Thinking of leaving work?
If you're thinking of leaving work, have you considered what alternatives there may be? The following advice is designed to help you make the right decision.
What you’ll miss
Start by thinking about the things you will be giving up, and whether you really want to lose them. For example, you will have to manage with less money and without your occupational pension. You'll also be giving up your independence and the valuable social contact of the workplace, and you may risk losing some of your valuable skills.
Other options
Then, consider the other options, such as working part-time, job sharing, or working from home. Are any feasible? You may want to take paid or unpaid leave to think about your long-term options. You could also ask your local social services department (Social Work Department in Scotland - local health and social services trust in Northern Ireland) for a carers' assessment. This may influence your decision.
Remember that employers value skilled, experienced and committed members of staff, and are keen to keep them. Your employer may be able to help in ways you have not considered. Talk to them about your situation, directly or through your personnel officer, union or staff association representative.
If you decide that you do have to leave work, find out about options other than resigning, for example, a career break, voluntary redundancy or early retirement.
