Madonna with her entourage PIC/AFP

BLUES@WORK

It's tough to find a professional today who hasn't switched jobs. Greater opportunities in the job market, and skewed demand and supply has made sure that urban professionals don't end up spending more than a couple of years at the same organisation. The reason to quit could vary from work overload or pressure from seniors to harassment by colleagues, and low pay scales. It could even be due to a sudden problem that's cropped up, or discontent that's been simmering for a while.

Whatever the reason may be, what experts will tell you, is that quitting should never be an impulsive or emotional decision. It's a risk, but has to be a calculated one.

Expert tips for quitters

Anita Shantaram, Director, PH Centre
Be clear whether you are quitting thanks to your boss, or due to factors related to the organisation.  If you have an issue with an individual, check whether you can be transferred to another department or work with a different set of people. If you enjoy the work, the company is reputed, you should find your way around the problem.

Quitting makes sense if you have an offer for a higher designation and pay packet, at a time when you are keen on a change.

Quitting too often mars your portfolio. Though you may have problems working with a taskmaster, you may also learn more.

Consider the possibility that the next job might be worse than the current one. Don't take a emotional decision.

They gave up on Madonna
Reports suggest that Madonna's touring crew is threatening to quit. Some of the 250 staff on the tour claimed they were being treated like "second class citizens" despite all their hard work, in the past few months. They given cheap hotel accommodation, while the pop singer stayed in a castle, after her recent show in France. They had to fly on low-cost flights, while Madonna flew by private jet.

He quit because he had to share his PC with 3 others

Abhilash Nair, an HR Consultant quit his previous job  thanks to a lack of systematic planning.

He was offered a senior position, but had to share his computer with three others. "After a month, I confronted my seniors, but it hardly helped. Besides, it was tough for a new recruit to grow in that organisation, where individuality was infringed on."

I would say, Enough! if...

...I was cheated
Vandana Sajnani, Theatre personality
I enjoy working in an atmosphere of trust and transparency. I would quit if I wasn't trusted or if someone cheated me. If they can do it once, they can do it again, so, I wouldn't consider rethinking my decision.

...I was humilated
Sunidhi Chauhan, Playback singer
Music is my passion. So, no matter what happened, I wouldn't quit singing. But if I am insulted or humiliated, or if someone hurt my self-respect, I would decide not to work with that set again.

...I stopped enjoying my work
Parmeet Sethi, Actor
If I stopped  enjoying what I was doing, and boredom set in, I'd leave. Other factors like a boss from hell, or difficult to get along with co-workers could also play a part.

...I was not given my due
Jithesh Jayaprakash, Account executive
 If I am not given credit for a job I've done, and worse, someone else gets the accolades just because they buttered up the boss, I'd quit.

...I was sexually harassed
Chitra Srinivasan, Client servicing executive
Sexual harassment would be a major reason to quit. Or if I was held responsible for a goof up that someone else had indulge in, I'd consider leaving.

You may have to quit if:

>>Stress at work is leaving you physically drained, and you are losing sleep. Remember, health comes first.
>>You are being marginalised or ignored. If your responsibilities are being taken away, you aren't being included in important meetings, your boss may be hinting that you are dispensable.
>>You feel you have outgrown your job.
>>You have received a better offer elsewhere.
>>Work is coming in the way of family responsibilities. You could consider taking a break, or quitting.

Things to do before resigning

>>Make sure you carry along all of your personal items. Clear personal files (electronic and hard copy) from your workstation. You may be denied access to these, after resigning.
>>Find out about any unused vacation time or sick leave that you may have pending.
>>There may be a counter offer by your employer. Be prepared to take a stand on that and refuse if you really want to quit.
>>Make an extra effort to leave on a positive note.
>>Ask supervisors for recommendation letters.

Before taking the decision, ask yourself:

>>If you can solve the problem by talking to your boss, switching departments or taking on new projects.
>>How it will impact you financially. It might take long to find a job.