Social media is full of stories of liberation right now.  People who have left their jobs without anywhere to go.

“They didn’t respect me.”
“I was bullied.”
“I missed out on a promotion.”
“I wanted my life back.”

I don’t doubt the pain behind these posts. But I do question the wisdom.

Redundancies are everywhere and layoffs are now normalised. This is not the moment to leap without a safety net.

If you have no responsibilities, no dependants and money in the bank, perhaps you can afford to take the risk. But if you have a mortgage, children or debt, walking out without a plan is not brave.

It is reckless.

You owe it to yourself and those who rely on you to think before you leap. Quit only when you have your next move lined up. Whatever you are suffering now, the alternative may well be worse.

If you are frustrated, unfulfilled or exhausted, don’t walk out. Work smart instead.

• Hunker down. Keep your income while you plan your exit.

• Cut costs. Security begins with savings.

• Build a side hustle. It is not glamorous, but it is smart.

• Upskill. Fill the gaps and invest in yourself.

• Network with purpose. Jobs come from people, not job boards.

This isn’t about staying stuck. It’s about staying sane.

Career freedom doesn’t come from quitting in a blaze of emotion.

It comes from preparation, strategy and a clear plan for what comes next.