Quitting your job is a significant life decision to make. Everyone has their ups and downs with working life, and it is important to recognize the difference between when you should work through it or leave the position. If you are feeling a combination of negative things alongside a lasting dissatisfaction, it could be time to bite the bullet and move on.
1. You Don’t Feel Challenged
People get comfortable in their jobs. When this happens, you aren’t being challenged and this can be greatly dissatisfying or frustrating. If you want to use your skills, gain knowledge and grow in your professional life but find you are underusing your skills and abilities in your current position, this is a sure sign that leaving may be the right option for you.
2. The Passion has Gone
People that are passionate about their work get a great sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, giving them purpose in life and they often have higher rates of productivity which results in better outcomes. It is true that if you love your job, you will never have to work a day in your life. Without this passion, your job can feel boring, monotonous and not worthwhile. You may feel like you are wasting your time and energy if you aren’t passionate about the cause you are working for. If you do not feel that spark of excitement when it comes to work, maybe it is time for a change.
3. Unhealthy Work Environment
If your work environment isn’t healthy, it doesn’t only affect your productivity, but it can also start to have effects on your personal life too. If your working environment is having an effect on both your professional and personal happiness, leaving your job should definitely be on the cards. Placement offer career coaching guides and templates to help you progress in your career. If you are struggling with how to tell your boss you are quitting, as maybe they contribute to this unhealthy work environment, then read this guide from Placement for advice on how to be professional when leaving your unhealthy working environment.
4. Minimal Growth Opportunities
Growth doesn’t just mean promotions and pay rises, but it also covers opportunities to work on new projects, attend training events, learn about a different side of the business or be mentored by a senior member of the team. If you want to grow professionally, make sure you make this known by your employer, and if opportunities are still lacking, then this may be a contributing reason to quit your job.
5. Company Insecurities
All businesses experience ups and downs; it is expected and normal. But if there is a significant concern around the company underperforming across many different levels and there is a legitimate fear of the business going under, you do not want to be dragged down with it. There are a few signs to look out for regarding the financial security of the company you work for, including staff layoffs, reduced clientele, salary freezing and office closures. If you notice any of these occurring in your company, it could be a sign that they are about to fold, and you should consider finding a job elsewhere.
6. Your Morals Don’t Align
If you are starting to find that there are situations in your working day where your morals are being compromised, you should leave. Compromising your ethical beliefs can have both personal and professional consequences, and if it is required you should definitely not think twice about finding a role elsewhere. A misalignment of personal and company values is not beneficial for anyone involved and you should find a company that stands for what you believe in.
7. Underappreciated and Underpaid
Sometimes, unique opportunities come with a lower salary, or you get non-monetary benefits instead of a larger wage. But feeling like you are being under-compensated for your time, effort and hard work is never nice. This can occur when the company’s view of your value differs from your own and staying in this situation can be immensely frustrating and lead to a lot of resentment. If this is how you are feeling at work, you should definitely consider finding a new job.
8. Inability to Fulfil Responsibilities
There are often reasons for leaving work that you have no control over, and sometimes this is because you are no longer able to complete the tasks needed to hold this specific role. This could be due to personal circumstances, physical illness, or changes within the company. Staying in a job in which you are not capable of completing all the required tasks leaves you vulnerable to having your contract being terminated. If this is the case, leaving before this happens is the best decision that you could make.
9. Poor Work-Life Balance
Having a strong work ethic is definitely a positive trait that employers love. But you also need to know when to take a break, and your employers need to be aware that you need time for yourself too. Occasional overtime is expected, and the little bit of extra pay can often be useful, but when this begins to encroach on other aspects of your life, it is time to draw a line. If your employers aren’t meeting your boundaries or have unrealistic expectations of working hours, find a job with a better work-life balance.
10. Feelings of Dread
Everyone has felt that dread when you wake up on a Monday morning and have to get ready to go into work after a fun weekend. This is normal. But when these feelings become overwhelming and uncontrollable, you have a problem. If you are losing sleep at night, getting intense feelings of anxiety or get a pit in your stomach every time you think about going to work, something needs to change. You don’t have to enjoy every second there, but you should at least feel comfortable attending and being there. If this is not the case, you should look for somewhere else to work.
If you are experiencing any of these work-related feelings or issues, it may be time to have a long hard look at the company you work for and really consider moving on to a new job to improve both your professional and personal happiness.
