By Evelyn Evans 
Thinking about quitting your job before the holidays? You’re not alone. As the year winds down, many people find themselves burned out, frustrated, or simply ready for something new. But leaving a job in November or December can feel risky—especially with holiday spending, family plans, and the pressure to “start fresh” in the new year.
Is it smart to quit now, or should you wait until January? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the pros and cons of a pre-holiday resignation can help you make the right move for your career—and your peace of mind.
1. You Might Be Emotionally Done (And That’s OK)
If you’ve been thinking about quitting for months, chances are you’ve emotionally checked out already. Maybe you dread logging in every morning. Maybe your stress is affecting your sleep, mood, or health. When a job is draining you day after day, the holiday season won’t magically fix that. In fact, it might make it worse.
For some people, walking away before the holidays can feel like a mental reset. It gives you space to breathe, reflect, and start the new year with energy—not burnout.
2. Hiring Slows Down—But Doesn’t Stop
It’s true that many companies slow hiring in November and December. Budgets are tight, decision-makers take vacation, and fewer roles are posted. But that doesn’t mean everything shuts down.
Some industries (like retail, healthcare, and logistics) ramp up during the holidays. Others are trying to fill key roles before the fiscal year ends. And some companies want to start January with a full team, which means they’re interviewing now.
If you’re strategic, you can still find opportunities—it just might take longer.
3. You’ll Miss the Holiday Perks
Quitting before the holidays may mean saying goodbye to some seasonal extras—things like year-end bonuses, holiday parties, office gift exchanges, and extra paid days off. If your company usually offers a holiday bonus, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible if you leave early.
Even if your workplace isn’t perfect, sticking it out through December could mean a bit more money in your pocket—and some low-stress days when many teams slow down or go on break.
4. Holiday Hiring Can Give You a Head Start
While some people wait until January to begin a job search, starting early can give you an edge. Hiring managers will be impressed that you’re proactive and motivated while others are still “waiting for the new year.”
If you quit in November, you can spend December networking, updating your resume, and applying to jobs at your own pace—without trying to juggle work stress at the same time. You might even land something new by January.
5. You’ll Have Time to Recharge—If You Can Afford It
One of the biggest benefits of quitting before the holidays? Time. You’ll have a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the season with family and friends without job stress hanging over your head.
But be realistic about your finances. Do you have enough savings to get through a few months without steady income? Will you feel comfortable turning down roles that don’t feel right if money starts to run low?
Time off can be a gift—but only if it doesn’t lead to panic.
6. You’ll Avoid the “Quiet Quitting” Spiral
Staying in a job you don’t care about can lead to quietly disengaging—just doing the bare minimum to get by. That might seem harmless, but it can hurt your confidence over time. You stop learning, stop challenging yourself, and start feeling stuck.
Quitting before that happens can protect your momentum. If you’re no longer motivated, it might be better to leave now than let the situation drag on into the next year.
7. You Can Leave on a Good Note
The holidays can actually be a great time to resign if you want to leave with grace. People tend to be more relaxed and generous in spirit. If you give proper notice, express gratitude, and help with a smooth transition, you may leave behind a strong impression—and strong references.
Compare that to quitting during a busy season when tensions are high and no one has time to say goodbye properly.
8. You’ll Be Competing with Fewer Job Seekers
Many people wait until January to start their job hunt. That means fewer candidates are applying to open roles in November and December. If you’re ready to job search now, you could have less competition and a better shot at landing interviews.
Some recruiters even prefer to line up hires before the new year to avoid a flood of applications later.
9. Holiday Job Gaps Aren’t Judged Harshly
Worried about explaining a gap on your resume? Don’t be. If you quit in November and don’t land something until February, most hiring managers won’t blink. They understand that year-end transitions take time and that not everyone finds something immediately.
In fact, many professionals expect some career movement around the holidays. It won’t raise as many red flags as you might think.
10. You Might Miss Out on Internal Moves or Raises
If your current company does annual reviews or internal promotions in January, leaving in December could mean you miss your chance. Even if you’re not happy in your current role, a promotion or department switch might make it worth sticking around a little longer.
Check your company’s timeline for raises or reassignments before making a final decision.
11. Your Job Might Get Easier in December
In many offices, things naturally slow down in December. Projects pause, meetings are canceled, and people start taking time off. If you’re not in retail or customer service, the end of the year could actually be one of the calmest periods to stay put.
That breathing room might be exactly what you need to think clearly about your next steps—without making a rushed decision.
12. You May Feel Pressure From Family and Friends
If you quit right before the holidays, prepare for a few awkward conversations. Well-meaning family members might ask, “Why now?” or worry about your job search. While it’s your life, not theirs, it helps to have a plan you can explain confidently.
Even something simple like, “I decided to make a change while things are quiet so I can focus on finding the right fit,” will help you steer the conversation.
13. Resigning Now Could Set You Free From Holiday Drama
Let’s be honest—some companies get weird around the holidays. Awkward parties, forced cheer, or working extra hours while others take off… not everyone loves the season at work. If your job turns the holidays into a headache, quitting might feel like escaping with your sanity intact.
Just make sure you’re quitting for something—not just running away.
14. Think About the Timing That Works for You
In the end, it comes down to timing. Not company calendars, not hiring trends—your needs, energy, and priorities. Some people love starting fresh in January with a new job already lined up. Others prefer to use December to regroup, recharge, and figure out what they want.
There’s no perfect moment to quit, but there is a right time for you. Listen to that.