Top reasons for leaving a job (with examples)

Has anyone ever asked you, "Why are you leaving your current job?" or “Why do you want to leave your current employer?” during a job interview? 

How do you come up with a tactful reason for resignation without risking leaving a sour note from your previous or current employer? It’s a tricky one to navigate as your answer will help them determine if you’re fit or suitable for the job.

Based on the 2022 Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the turnover or attrition rate among BPO agents in the country is at a staggering 30 percent to 40 percent. 

Some reasons for leaving a job include:

• preference for offsite work
• lack of upskilling
• poor working conditions from commuting to logging out of work
• lack of recognition
• excessive workload
• no flexible schedule
• no career growth or growth opportunities
• family circumstances
• company downsized
• poor workplace culture
• boring tasks

Understanding the question

A job interview will help your next employer understand the prospects that you’re looking for in comparison to your last job. This job interview question also probes the applicant’s background and attitude toward work.

• Alternative Ways Interviewers Could Ask You This Question
• Reasons for leaving your previous job
• What not to say
• How to Craft an Effective Response During A Job Interview and What Not to Say
• How to resign on a good note
• FAQs

Alternative ways interviewers could ask you this question

Exploring varied approaches, interviewers and the hiring manager might inquire into the factors prompting your job transition with common job interview questions in the following alternative ways: "What factors contributed to your decision to explore new opportunities?" or "Could you share the circumstances that led you to consider a change from your previous role?"

Additionally, they might ask this interview question, "In what ways did you find your previous job misaligned with your career aspirations?" 

These alternative angles invite job seekers to reflect on their departure while highlighting the search for growth and alignment in their professional journey.

Be sure to take note of these variations of interview questions so you don't get confused during your job interview.

Reasons for leaving your previous job

JobStreet.com, the Philippines' leading online job board, published an article entitled “5 Reasons Why Great Employees Quit,” listing the following reasons for employee resignation: low compensation, no relationship with the employer, work ceased to be challenging, lack of recognition and no career advancement with their current employers. The authors released this article in April 2022 towards the tail end of the work-from-home era due to the pandemic.

Blame the pandemic but for employees, even job seekers, how they view work has shifted since experiencing a work-from-home setup. 

In an article published by Business World, “Among Southeast Asia, professionals in the Philippines are most likely to have (re-evaluated) how work fits into their lives….talent in the Philippines was also the sole group in Southeast Asia to prioritize work flexibility.”

For the Philippine workforce, work has to fit into their lives and not the other way around. Flexibility is the most desired work set-up after the pandemic has waned. 

It is a valid reason for many when it comes to their career paths, especially for a stay-at-home parent. This also presents a new challenge for your potential employer.

Citing various sources, here are the reasons Filipino workers are leaving their jobs:

Work-life balance

To have a work-life balance means that you can juggle the demands of one job and at the same time enjoy your personal life. Without a work-life balance, you may suffer burnout.

But in Asian culture, some Asians view wanting a work-life balance as taboo because they uphold a hardworking ethic and see accumulating more work hours and not rejecting extra work as a good indication of being a hard worker, unlike in the West.

If lack of work-life balance is your reason for leaving your company, you are one of the 73 percent of Filipino employees who want a stable job with a work-life balance, based on a 2023 study conducted by JobStreet. After all, who wouldn't want a balanced life and fewer mental health issues that stem from work? 

According to Mayo Clinic, a worldwide leader in medical care, achieving a work-life balance involves managing your time, leaving work at the office, limiting access to emails, separating work time from personal time, and shortening commitments to maximize your options. So if that's your priority for your next job, take note!

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"Having dedicated several years to my previous role, I've come to realize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a full-time job. 

Now, I'm seeking an environment that aligns with this value, allowing me to excel professionally while also nurturing my well-being. I believe this chapter with your esteemed company can provide the equilibrium I'm seeking."

Financial compensation

The reason why you work is to earn a decent salary to support yourself, your family, and loved ones and to afford the lifestyle that you want. Money (or salary) is a sensitive topic that it is unethical to discuss and compare each other's salaries. It is an unwritten rule not to talk about salaries. However, it is at the heart of why people leave jobs often.

