Should I Quit My Job? A Guide to Making the Right Decision
Lately, you have posed the question, “Should I quit my job?” If so, it’s reassuring to note that you are not alone. It is unsurprising that an individual reaches a stage where they reflect on whether their current position is serving them well. However, resigning from a job is a life-changing decision and requires one to deliberate thoroughly. Prior to resigning, assess the following elements and see if departing is, in fact, the right choice for you.
Signs It Might Be Time to Quit
1. You Dread Going to Work - You feel a sense of anxiety, stress, and dread before starting your workday; now more than ever, it may very well be the case that your job is not a good fit for you. Know this, and know it well, if you remain persistently unhappy at work this will have ramifications on your mental and physical well-being.
2. Lack of Career Growth - If you feel like you are stagnating and have reached a standstill in your current position, it is imperative to question if your company facilitates growth in either a qualitative or quantitative manner. Refraining from jumping ship in such situations proves detrimental to your career in the long run.
3. Toxic Work Environment - A negative culture in a workplace, poor management, or office politics can be extremely demotivating and greatly impact your well-being and job satisfaction. If you have tried to solve these problems but have failed, finding another job would likely serve you better.
If you’ve been going above and beyond your expectations, but your employer fails to reward you for your hard work, and you don’t feel recognized for your efforts, it is a clear sign that you are being underpaid and undervalued.
If you’re noticing your relationships suffering as a result of work, or if you are working an unsustainable number of hours, this may need to be reevaluated as it is clearly affecting your work-life balance.
When you find it difficult to motivate yourself or find yourself uninterested in engaging with work but rather just going through the motions, it might be a good idea to shift your career from that direction and look for a new challenge, as your passion is gone.
When You Should Stay
If you do not have a backup plan, this can lead to a stressful scenario whereby quitting a job without a safety net or another role lined up can put you in troubling waters. Before quitting, start scoping other potential roles so that you can make the switch seamlessly.
If you recently started a job and are struggling with workplace transitions, there is a chance that work difficulties are not permanent. It can be hard to deal with change, but sometimes, it makes sense to give it more time.
If you discuss your concerns with your manager, positive changes may occur. Being given more flexible working arrangements, accompanied by a raise and promotion, will surely enhance your job satisfaction.
What to Consider Before Quitting
Examine Your Budget: Make sure your savings can cover your day-to-day expenses while you look for a new job.
Identify New Possibilities: Start looking for a new job before resigning so you will have prospects waiting.
Evaluate a Possible Career Change: Take time off to try out different sectors or positions if your displeasure comes from an underlying problem with your selected career path.
Quit Responsibly: If quitting is your decision, give appropriate notice while completing your assignments professionally and preserving relationships with workmates and superiors.
The decision to quit a job is personal and relative to one’s circumstances. When making a decision, take time to think about your reasons along with possible steps you may want to take. What matters most is that no matter what decisions you face, you should focus on personal advancement and professional development.