There are numerous acceptable and rational reasons for leaving a job. When asked, “Why are you leaving your job?” during a job interview, it is crucial to respond confidently; a solid explanation assists with this.
Your prospective employer wants to know precisely why you are leaving, and a valid reason will put their minds at ease.
Every employer seeks employees who are loyal and responsible. Your reason for leaving must reflect the appropriate workplace values.
Consider why you decided to quit your job and rank them in order of importance. This will enable you to provide a lucid and convincing explanation to any potential employer.
25 Good Reasons to Leave a Job for a Better Future
1 – Professional Growth Opportunity
A solid reason to leave a job is that you want to move up in your field.
For example, you want to move to a higher level position, acquire new skills or take greater responsibility, or suppose you want more complex duties and tasks.
This answer shows that you want to advance in your career and are open to new opportunities for growth.
You can talk about how you’ve gotten good at your current job and want new challenges that your current company can’t give you.
It’s important to be clear about how and why this new job will help you grow and take on new challenges.
“I believe I have reached my current job’s limit and am looking for a new challenge.
This job appeals to me because I will interact with various clients and hone my customer service skills.”
2 – It’s Time for a Career Change
You’ve thought about your career goals and decided that you need to make a change.
A career change is a common reason for leaving a job, so it is simple to mention in an interview.
As you gain experience and advance in your career, your career goals may change, and your employer may not be able to meet your new requirements. Alternatively, you may leave your job to enter a new or completely different industry.
It demonstrates your willingness to leave your comfort zone and pursue what you truly desire.
Be sure to emphasize how the job opportunity aligns with your career goals and how your skills are transferable to this position.
“I have re-evaluated my career objectives, and I’m determined to find a position that better aligns with my long-term goals and allows me to contribute to the best of my ability.”
3 – You’ve Been Working Hard for a Promotion That Has Never Come
Being at the same job for many years without ever receiving a promotion or feeling challenged is extremely frustrating. Instead of informing potential employers of your frustration, turn it into a good thing!
“I realized that there was no opportunity for growth to me and that it was necessary for me to leave in order to continue my professional development.”
4 – You Are Overqualified and/or Under-Utilized
We are all seeking the ideal job that meets all of our requirements. But sometimes, a job doesn’t require your entire skill set, or you outgrow it over time.
“Although I appreciated my time there, I felt I had consumed my learning opportunities and was ready to move on to a new company where I could advance my career.”
5 – You Have Limited Professional Development Opportunities
You may love your job, career, and company, but you may feel stuck if there are few opportunities for professional growth or promotion. Your company may not offer opportunities to develop new skills, obtain certifications, or meet career goals because they don’t prioritize it or don’t have the resources.
Same result either way. Professionally, it would be best if you didn’t stay put. This is a good reason to start a job search if you want to climb the corporate ladder or develop other skills.
6 – There are Organizational Changes
Suppose your company undergoes reorganization or change, such as a merger or acquisition. When explaining why you’re leaving a job, you can emphasize the impact these changes have had on:
- your position
- your professional goals
- your ability to produce the high quality of work to which you are accustomed
“I enjoyed my experience at XYZ Company and am proud of my achievements there, but we are undergoing structural changes, and many of my projects have been canceled. Furthermore, recent organizational changes have restricted future advancement opportunities.”
7 – You Have Other Life Goals You Want to Accomplish
People frequently quit their jobs in order to return to school and either earn a degree or acquire additional qualifications. This is yet another sufficient reason, provided that your response explains how this choice contributed to your continued professional development.
Even though a change like this could result in significant gaps in your employment history (especially when returning to school), an employer will not be concerned about those gaps even if they exist. The important thing is that the end goal was a yearning for personal growth and development.
“I returned to school in order to pursue a master’s degree.”
8 – The Job Changed Along the Way
Jobs change over time, just as people do. This can be frustrating if it has resulted in you not utilizing the skills and competencies for which you were hired or performing work in which you have no interest.
Avoid coming across as unfavorable or as the victim. Concentrate on why your skills will be more valuable to your prospective employer.
“I was hired for a specific position, but that has changed significantly over time, and I no longer have the opportunity to utilize the skills for which I was hired or perform the tasks for which I am best suited. My skills closely align with the requirements for this position.”
9 – The Company is in Economic Difficulties
Most companies reduce their spending during economic crises to survive. As part of dealing with the economic downturn, some employees may be laid off.
Reducing the number of employees lowers morale and productivity because the remaining employees must fill the jobs of those laid off, which increases turnover.
When there isn’t much hope that a company will make more money, it makes sense to look for work elsewhere. Try not to use broad words like “failing” or “bankrupt” and instead use details.
“I enjoyed working at ABC Company, but the company is trying to save money right now, so two people in my department were laid off. I don’t see any future for myself in the company, so I think it’s time to leave.”
