Are you contemplating leaving your job? If you’re wondering when to quit a job, read this list that covers 14 signs it might be time to leave.
Introduction
One of the biggest things that millennials and young people realized during the pandemic is that we deserve more.
More pay. More work that we love. More time. More freedom. More flexibility. More happiness.
This resulted in the Great Resignation, a trend where millions of employees have decidedly left their jobs in search of more.
According to a Microsoft survey of over 30,000 employees from around the world, 41% of workers were considering quitting or changing their profession in 2021.
All around the world, people are realizing what’s truly important, especially after living through a global pandemic.
Priorities are shifting. People everywhere are looking inward and making the changes they need – myself included.
Earlier in 2021, I realized that I was undervalued, under-appreciated, and underpaid. I left, in search of myself, my purpose, and ultimately, freedom.
If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.
This post will cover 14 different signs that signify when to quit a job.
Related: 14 Tips To Navigate Life Transitions With Grace
How To Know When To Quit A Job
1. You feel undervalued
Are you an exceptional worker, but feel deep down that your work isn’t seen nor valued? Maybe you feel under-appreciated for everything you do.
If you feel a lack of recognition – whether it is through words of validation or pay, this might be a sign to move on. Of course, work is a transaction at the end of the day – an exchange of payment for services.
If you feel like you’re giving more than receiving, this is definitely a red flag.
Go where you’re appreciated, paid well, and recognized for all your worth.
2. You don’t see a clear future there
If there are limited opportunities for growth, this can be a reason you want to leave.
Maybe there isn’t a clear career path for you in this company. If that is the case, you can feel blocked from growth and stagnant.
When was the last time you got promoted?
If you feel that there is no clear future for you in this company, and you hope to still grow in your career, definitely consider leaving.
Know that you can also inform your manager first about these concerns in case they can do anything internally to pave the way for you before you jump ship.
3. Your physical health is taking a toll
Are you sleeping well? Is your body in good shape?
Is your physical health taking a backseat to work?
One of the biggest reasons when to quit a job is if your physical health gets negatively affected. Our health is one of the most important things we have – we need to be able to put it first.
If you’re starting to feel your health degrading, and if you feel as if you can’t even tend to it, it’s time to go.
Your health is non-negotiable. There will always be jobs out there that will allow you and even support you to live healthier. Remember to put YOU first.
4. You’re struggling with your mental health
In a similar vein, if your mental health is struggling due to work, this is an important sign that might be telling you it’s time to quit.
If you’re overly stressed, feeling burned out, or get anxious by the thought of work, these are huge warning signs. Our mental health is just as important, if not more important than our physical health.
Another telling sign your mental health might be affected by your work is if you feel that your self-esteem and confidence are low. The pressure of work may be getting to you and you can’t think straight.
You might also find it hard to “turn off” – meaning you’ve always got work on the brain and can’t fully relax.
Take the time you need to care for your mental health, and if nothing changes, it’s a good sign to go!
Related: 20 Inspiring Affirmations For When You Feel Lost
5. Your workplace has a toxic environment
Does your workplace feel toxic?
This might look like…
- Undervalued employees
- Toxic management
- Lots of gossip
- Unhealthy work hours
- Lack of clarity or stability
- Unethical practices
Or something else! There are many different reasons a work environment might be toxic. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.
Remember that there are endless companies with better work environments out there. You don’t need to put up with toxic situations that don’t serve you.
6. You can’t show up as your best self
Who is the best version of you? You know, the one that is shining, thriving, happy, and feeling good about yourself and the work that you do.
Is that who you are at work? Do you get to show up as your best self when you’re there?
If that isn’t the case, this could be a good indicator to quit your job. You have plenty of strengths and passions, and if you don’t get to exercise that at work, maybe consider finding something new.
We spend at least 40 hours a week at work, and probably even more hours simply thinking about work (when we really shouldn’t).
Our jobs occupy so much of our time. When you don’t feel like you can be your most authentic and best self while you’re there, it’s to find a job that provides that for you.
7. Have a vision of doing something different
Do you have an itch inside, telling you to try something different? This could be the first step in finding a new opportunity.
Consider if you can explore that desire within the company that you’re in. If that isn’t available to you, look beyond!
There are millions of opportunities available out there. Pivot. Switch it up. Follow your heart and listen to your desires.
The right opportunity is waiting for you.
Related: 9 Easy Steps to Overcome Any Fear and Take Action
8. You want to fulfill your dream
What is your greatest, grandest dream?
Launching your own business and working for yourself?
Trying a completely different industry?
Going back to school?
Starting a family?
Maybe there has been something on your mind that has been eating away at you, waiting for you to take action.
If you have the resources and capability of doing it – I say go for it!
Take the leap, and you’ll figure everything out along the way.
Related: 30 Empowering Affirmations To Create Your Dream Life
9. The company doesn’t align with your values
Values alignment is so incredibly important in our career. We want to be able to connect with the mission and purpose of the company that we work for.
If your values don’t match up with that of your workplace, it might not be worth it to stick around.
You want to get behind the work that you do and feel purposeful.
Know that there are tons of companies out there building amazing, ethical, and value-driven brands.
10. Work creeps into the different areas of your life
Can you separate work life from the rest of your life?
If not, that’s a tell-tale sign that you may either be overworked, stressed, or lacking boundaries.
When work starts to affect your social life, relationships, family life, it’s time to step back and really assess if it’s worth it.
Make appropriate changes to improve your work-life balance, though if the nature of your work doesn’t allow that, consider moving on!
Related: How To Stop Being Overwhelmed: 12 Helpful Steps To Try
11. You’re bored
If you’ve been feeling like you’re no longer growing or learning, consider something new.
Boredom is a sign that you’re no longer being challenged or mentally stimulated.
This could be the first step towards finding new opportunities that give you a chance to expand yourself and continuously grow your career.
12. You struggle to show up to work
Do you have the Sunday Scaries? Also known as the stress and anxiety that arises on Sunday as you think about the upcoming workweek.
This struggle is so real for many of us.
If you feel overwhelmed by showing up at work, and dread doing your work daily, consider switching it up and doing something different.
13. Something feels off
When something feels off when it comes to your work or career, that might be all the guidance you need.
Listen to your intuition. Zoom out.
Try to determine what is the cause of that feeling. It might lead you to the answers you’re looking for.
14. You simply don’t feel satisfied nor fulfilled
This is probably the most important reason to know when to quit a job.
You simply don’t feel satisfied.
Honour that feeling. There is so much to explore in this world.
Endless companies to work for. Purposeful brands to align with. Interesting and exciting work to do.
Life is too short to force yourself to stick at a job that doesn’t satisfy nor fulfill you. If you’re not satisfied with what you’re doing right now, quit! I assure you, that’s enough of a reason.
Related: The Most Powerful Way to Transform Your Life This Year
Conclusion
Imagine waking up everyday and working on something that you absolutely love. That’s the feeling that you deserve in your life, right now!
Whether you choose to work for yourself (like me!) or move into another role or company that excites you, know that you deserve happiness.
You deserve to feel fulfilled and empowered every single day.
So make the decision that might be scary, but can be the first step towards something new and invigorating. Deep down, you’ll know when it’s time to quit your job.
You’ve got this! I’m cheering you on!
XO
Tam
Is it time for YOU to quit your job?
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