10 Signs You Should Quit Your Job & 10 That Say It's Not The Right Time
To Quit Or Not To Quit?
In Western society, there's a lot of pressure to be employed 100 percent of the time, particularly in this tumultuous and unpredictable economic climate. While feeling some degree of discontentment at work is normal, some jobs really aren't worth keeping. If you work full-time, you spend eight hours a day, five days a week at your job which is a huge chunk of your life devoted to something you hate! Keeping a position that you're unhappy with for too long can have some pretty serious consequences such as burnout, chronic stress, and stagnation in your career. However, before you get too trigger-happy, you also have to make sure it's the right time to send in your resignation. Here are 10 signs you should quit your job and 10 reasons to hold off.
1. You Dread Going To Work
Are you always suffering from the Sunday scaries? Having some anxiety when you're just starting out, have a big project or a review coming up is normal, but if it's an emotion you constantly associate with your job, it may be time to reconsider.
2. Your Mental Or Physical Health Is Suffering
No job is worth mental or physical decline, especially if it's one you don't love. If you're seeing this kind of correlation, it's a sure sign you should cut and run.
3. You Lack Work/Life Balance
You know what they say about all work and no play. A lack of work/life balance can have some serious consequences like burnout, chronic stress, and harming personal relationships.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
4. You've Stagnated
Stagnation happens when you're no longer challenged or engaged in your job. Having a routine job where you can just coast feels nice sometimes, but in the long run, you'll end up feeling dissatisfied. It's a sign you should move on to bigger and better things.
5. You Feel Undervalued
Being undervalued is not just about monetary compensation (although having a good salary helps), it's seeing your hard work go unnoticed. If you go week after week without a simple pat on the back or a token of appreciation from your colleagues and superiors, it can be incredibly demotivating.
6. There's A Toxic Work Environment
A toxic work environment can take many shapes and isn't always immediately obvious. If your workplace suffers from bad management, micromanagement, constant negativity, office politics, disrespect, or bullying it may not be where you want to spend your days.
7. Your Values Don't Align With The Company's
If your values don't align with your company's, for example, you're an environmentalist working for a big oil company, it can feel like too much of a compromise. It will make it difficult to feel good about your work.
8. There's Little Room For Growth
If you don't see much room for upward or even lateral mobility in your company, it can make you feel stuck. If you no longer feel like you're learning or you've hit a ceiling, then your job might be stagnating your career.
9. You've Come Across A Better Opportunity
If you've found an opportunity or opportunities that offer better pay, more growth, and a healthier environment, that's just about the clearest sign you can receive that it's time to move on. Just make sure it seems pretty well locked in before you quit your job.
Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
10. You Feel Burnt-Out
Burnout is a state of deep depletion directly related to your job. You may feel tired sometimes when you're very busy at work, but burnout is different. You don't want to reach this level of exhaustion and if you do, you might have to take a step back and evaluate.
Now that we've talked about the sure signs the universe is giving you that you should quit your job, let's go over some of the reasons you might want to hold off.
1. You Don't Have Enough Financial Stability
You may be dying to leave your job but if you're not in a position financially to do so, you simply can't. Be as frugal as possible so you can have a neat little stack saved up before pulling the trigger to save yourself a lot of stress further on down the road.
2. You Don't Have A Clear Next Step
Quitting your job without having an idea of what your next step will be may end up being the worst mistake of your life. It can potentially put you in a desperate position and set you way back in your career.
3. Your Current Discontent Is Situational
Did your company just hire someone you're having trouble working with or put you on a project you're not enjoying? These are situational problems that can be fixed. Don't upend your whole world because of them.
4. There Remains Internal Opportunities You Haven't Explored
If your problem lies not within the company but simply in your specific role, make sure you've exhausted all possible options for growth within the company. For example, have you thought about transferring to another department? Even if other roles are at the same level, they may offer you new skills and greater contentment.
5. You Haven't Communicated Your Concerns
One positive aspect of having worked at a certain company for a length of time is you've already developed a rapport with management. Before you make any rash decisions, make sure you voice your concerns with them as they may help find a solution that will make your work life a lot happier.
6. You Only Just Got There
It's normal to feel a little stressed out when you're just starting a new job. Make sure to give it at least a few months before you decide to leave.
7. You're About To Receive A Bonus
If you're thinking of leaving your job but you have a big bonus or significant benefits coming your way soon, just grit your teeth and stick it out. You want to make sure you're making the best strategic decision for yourself.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
8. You're Making An Emotional Decision
Making a major career decision based solely on anger or a fleeting desire for change is not the way to go. Take time to calm down and think objectively, considering all the possible implications.
9. You're In The Midst Of A Major Project
Leaving in the middle of a major project or deliverable is a great way to burn bridges with your colleagues and superiors, some of whom may have a network with a far reach in your field. Don't ruin your professional reputation by quitting at a bad time. Leave on good terms by tying up all your loose ends first.
10. The Job Market Is Unfavorable
If you leave your job when the economy is experiencing a particularly serious downturn, it can leave you in a stressful position, unable to find work. Make sure to factor this into your timing by keeping your eye on job boards and financial news.