Based on the same study by Jobstreet, 35 percent consider financial consideration as the main reason for them to switch jobs. Any company that offers an employee a higher compensation will attract job seekers and job switchers alike.

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"During my tenure in my previous role, I acquired substantial experience and contributed significantly to the team's success. However, I was not compensated fairly and have decided to explore new horizons. I believe my skills and dedication are valuable assets that can flourish in a setting that recognizes their worth."

Working conditions

46 percent of those surveyed said that they prefer a hybrid setup, followed by 28 percent who favored fully remote work, while 26 percent wanted to work fully onsite. 

For employees, flexibility allows them to pursue other passions and at the same time have a stable means of income and that's through their work. Flexibility means a more flexible schedule, having choice and control over when, where, and how long you work, and agreeing on these conditions with your manager.

Working conditions, as defined by the International Labor Organization, are the core of employment relationships. It includes working time and set-up, salary, physical conditions (facilities), and even mental demands that exist at the workplace.

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"Having dedicated five years to my previous role, I've honed my skills and contributed effectively. However, I believe that transitioning to a new environment with more conducive working conditions will enable me to thrive further, ensuring both personal growth and enhanced contributions to your team."

Working from home

The pandemic has struck a sensitive cord for all workers. Since the pandemic began, workers have discovered that they can do things at home because working from home has become the ideal set-up. According to a study, 47 percentper cent consider themselves more productive and performance increased to 13 percent by working at home.

Not only that, issues regarding mental health became their priority. The anxiety of being away from home and not knowing if their family members were safe took a toll on them mentally. Workers also discovered that they could stay home, be parents, and work effectively at the same time.

Realizing the freedom they have while working from home, employees are now looking for online jobs.

According to JobStreet, here are the advantages of having an online job: shorter commute or absolutely no commute at all to be “at work”, savings (on gas, parking, commute from home to work and vice-versa, and even expensive lunches at work), lesser office politics, increase in productivity and healthier lifestyle (no more air pollution), and more time for yourself, loved ones, and your passions.

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"Now that we're in a modern society post-pandemic, I yearn for a change that aligns with the evolving work landscape. I'm seeking a new opportunity that embraces remote work possibilities, allowing me to blend my proven expertise with a modern approach to productivity."

Human factor: employer

Human factors refer to environmental, organizational, and job factors and human and individual characteristics influencing the behavior at work in a way that can affect health and safety.

Expanding this definition, these “human and individual characteristics” are not only traceable to employers. It also includes workmates and company culture. Human factors are the major contributors to a toxic environment.

Citing a Gallup study in 2022, a staggering 50 percent of employees resign from work due to their employers. An employer who doesn't give guidance to his or her workmates will leave the latter clueless about what's expected of them. 

On the other end, an employer who micromanages everything, and doesn't trust his or her workmates will have the same fate. A bad employer ruins the company and can drive you to leave a job you hate

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"Leaving my previous role was a strategic step towards a healthier and more empowering work environment. I believe in surrounding myself with positivity and collaboration, and I am enthusiastic about bringing my expertise to a team that shares those values."

Job loss

This is the most unwanted reason for leaving a job that's beyond the control of any employee: job loss.

Retrenchment was the buzzword during the pandemic. Employers both here and abroad had to lay off workers without giving them a choice. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, industries that were heavily impacted by the pandemic are airlines; automobiles; energy equipment and services; hotels, restaurants, leisure; and specialty retail.

In 2021, 4.2 million Filipino workers lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In that same year, one of the country's leading airlines laid off 1,455 workers, as reported by the Department of Labor and Employment. 

Retrenchment, among others, is one of the reasons companies can terminate employees based on authorized causes (Labor Code of the Philippines, Article 283).

Here’s how to answer your interviewer if this is your reason for leaving a job:

"Unfortunately, the company laid me off due to organizational changes." This has only fueled my determination to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to a new team, where I can continue to grow and contribute effectively."

Better opportunities

There are various reasons why employees leave the company: lack of career advancement with their current employer, the feeling of unappreciation and not properly compensated despite their best efforts, the thought of being no longer fit with the organization, and better opportunities offered by other companies, among others.

