💬 Planning to Change Jobs in Jeddah: How Much Savings Should a Family Have Before Resigning?

I am living in Jeddah with my family, I have been working at a Construction company for almost five years. Unfortunately, my salary has not increased much and is currently 5,600 SAR. I live here with my family, and my two children are in school, one is in Grade 1 and the other is in Grade 3. My boss is difficult to deal with, and I feel this is time to look for a better opportunity with a good salary and a healthier workplace, however, changing jobs is not as simple when you have a family depending on your income. I am worried about the expenses, suppose if I leave the job today, I am not sure when I can get the job, it can take 1 week, 15 days, 1 month 2 months, so until I get the job I should have money to take care of my expenses, because expenses cannot be stopped, every month, I have to manage rent, groceries, school fees, electricity, water, transportation, internet, medical expenses and other household needs. I started calculating the expenses. According to my estimate, my family needs around 4,800 SAR per month. I believe, I should have at least 10,000 SAR in savings before making any decision. Now I am confused about whether that amount is enough or whether I should save more before leaving this current job. I want someone to advise me, if i am correct in my above approx. calculation, and if my discussion for new job is ok, according to the current scenario of job market. Your suggestions will be more helpful.

Thank you for sharing your situation, your monthly estimate of 4,800 SAR seems reasonable, but I suggest saving at least 14,000 to15,000 SAR before resigning, which is about three months of expenses. Also, think carefully before leaving only because of your current boss, suppose if your new boss is also difficult, will you change jobs again? It is better to look for a job with better pay, job security, and a healthier work environment. My advice is to keep your current job while searching for a new one. Do not resign until you have a confirmed job offer and enough savings to support your family.

I agree with Rehan, not to resign until you find another job, first calculate your end of service benefits from you current company, also remember that a new company may have a probation period of up to 180 days, so job security is not guaranteed immediately. If possible, consider temporarily send your family back to country to reduce expenses while you search for a better opportunity. This will give you financial flexibility.

In my opinion, your calculation is correct, but I would advise you not to resign until you get another job offer, you are already spending almost 86% of your income, you have to think about unexpected expenses also. 10,000SR saving would cover roughly 2 months, but what if finding another job takes 3 to 4 months? School fees, rent, groceries and electric bills won't wait.. Personally, I recommend saving at least 15,000 to 20,000 SAR before you resign. Try to save enough money for three to six months of your basic living expenses. Meanwhile, start applying for jobs while continuing your current work. Update your CV, contact recruitment agencies, speak with people working in other construction companies and attend interviews whenever possible. One more important thing: don't look only at salary. A company offering 7,000 SAR with a respectful boss, job stability and a healthy working environment may be much better than one offering 8,000 SAR with constant pressure.