To quit your job or not – that’s the question

Generally, when people who are employed enter the lottery and win big, they stay at their job or resign. This has been show often over the years, with several examples of staying and as many for going. 

If one wins the lottery and are genuinely unhappy in their job, then it can be a good idea to leave. But if one really enjoys their job and the single reason for leaving would be because of a big lottery win, then maybe there is some consideration to be had for staying.

In terms of why not to quit your job if you win the lottery, there are plenty of good points to support this.

Don’t make rash decisions

First up, it might be a bit of a brash decision to leave mere hours or days after winning the lottery. It can be wise to take some time to contemplate this newfound wealth before making any hectic decisions about one’s future – professionally and personally. Take stock and really think about the next moves. What is decided in the short term can have significant implications for the long term.

If one is looking to remain anonymous in their jackpot lottery win, which some countries allow and others don’t, it could look suspicious if you up and leave a job. This, in turn, might strain personal and professional relationships. Instead, again, take a bit of considered time to plot you plans and then implement them.

No need for spending sprees immediately

It’s probably wise not to go on a carefree spending spree as well. By all means, if the sums make sense, one can spend some cash on a few luxuries that otherwise might not have been acquired if the lottery had not been won. But outright splurges are probably best avoided, in the short term at least. 

Find help soon

It’s not untoward to seek the help of those close to you – again, personally and professionally – if looking to quit your job. The insight and thoughts of others can be taken with a pinch of salt, but they can also be taken into account and placed alongside your plots and plans.

Remain in the real world

Retaining your job might maintain a sense of accomplishment, too. It’s great winning the lottery, but honestly, there probably isn’t much fulfilment in the actual win. Waking up each day to go to a job, tick off to-do lists and complete meaningful tasks can be important to one’s health – mentally and physically. 

Staying at your job will likely keep you grounded in reality as well. Winning the lottery, especially if it is a major win and made public, could be quite surreal for some. The predictability of working could balance this out for weeks and months – or however long or short – after winning the lottery. This has played out many times in the past and, little doubt, will happen more in the future. Lottery winners either stay at their jobs or they leave. There are arguments for both.