Helping You Know When It’s Time To Leave Your Job
(Reading Time: 3 Minutes)
Many of us are familiar with the feeling of wanting to leave a job.
These thoughts may enter your head after a particularly difficult day, or even on days off if you’re dreading the idea of having to go back to work. You may find our When You Hate Your Job article useful if this applies to you.
You could try finding some time to rest, or perhaps arrange to speak with a manager about changing your role. However, if nothing seems to be working out, it may be time to move on.
It’s not always straightforward. Looking for a new job can be daunting, and it can create other problems, such as financial insecurity. It’s hard to know when to take action, but there are some key things to look for that may help you make a decision.
Here are 6 things to help you know it’s time to leave your job.
You’re not growing as a professional
If you are no longer developing your professional skills and don’t feel challenged at work, you will stop improving and become bored.
You may have outgrown your position, or there may not be enough opportunities for progression at your company.
Some people achieve professional growth with salary raises or an increase in responsibilities.
If this is not possible, it might be a sign you need to move on.
You don’t enjoy your job
Put simply, if you dread going to work, dream about calling in sick, and tell others about how much you dislike your job, you know you’re probably in the wrong place. Find out more in our Bored At Work article.
It may be possible to turn things around, so it’s important you give it a chance – be honest with your employer and ask if there’s a way to change your role or take some pressure off your shoulders. Try to make extra effort at work for a short period and see if it makes a difference.
If none of this has worked and you still seem to be suffering from career burnout you could consider looking for a new job.
You are not in line with corporate culture
There might not be an issue with your performance or relationship with other colleagues, but it’s still possible not to feel comfortable within corporate culture.
You may have different long-term goals compared to your company, in which case it’s hard to develop your skills and progress. Find out more in our Stay Positive When You Hate Your Job article.
For example, you could be working in sales and realize you don’t enjoy being in a competitive environment.
Sometimes recruiters don’t always get it right, and it’s OK if you start thinking the job’s not for you.
You should never feel like an outsider in the workplace, and if you do, consider whether you need to change your employer, or indeed, your career.
You are working in a toxic environment
Even the most enthusiastic person can lose their spark in a toxic work environment. If you work with colleagues or a boss who is passive-aggressive. Read more in our article about Passive Aggressive Bosses.
Sometimes, people are unhealthily encouraged to compete with one another, which results in a stressful and unpleasant working environment.
Think about how people speak to each other and whether they show respect. You should always feel comfortable in your job no matter what, and it’s worth looking for somewhere you enjoy working.
You don’t see yourself working there long-term
You may have always regarded your job as a temporary position, or perhaps you’ve realized your career path isn’t quite working out.
Either way, if you can’t see yourself doing your job long-term, the thought of leaving will always be on your mind. In this case, ask yourself: “why haven’t I left already?”
What’s holding you back? It’s OK if you need time to work things out but remember, the only way your situation will change is if you take action.
Be decisive and move on before you get stuck in a routine.
Summary
Leaving your job can be a hard decision, and it’s not one you should make without careful consideration.
You should always try to improve your situation at work before moving on. Ask your boss if you can change something in your role or try to improve the quality of your work so you get recognition. Focus on aspects of your personal life, or be stricter with work-life balance.
Work should never drain you to the point that it affects your mental health. Once you are certain you want to move on, make sure you are financially stable or have something lined up for when you leave.
It could be the best decision you make.
Written by Guest Author Ken Boyd who is the owner of St. Louis Test Preparation and Co-Founder of Accountinged.com.
Article edited by John Cossee.
