How to answer “Why did you leave your previous job?” at an interview?

Anonymous: How to answer “Why did you leave your previous job?” at an interview?
I was at a permanent job for 4 years and suddenly got up and quit to work temp jobs. The reason for my sudden quit? I dated someone at work. After we broke up, it was difficult seeing him and I was worried about him dating a co-worker that sat near me. Should I tell future employers the truth about why I suddenly left or isn’t this a good reason? Any other lie I make up doesn’t sound like a valid reason to leave a permanent job with benefits to work temp jobs. I could just say at the end of the interview, “I learned my lesson not to let my personal life interfere with a job ever again” so they won’t fear the same thing happening at their company. How understanding would employers be to my reason for leaving my former job?

Answers and Views:

Answer by simonsayez1
Personal reasons. You left for personal reasons. End of story.

Answer by misspurrl
If I were you, I wouldn’t tell the whole truth. You’re not on the witness stand and haven’t sworn yourself to the truth. You should, however, not outright lie- it will sound bad. Instead, settle for something in between the two. It’ll have to be very unspecific- something like, “I had personal conflicts with one of the staff members”, “I was facing unforseen pressures and decided that it wasn’t worth the compensation”. Something..basically, sum up the fact that the situation was no longer worthwhile for you.

Another thing- it would be easier if you had talked to your supervisor about leaving first. If you had requested a change of position within the company, asked to change schedule, or something that would have made you more comfortable, then you could say now that you tried to work it out before leaving. Employers want to think that they’re in the loop of your professional life, whether they are or not.

Answer by PatV
Honesty is important, but at this point in job hunting, brutal honesty is deadly.

Options:
The work environment became hostile and you felt it was personally not safe to continue in the position. (Don’t kid yourself – that guy you dated was a mild sexual predator.)

Your former position had reached a level of personal success and you felt it was time to step out and find something more challenging and appropriate.

Once you have the position, then feel free to let your supervisor know the previous situation. At least this way, he/she can be aware that you are uncomfortable being put in that position.

Lesson learned – office relationships are TABOO for a reason. This guy ruined your career – don’t become a victim again.