Coming from a generation still recovering from hustle culture hangovers, post-pandemic work models, and the struggle to stay motivated while the world feels like it’s on fire, it’s no surprise to me that the idea of quitting our jobs has manifested itself. Basically, quitting has become less of a reckless pipe dream and more of a legitimate mode of self-preservation. Google searches for “when should I quit” have spiked almost 300 percent in the past month, and recent surveys show almost 50 percent of Gen Z are dreaming about when to quit their jobs. The truth is, people are burned the heck out. So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of leaving your job, you’re not alone.
Truthfully, there may never be a “right” time to quit your job, especially in an economy where survival is the job, but experts are saying that if they had to pick a “best” time, it would be summertime. So, whether you’ve been preparing to quit for months or you simply have the steadfast determination to figure it all out once you do, we’re sharing five reasons why summer is the best time to leave your job, according to a Chief Human Resources Officer.
Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer
Avery Morgan is the Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie, with deep expertise in strategic leadership, workplace culture, talent management, employee relations, corporate wellness, and productivity. Under Avery’s leadership, EduBirdie has spearheaded initiatives to address the growing issue of young people’s burnout and launched programs to help professionals boost productivity and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
1. It spares you from burnout caused by peak PTO season
Leaving emails unread and mentally checking out while daydreaming about lakeside lounging might seem like just another case of the summer slumps. But behind the hours scrolling through your friends’ Euro vacations instead of clearing your inbox, something very real is rumbling beneath the surface: summer burnout. “Summer can be surprisingly tough,” says Avery Morgan, a Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie. “Colleagues disappear on vаcation, workloads pile up, and schedules turn into chaos.” So, whether you’re already plotting your exit or you can’t fathom pushing through another minute of your work, quitting during summer can help you avoid added fatigue, according to Morgan.
Obviously, covering for your coworker while they are on their three-day vacation could be worth pushing through, but if June has already drained your mental energy, stepping away in July could be a smart way to protect yourself before you cross the burnout line. “Sometimes, the best way to stay productive is to know exactly when to stоp,” Morgan adds.
2. It gives you more flexibility to test-drive new ventures
If you’re curious to see how you operate outside a 9-5 structure, quitting your job in the summer allows you to take advantage of the longer days and explore different employment ventures that inspire you. Want to start a blog, bake cakes, paint, or launch online courses? Summer allows for more breathing room to explore, without the additional pressures of deadlines or stacked calendars that Q3 or Q4 bring, according to Morgan.
“If June has already drained your mental energy, stepping away in July could be a smart way to protect yourself before you cross the burnout line.”
So, if you’ve always loved the idea of working at a coffee shop, now is the time to hit apply! If you love the idea of being your own boss, now is the time to try your hand at it. It can be scary to try something new, but sometimes the scariest things are also the most rewarding—even if you stumble. And who knows, it might even allow you to jump back into your career in a new way in the future, with a new set of skills, which would make you an even stronger interview candidate.
3. It promotes time to pause, reflect, and reset
“Summer is made for recharging your batteries,” encourages Morgan. Stepping away from work completely—even temporarily—can be the reset your mind and body have been begging for. And what better time to do that than when there is a “school’s out” energy everywhere you go? The summer season begs us to rest and reset, which can help us come back to the workforce stronger than ever when we’re ready.
That said, quitting our jobs to “focus on summer,” as the TikTok trend goes, sounds magical, but bills still exist. So, if your lifestyle doesn’t quite support a full pause, quitting doesn’t mean you have to do nothing. It can also be about shifting your routine just enough to give your brain and body a break. Maybe that means sleeping in a little and trying out those new ventures, like a coffee shop job in the afternoon, or picking up freelance gigs at night after you’ve spent the day in the park. This way, you still get a meaningful reset while keeping the income flowing.
4. It gives you more time to prep for hiring season
Q3 is a notoriously busy and competitive hiring season. “Fall is when everyone returns from vаcation and starts actively looking for work… competition rises, and the market overheats,” explains Morgan. Leaving your job in the summer allows you to think clearly and plan for the upcoming hiring season. “While others are just starting to update their resumes, you will already be in the lead, with a clear goal, a fresh mind, and maybe even nеw skills.” Morgan adds, “Summer is like a quiet head start before the rush begins.”
“The summer season begs us to rest and reset, which can help us come back to the workforce stronger than ever when we’re ready.”
It’s important to address that the job market isn’t exactly sexy right now, and the idea of finding something new by fall can feel like an overwhelming task. But if you plan your time off wisely, summer can be as much about resetting as it is an opportunity to get ahead on what you actually want. Use the downtime to refresh your resume, reflect on your goals, and start your search for how to achieve them before the fall rush hits. By then, you’ll feel clear, confident, and well prepared for what you want.
5. It offers more opportunities to expand your network
Nowadays, knowing that certain person can make all the difference in landing a new project or job. And as it turns out, summer is the perfect time to start scouting those people. “Summer puts people in a different mood,” Morgan shares. “[They are] more relaxed and open, which means less formality and more communication.” Whether it’s at festivals, co-working spaces, or cafes, omitting the strenuous 9-5 routine can give you back time and energy for building your network.
Whether it’s striking up a conversation at your next rooftop hang, reconnecting with an old coworker, or finally DMing that person with your dream job, summer is full of low-pressure moments to plant seeds. Even something as simple as turning your hot girl walk into a catch-up call with an old colleague can open so many doors.
“Stay curious and don’t be afraid of showing up,” Morgan adds. You never know who’s hiring, who’s transitioning, or who’s just down to help out and give advice. All you have to do is ask. And with all the good summer vibes in the air, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of it.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