The main bottom line here is that an employee needs to grow personally and professionally at work. Opportunities to learn, reskill, and upskill are essential for employees to climb the corporate ladder. Along with opportunities to grow is financial compensation. Employers must pay employees according to the demands and responsibilities of their job.

What not to say

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that “Why do you want to leave your current employer?” is one of the staple questions during a job interview. The cardinal rule in answering this question is not to badmouth your previous employer.

Bad answers to “Why are you leaving your job?” include:

• Unrealistic job expectations, too much demand from the company
• No promotion since joining the company
• No longer happy with the company itself
• Having problems with your manager or workmates

The rule of thumb here is not to say any derogatory or negative remarks about your previous company or previous employers to appear like a job hopper.

How to craft an effective response during a job interview

To make it easier and more practical for you to craft an effective response, categorize your answers into the following:

Reasons beyond your control at your current job due to:

• Company closure
• Retrenchment
• Introduction of new technology making your job redundant
• Relocation of the company far from your home
• The merger of departments resulted in a layoff
• Reorganization of the company, organizational restructuring

Personal reasons for leaving a job:

• Long commute time from home to work
• Family reason (to take care of the elderly or children)
• Health issues during your stint with your previous company

Looking for better opportunities:

• Career change
• Opportunity to travel
• Maximize your potential as an employee
• Align your experience and educational background with the demands of a new job
• Better compensation
• Advancement in career
• Professional growth

It also helps if you do your research before applying for a new company. There is no better opportunity to prepare for the next job interview than having solid information on the company that you’re eyeing to apply.

Probe into the company’s culture, read the reviews of employees on JobStreet, and ask your friends and acquaintances for any information regarding the company. This will help you to make an informed decision as you plot your next career move.

How to resign and leave on a good note

You have the right to resign from work. It’s a matter of personal choice whether you’d like to stay with your current company or move elsewhere. The bigger question here is, what are your takeaways from this experience?

Never burn bridges. The impression you leave behind with your managers or workmates will have an impact on your future opportunities. When you exit a company, make sure that you leave without issues or problems. Always make a positive impression on your colleagues.

Present yourself in the best possible way when you go through an exit or new job interview. Be careful with the words that you use. You don’t want to misuse words that change the context of what’s in your mind.

FAQs

1. What are the usual reasons for leaving a job?
   ⁠Reasons for leaving a job vary, depending on your circumstances. Employees resign because their priorities have changed over the years. To some, a big factor in leaving a company is because there is no opportunity for them to achieve a work-life balance. 
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   ⁠Some employees factor in financial compensation and working conditions by seeking better job opportunities.
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   ⁠For others, their priorities have shifted, this is due to their experience which made them rethink their relationship with their families and current working conditions. 
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   ⁠Another reason for employees leaving the company is due to their employers or even their workmates. On the other hand, some employees have no other recourse but to leave their company due to job loss.
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2. What can I do to leave my job on good terms?
   ⁠No matter how bad your circumstances are, the key is to be respectful. Firstly, tell your immediate reporting line about your decision to leave. Follow that up by giving ample notice. 
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   ⁠Then, while serving your notice period, ensure that you continue to work hard and finish pending projects while helping with the transition by offering to train your replacement. By doing this, you can ensure good professional working relationships in the future.
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3. How do I prepare for my next prospective job?
   ⁠Research the company and learn about the role that you’re about to take up. Dress professionally even if it’s a virtual interview because the first impression always counts and sets the tone for what they can expect from you. 
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   ⁠Not forgetting, a job interview is a two-way conversation so remember to prepare some questions as well. Focus on your interviewer, maintain eye contact, and questions like, “What is your company’s mission statement?” or “What are your values?” as it shows your genuine interest in the job.
   
   How do you craft an effective response to the question, “Why are you leaving or why did you leave your job?"
   ⁠
   Never say bad things or negative stuff about your employer or your company. In answering this question, you have the option to choose from among the reasons given above: reasons beyond your control, personal reasons, and looking for better opportunities.