10 – Another Company Offered You a Better Opportunity
The right chance doesn’t come along very often, so when it does, take it and don’t let go, even if it means leaving your job. The decision to leave a former employer in favor of a new employer should never affect your application status. No one can blame you for leaving a job to pursue a better opportunity.
Working for some of the industry’s most prominent organizations can provide a more demanding environment, a better work culture, and better income.
Some companies may regard workers as too money-focused if they want a wage raise. Combine the explanation with career progress, a new work environment, or a job shift.
“Even though I’ve learned a lot at my current job, I can see from what I’ve learned about this position that it’s a better fit for where I want to take my career.”
11 – You are seeking higher compensation.
Everyone needs to make a good living. Life happens, which sometimes means you have to pay more to meet your and your family’s needs. You might have added a new family member or moved into your own place. Or, sometimes, a job at a different company comes with a better deal that can help you live better.
Try to combine this reason with another one so that you don’t seem to only care about money.
“I have made the most of my time at ABC Company and successfully accomplished all my goals. Now I’m in need of a new challenge to hone my skills and benefit from the rewards of greater responsibility.”
12 – You’re a Freelancer Looking for Full-Time Opportunities
Being a freelancer is somewhat unique. Typically, you are hired for an assignment and are free to pursue other opportunities. In this instance, “Completion of Freelance Assignment” is an acceptable employment application objective. You can provide a slightly more detailed response to this question during an interview.
“As a freelancer, I only have a contract for as long as it takes me to complete the task. Currently, I’m looking for a job with a company where I can use my professional experiences and skills in a long-term, mutually beneficial way.”
13 – You’re Part-Time But Want Full-Time Work
Many jobs are already part-time, so it won’t seem strange to think about leaving to get full-time hours. Again, be honest about how much you want more hours, and you’ll be fine.
“My previous job had a weekly maximum of 20 hours and was just part-time. I occasionally feel it’s time to transition into a full-time role in my work.”
14 – You Prefer a Different Work Arrangement
During the pandemic, many people had their first opportunity to work from home. Some found it an ideal fit, while others discovered they preferred traditional jobs. One of the most common reasons to leave a job is to look for new opportunities to find the perfect arrangement.
“During the pandemic, I discovered that I perform best in a vibrant workplace where I can spontaneously collaborate with others. Since my previous position became totally remote, it was no longer a good fit for me. Thus I’m looking for alternative opportunities.”
15 – You’re Partially Retiring
If you used to work full-time but now want to switch to a partial retirement, you may have to leave your last job.
“At the moment, I’m looking to move on to the next stage of my life. For me, this means transitioning from a full-time to a part-time role that allows me to contribute value to a company on a smaller scale.”
16 – You Need a Better Work-Life Balance
You might work late hours and want to find a more typical 9:00 am to 5:00 pm job. Or maybe you need a flexible boss because you have to take care of your family.
This reason needs to be put in a way that doesn’t make you sound like you are unreliable. When trying to get a job:
- Make sure you understand that the employer needs a dedicated worker.
- Focus on how well you can manage your time.
- Make it clear that you’re not trying to avoid responsibility; instead, you’re ensuring you can meet the needs of your job and your personal life.
“My former job did not provide the time flexibility I required to take care of my children and concentrate on my work.”
17 – Overly Long Commuting Time
A long commute is a valid reason for looking for work closer to home. Although life-work balance is considered necessary for employee productivity and wellness, combining it with another factor is best.
“I am seeking a job closer to home that will allow me to utilize my sales skills to their maximum potential.”
18 – You Relocated
Moving to a new place typically involves leaving a job unless the position is totally remote. This is another reason for leaving a job that does not generally work against you.
“My former job was not entirely remote. Therefore I was unable to continue working there after relocating to this place.”
19 – Your personality doesn’t fit the company culture
If you’re feeling left out and alone, try to figure out why. You might find that it’s because your personality doesn’t fit with the company’s culture. Not every work environment is a good fit for every employee. Leadership can also come into play and make you question what you believe. Now is the time to think about moving on.
“A company’s culture is crucial to an employee’s career advancement. As much as I value the opportunity to be a part of this organization, I am aware that I will be a better fit at a company whose culture matches my personality.”
20 – There’s Values Misalignment
To ensure the success of any relationship, you must agree on the essential matters. But what happens when you no longer share the same viewpoint? This is a typical occurrence, whether in a personal or professional setting, and the ideal response is to seek growth at a different company.
“I appreciate my position, my coworkers, and the time I’ve spent in this company, but I’ve reached a point where my values stand outside the organization. I want to use this chance to explore and advance my career elsewhere.”
