DEAR HARRIETTE: All indications suggest that I am about to lose my job. My boss has stopped giving me assignments, and he constantly picks at everything I do. The other people on my job are busy while I am not. I did not get a good review last month. It is bad. I don’t think I have time to turn things around. I have started putting out resumes, but I am not feeling very confident right now. My parents said I can live at home until I sort out my work situation. Do you think I should quit before getting fired and try to find something somewhere else? -- On the Brink, Denver
DEAR ON THE BRINK: Your situation sounds dire. If you have already unsuccessfully attempted to adjust your performance based on the feedback your boss has given you and you believe the time is imminent for you to be fired, resigning could be a smart strategy. While it can be easier to find a job when you have a job, it is tough to not be able to get a good recommendation from a company because you were fired. Submit a resignation letter thanking your company for the experience you had there. Be upbeat and kind so that you can get a positive response in the future. Work hard to find a better fit.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)