t really care about busy season. We both know that IT audit is not our favourite job so it’ll be good to transition to other job than later.
I started last year november so hitting one year mark. Level is experienced associated
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True, definitely helping to talk me off the ledge. Only issue I foresee is with busy season coming around the corner. Will be tough to balance increasing work with job interviews and additionally leaving in the midst of busy season
Can you take some time off prior to that?
Unfortunately no, time off right now is a big no no. There’s a lot to get done, and not enough people to do it. One of the reasons I’m trying to get out before it gets too crazy
A lot of big4 in the US now offer flexible/reduced work schedule with reduced pay. If possible, I think you can initiate with the firm to go that route so your time can be protected during the busy season while looking for other opportunities. If you’re in another country then I’m not sure if this is applicable. Leaving during the busy season tends to be looked at as a jerk move too. So if you go reduced hours first and then quit I think it’d be looked at as more favorable to transition the expectation gradually than just a sudden announcement of quitting if it’s during the busy time. It’s really best and easier to land a job while still being employed.
I’m sorry that really sucks, what would happen if you brought in your partner and counselor and told them your mental and physical health was deteriorating and you need a more defined work life balance?
If you know you are leaving, just say no to a few things & prioritise job hunting first.
Not right now with an economic recession looming. Get another job first.
No one can answer if it’s worth it. Do you want the risk to be one of the people who post on career subs saying “I have applied to 1000 jobs over 3 years and no one will hire me.” If you’re okay with the risk go for it. You could consider doing an MBA, although with the work experience you probably won’t get into an amazing program but you can still get in somewhere with solid recruiting and find a job that pays well.
what other oppurtunities are you looking at?
Smaller consulting companies focused on IT strategy/transformation, and Data and Analytics positions consulting and also industry
Consulting might be hit even harder in the next 6mo w/ the economy… I would really stay on and coast/apply elsewhere if possible… do you think it would be possible to really coast / do the minimum for a few months?
Honestly coasting not really an option right now unfortunately which is why I want out. Team is overloaded with work, understaffed, and busy season approaching. Can stick it out for another month or so but beyond that it’s prime time busy season and will become miserably overloading with work while also trying to search for jobs/interview prep
when is busy season months and which months are chill?
Chill months are March - August ish. Pre-busy season ramp up is August - October/November. Busy season is November - February
Dont leave without a job offer. Unless you can survive 6 months on savings.
With the firm for about 15 months