21 – You’ve Had Family Reasons to Deal With
Sometimes, people must leave their jobs to take care of family matters. In your interview response, reassuring the interviewer that your family situation has changed sufficiently for you to focus on your profession again is essential.
22 – You Have Health Reasons
An employee may leave because they need a flexible schedule to attend doctor’s appointments. It also applies when an employee leaves work to care for a sick family member.
Pregnant mothers may leave work as their due date approaches to care for their children full-time. It means they’ll be absent for a longer duration. Thus the employer must find a replacement sooner. Employees who want to re-enter the workforce should explain how their circumstances have altered.
23 – Your Hours Were Cut
Whether your employment was part-time or full-time when you started, reducing your hours usually equals lower take-home compensation. Since it may not meet your needs, quitting is a logical option that the hiring managers will understand.
“My present workplace has permanently cut everyone’s hours due to demand shifts. Since it does not meet my necessities, I am looking for alternative opportunities.”
24 – The Company Has Inconsistent Schedules
Having a job with rotating shifts, unannounced mandatory overtime, or where you otherwise cannot organize your schedule makes life chaotic. Therefore, it is an example of a valid reason for leaving a job.
“In my present job, schedule shifts prevent me from managing my personal responsibilities effectively. I’m looking for opportunities with more consistency and sufficient notice of necessary changes.”
25 – You Needed a Professional Break
A professional break is absolutely a reality, and it applies to all of us. You may be experiencing one or more of the personal issues, and the best solution you can think of at this time is to take a break. Suppose you have the means to support yourself during a period of unemployment. In that case, a career break could be an excellent way to regain your energy and re-enter the professional world with a fresh perspective.
How to Tell Your Current Boss That You Are Leaving?
Your decision is final, and you are now prepared for your next major step.
No matter what you choose, you have decided it’s time to leave your job. But now you have to tell your boss that you are leaving, which is incredibly difficult.
Unfortunately, sending an email or text message won’t work because you could be seen as unprofessional.
This time bring extra courage with you. Walk into your boss’s office and ask to talk to them for a minute. Close the door and take a seat. Look at them with confidence and tell them the truth.
Most of the time, it seems a lot worse than it is. If you stay calm and act like a pro, your boss will understand 99.99%. In fact, most of the time, they will have already seen it coming.
So, how do you tell your boss you want to leave? How do you gracefully leave while keeping your relationship? How do you ensure you don’t burn bridges when leaving your job?
Don’t worry. Just remember why you want to leave and follow these steps.
1 – Get It Straight
Don’t tell long stories to try to put off what’s going to happen. Just say what you want to say. Be direct.
2 – Be Sincere When Telling Your Reasons
When you talk to your boss, you should thank him or her for the opportunities you’ve been given at the company. For example, you may have learned new skills and made professional connections at your job. You can thank your boss for both of these things as you prepare to leave. This job might even be one of the reasons why you got a new opportunity.
3 – Show Your Gratitude
When you talk to your boss, you should thank him or her for the opportunities you’ve been given at the company. For example, you may have learned new skills and made professional connections at your job. You can thank your boss for both of these things as you prepare to leave. This job might even be one of the reasons why you got a new opportunity.
4 – Finish It Up
You may also get questions about your next step.
Manage to discuss with your boss when your last day will be. You may also get questions about your next step and the transition. When you’re done, please give them a firm handshake and thank them again.
What to Include on the Application Form?
When you fill out an application for a job, you might be asked to write down why you left your last job. It’s important to be open and honest because the hiring manager will probably check the information you give with an employment or reference check. But you’ll have a chance to talk more about why you’re leaving in the interview, so there’s no need to give details on the application form.
On the application form, you can list concise and clear reasons for leaving, such as:
- seeking new challenges
- career-driven move
- career change
- opportunity to progress
- offer of a better opportunity
If you were laid off, you could say that you left because of the following:
- organizational changes
- company restructuring
If you left because of personal reasons, it’s enough to state:
- personal reasons
- family reasons
- change of personal circumstances
What would you do if you were fired from a job before? This is challenging, and you have to be honest. On your job application, it’s best to be brief and write:
- job ended
- unsuitable fit
- involuntary separation
After all, you have the chance to elaborate during your interview.
Additional Tips on Explaining Your Reason
Regardless of why you left your last job or want to leave your current one, there are some things you should always keep in mind:
- Don’t say anything negative; try to keep your language as positive as possible.
- Don’t talk about past problems you’ve had with coworkers or managers.
- Don’t go into unnecessary details; give a simple, straightforward explanation.
- When answering, make sure to focus on your career goals.
Conclusion
At this point, you should understand what good and valid reasons for leaving a job and have some examples to help you prepare for your next interview. Just remember that it can be hard to find the right balance between telling the truth and putting yourself in the best light.