It’s pretty difficult to leave your job if you’re not sure about quitting. So how do you know when it’s time to move on to something better? Here are some signs that it might be time to take the leap:
You are frustrated every day at work.
It’s never a good sign if you dread Monday mornings and dread going into work every day. This will soon turn into resentment and increase the risk of burnout. Take some time off, reflect on what is making you unhappy, and consider another option if possible.
You can’t work it out with your current employer.
Every employee may not get along with their manager or another major figure in the workplace, and leaving your job is not always the solution. Ask the human resources department to help you get a better working relationship with the person. But if you have given it a fair amount of time (months, not weeks) and you still feel unhappy or disappointed by your employer, then it might be time to think about moving on.
The fear of staying or quitting has overwhelmed you.
Being worried about staying in a bad role or leaving to find a new one can be a strange limbo. If your reason for staying is avoidance, resignation from a negative situation, or fear of the unknown, it’s never a good sign. And eventually you will just quit because you’re not getting anywhere with your job.
You are holding onto the position for the wrong reasons.
Do you want this job because of the status or pay it gives you, or do you really like it? Don’t be afraid to explore different options at your company or career. If people you talk to at say you are really good at something else, it might be time to gravitate toward that new position.
Your friends and loved ones tell you “It’s time to go”.
If the people around you can see that your job is wearing you out, it might be time to leave. While this is a good motivation for quitting, you need to determine if quitting your job is best for you.
That’s why, if you’re constantly frustrated at work, you need to start considering the possibility that it’s time to quit. If there are no quick fixes with your current employer, if keeping your job is terrifying or just not worth it, and/or if staying on the job has become more of a burden than a blessing — then maybe it’s time for something new. Picking up and moving on is not easy, but it’s easier than you think. If you’re ready to take the first step, start by asking the following question: “Am I satisfied with what I have — or am I miserable?” Next, you can take steps to make a better decision.
1. Before you quit, give it a genuine chance
It’s just human nature to look for anything that could be better, but if you are considering quitting your job out of the blue and don’t have another offer lined up, give it some time to make sure there isn’t something about the job that could be what you missed. It may not be perfect, but sometimes things we initially see as negatives turn out to be strengths when we give them more time. Remember, if you don’t like your current job, that doesn’t mean you need to quit your current job. In most cases, it’s best to hold off for a bit then make sure that your goals and priorities are aligned before making any decisions.
2. Determine if this job truly fits you
Make a list of all the good things about your job, and all the negative things too: which ones do you like? which ones do you not like? If you feel like someone is forcing you to stay at work, then that’s a sign that it’s not for you. Take some time to assess your situation and see if there is something else out there that will make more sense for you.
3. Don’t fool yourself for long
If after several weeks or months in a job, you still feel like it isn’t working out, get your facts straight before giving up hope. While you may not know all the reasons why it is difficult to find a job that you want to do, until you can accurately pinpoint exactly what is wrong with the job and how long it will be difficult, don’t give up hope on finding something better.
4. Create a backup plan before leaving
While it’s important to give the job a chance and not just quit on impulse, if you don’t end up adjusting to the job or it isn’t what you thought it was, you need to have a backup plan. Before you leave and seek another job offer, be sure to check out how difficult it will be to get another position. It is best to have another job lined up before you quit, so that you have continuous cash flow.
Stop looking for perfect answers. If you quit your job because of a single reason, you’ll probably regret it because you will be disappointed when no perfect solution comes along. Having a strong sense of who you are and what you want is crucial for maintaining your confidence through any job change. If you are being treated unfairly or discriminated against, then you need to leave and file a legal complaint. Once you begin to realize that one job is not the be-all, end-all of your career, you’ll be better able to make decisions that will impact your future life and career.