Thinking about leaving a job does not mean you have to decide immediately. This general checklist is for software engineers considering a move. It separates personal reasons, the terms of a new role, and the financial effects. There is no single answer that fits everyone.
1. Identify why you want to leave
Write down whether your reasons involve the role, manager, team, working hours, compensation, learning opportunities, health, or life goals. Then separate what might be changed in your current job from what would require changing employers. An internal move or a change in responsibilities may be an option, but it will not work in every situation.
2. Review a new job offer before resigning
Ask for the details in writing and read them fully before deciding. Consider these items together:
- The actual responsibilities, team, manager, work location, and expected hours
- Base salary, bonus, variable compensation, shares or other benefits, and start date
- Probation terms, benefits, health insurance, remote-work arrangements, and leave
- Learning opportunities and career path, compared with the reasons you are considering leaving
Do not rely only on a company’s name or compensation that has not been confirmed in writing in place of the details of the role.
3. Plan cash flow during the transition
Estimate essential monthly expenses, debt payments, family costs, commuting or relocation costs, and how long you might be without income. Dividing accessible savings by essential monthly expenses can help estimate how long your savings may cover a gap. Keep this separate from an unconfirmed bonus or assets that might have to be sold at a loss. The Bank of Thailand recommends planning emergency savings in relation to essential expenses and debt payments. See its financial planning guidance. You can also use the savings goal calculator to estimate an amount for your own plan.
4. Check your contract and benefits tied to your current job
Read your employment contract and company policies on notice, unused leave, bonuses, shares or benefits that have not vested, insurance, benefits, confidentiality, and company property. If a contract term or dispute is involved, ask a government agency or an employment-law professional before signing or setting a departure date. This article does not interpret the law for an individual case.
5. Confirm social security and unemployment benefit details with official agencies
Eligibility and conditions after leaving a job depend on your insured status, the reason your employment ended, and the rules in effect when you apply. Do not assume compensation will be paid automatically. The Department of Employment publishes registration, reporting, and timing requirements for insured people who become unemployed, while the Social Security Office determines individual eligibility. Check the current official requirements before planning income during a job transition, and review your account through the Department of Employment e-Service.
6. Compare a counteroffer with the original reasons for leaving
If your current employer makes a new offer, ask for the terms in writing and compare them with your reasons for considering a move. If the underlying issue is the scope of the role, manager, or working hours, a pay increase alone may not address it. The decision depends on how important each factor is to you.
Before you give notice
- You understand your reasons and the options available to you.
- You have reviewed the new offer and start date in writing.
- You have estimated expenses, obligations, and savings during the transition.
- You have reviewed your contract and any benefits to handle before your final day.
- You have a handover plan and will keep only personal documents you are legally entitled to retain.
Sources
- Department of Employment: unemployment registration and reporting system
- Department of Employment: unemployment registration requirements
- Bank of Thailand: planning savings and expenses
- Department of Labour Protection and Welfare: contact channels
Before you rely on a benefit: This is a general checklist, not individualized legal or financial advice. Labour and social security rules can change, so confirm eligibility with the relevant official agency.