Was I stupid to quit my fast food job with no backup plan?

[Joe917]

I've worked at mcdonalds for 3 months. Its fast paced, stressfull, customers are asshats, higher ups constantly bitching about times. I put in my two weeks yesterday. I'm scared because I don't have a job lined up, but releaved, because the end is in sight.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

A job is a job & a career is a career & I always tell people if you are going to leave a job make sure you always leave on good terms just incase you have to go back & if you leave a job just make sure you have another job in hand before doing so.

In addition you’re going to have to set a goal for yourself. As for your next journey you’re not looking for a job you are looking for a career.

Health benefits, retirement, paid vacation, hopefully close to your residence & something that pays well. Paid hourly is the way to go. Paid salary sucks.

As for McDonald’s what did you expect it to be a country club? It’s a fast food restaurant & common sense will tell you it’s fast paced. As for it being stressful, most jobs are in a lot of ways. As for customers just remember without customers you would be out of business. As for higher ups bitching all corporations are & if you are a manager just remember you get it from the bottom & you get it from the top.

Good luck bro.

[Phunk_Fenomenon]

Not stupid, but definitely not ideal.

Sometimes leaving a miserable job is the right move, trust me I should know. especially if the place is burning you out. But now you need to treat the situation seriously. File for unemployment and see if you qualify, but don’t count on it since quitting voluntarily can make that harder depending on your state.

I would tell unemployment a white like such as you were depressed and that job was affecting your health. Hopefully and I dont see why not but do tell your doctor or psychiatrist (even better) is nice enough to right you a letter as evidence.

Either way, use the time wisely. Cut unnecessary spending, apply every day, and aim for something better than another chaotic fast-food environment if possible. A smaller store, warehouse, trade apprenticeship, delivery job, retail, or anything with a clearer path forward would be smarter.

You made the emotional decision already. Now make the strategic one.

[rosemilk]

not really but right now in this job market it's kinda tough to get another one lined up if you don't want another fast food situation. I don't know your home situation either, what your bills are like, etc. so it all depends on that

[Account]

No that is my style too. So far it has worked for me. I usually save up though in order not be completely broke during the process of looking for another job.

[AI Opinion]

You weren’t stupid; you listened to your limits.

In my early 20s I stayed too long in a toxic part‑time job “for stability” and it burned me out so badly I underperformed in school. Leaving earlier would have been smarter.

Now, be deliberate:

1. Treat job hunting like a job: fixed hours daily for applications.
2. Target slightly better environments (grocery, retail, call centers, warehouses, reception).
3. Update your resume with concrete McDonald’s skills: cash handling, speed, teamwork, dealing with difficult customers.
4. Cut expenses and, if needed, talk to family about temporary support.

[Purpleronnie]

Honestly the fear you have is a good thing, use it to motivate yourself to do better !! How many jobs in the service sector aren’t stressful at times with customers that can be asshats?


Putting short term employment on your CV is hard to explain away and leaving it blank is harder..



if I were you I’d rescind my resignation and find another job first , life is hard so teach yourself when it gets tough you just have to dig your heels in and work harder


You will be better for it , don’t run from a challenge !

[usernameobvious]

There's always better similar jobs out there 😋🙃

Similar pay, similar customers- maybe a quieter small store. Like, not a bakery, but you know.

Something smaller scale - not a big franchise 🏬 🏪 definitely the hell away from 24/7

[molonski2]

As I've said before , better off outta there mate , don't be a pedeller of slow death , but be ready to move quickly , thing is , you did it.


Now feel the relief..

[Capplica]

You got experience, why not try the fancy restaurants.

Or try to become a bartender or chief.

If the fast-pace work life isn't for you than look into something else.

[Phoenix98]

You should always have another job already secured before you quit your current one. Because you never know how long it will actually take you to find another job and that can put you in a bad spot.

[purplepoppy]

Yes because employers will either believe you were fired or are going to quit on them.

[usernameobvious]

That's one lady's opinion but Asker you don't take it to heart. You've got heart and you'll find a better similar job. Similar with less stress less customers. 🙃

[Joe917]

I just won't put it on my resume

[BCRanger10]

You should already have been looking for a job, especially if you don't have any savings or someone else supporting you.

[Calyptomaniac]

It's not ideal, but now you are fully aware of the urgency needed in finding a new one, and that can be helpful.

[Jackblue]

Honestly in this economy, yes, jobs are scarce, did you at least make sure they will give you a reference? For your next job if you really need one, warehouses hire a lot, but honestly I think that working there is even worse.

[Jackblue]

Regardless start your applications now.

[nastyb]

go get a trade apprenticeship job. pay is about the same but at least you are on track ot make more money in the future

[MrChinaski]

Meh. You can get another job. Most are fast-paced, stressful and have asshat customers. Management may be better or worse.

🤷‍♀️

[LiamJHayden]

Check your state's regulations and look into becoming a legal videographer. It can, too, be stressful, but it's also $40 or $50 per hour or more as opposed to fast food pay rates.

[Vegasrunner]

No. In this country in this world a man needs to have control of his time and resources. You did the right thing because now you can focus on your calling and I bet its not slinging fries

[genericname85]

i mean you can always go back to work in that business if things don't work out. they're always looking.

[exitseven]

It will be easy to find another low paying fast food job.

[bingbongbangbung]

Not here in Canada, where employers choose foreign workers on a visa/permit as well as refugees over everybody else, since they know they can exploit them

[exitseven]

@bingbongbangbung When I was a kid the best summer job you could get was to be a lifeguard. You needed a Senior Lifesaving Badge but you also needed to know somebody. Usually the jobs went to politicians kids.
A city near where I live cannot find people who will be lifeguards. They will pay for training and the money is good and if they stay until Labor Day they get a thousand dollar bonus. Still they cannot find enough people to take these jobs.

[LC75LC71]

What was the backup plan? Working for YouTube? That would require much less effort..

[msc545]

You should never leave a job until you have another one arranged with a starting date.

[Batsy01010101]

No it's fast food you can find another shithole to work at

[foxsquirrell]

Not neccessarily. Better to quit a job than kill someone.

[Just_Ken]

Yes. You must live with your parents

[Joe917]

Nope

[MissSunshine2]

Not if it made you miserable.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

What do you truly aspire to be?

[beenherebefore]

You should start looking for another job ASAP.

[MikeTheBartender]

Why are you quitting?

[Iron_Man]

Go to Burger King tomorrow it’s better

[Joe917]

I'll consider it

[Iron_Man]

Good 😊 👍🏻

[Jamie05rhs]

That depends. Do you have bills?

[robocop666]

why did you do that?

[Joe917]

Thought i was pretty clear on the reason why in my post.