Knowing when it’s time to quit your job

Hasn’t everyone had a fantasy of quitting a job they don’t like?  Or making some kind of dramatic exit as they tell their boss what’s really on their minds?  It’s not really like that.  We can’t just quit our jobs at the spur of the moment.  We can do that, but not without some consequence usually.  But instead for many people they do the opposite.  They don’t even entertain the idea of leaving their job and getting a new one even though they would rather leave.  When is it time to leave?  When is it time to stop settling for a job that doesn’t serve your needs?

You are not fulfilled

I remember an adult saying to me when I was younger something like this, “It’s called work for a reason, it’s not supposed to be fun”.  Life doesn’t seem too good looking into adulthood and I better take advantage of being a kid and enjoying life while I can, I said to myself.  But why does work have to have a negative connotation?  What if work was at the very least fulfilling?  As in when you are at work you feel like you are helping towards a purpose, or a greater cause.  Some days might be fun, sure.  But many won’t be.  But somehow we got confused with we don’t need fulfillment because we aren’t supposed to be happy or having fun.  If you’re current job seems meaningless to you and not fulfilling, it probably is.

You feel depressed or angry

When people are not fulfilled in their work, guess what?  Over time they can display symptoms of depression.  “Suck it up and just do it”, the voice in your head says.  Sure, you can.  But at what cost? Your mental health?  Your family life?  Your happiness?  Ever heard the saying “Don’t take work home with you”?  It’s true.  Don’t do it.  Some people are good at doing this.  Many aren’t.  The best way to not take work home with you is to have a job that you aren’t emotionally reactive to.  One that doesn’t drain you.

You have more than normal anxiety about your job

It’s common to have some anxiety or worry about your job from time to time.  But when is it too much?  If you are having overwhelming anxiety on Sundays, or before each day, it’s time to consider whether your job is worth that discomfort.  There is obviously something about the job that is triggering your anxiety. It could be the people you work with, customers, or the daily tasks of the job itself.  I know many jobs require people to be constantly in a cycle of rushing, deadlines, and stress.  Even if they are calm people by nature, it’s easy to get worn out by the constant pressure.  No job is worth risking your health and happiness.  If you do have consistent anxiety no matter what job you have, at least choose one that is triggering the least anxiety for you.

You aren’t being challenged

Work is a great place to grow as person both professionally and personally.  I’ve had plenty of jobs which were good at the time but then felt as if they stalled out.  It’s possible you don’t feel you are being challenged by your work anymore.  When this happens you get bored.  When you get bored you are no longer being fulfilled.

You don’t share the same values as your co-workers

Going to work with people you have nothing in common with is the worst.  Even in the jobs I really didn’t like, if I had great co-workers I usually had a great time at work.  Getting along with the people you work with is important and it’s even better when you work with people who want what you want.  And if you want more purpose and fulfillment out of your work, it’s extremely beneficial to be around people who you share your core values with.  If you’re currently in a place where you don’t seem to see eye to eye with anyone, it’s likely not your problem and it is a sign that it’s time to move on.

So why is it so hard to take the leap and quit?

Look at your relationship with how you view yourself and work.

• Do you see your skill set as positive or lacking?  If you question that you have valuable skills to offer, you’ll be less likely to believe you’ll get another job somewhere else.  Consider what you provide to your employer.  You might want to ask others in your workplace or trusted friend how they view your work and skills.

Question your core negative fears.

• Do you question whether you’ll never get another job?  Do you fear that you’ll go broke if you have a gap between employment?  Are you worried you’ll let others down?  Give yourself opportunity to explore these “worst case scenario” beliefs and what they represent.  This is a good case of “don’t believe everything you think”.  There’s a good chance you are hyper-focusing on your worst fears.

Believe that you deserve more.

• If you don’t think you deserve better, you won’t get it.  Nobody deserves to spend years of their life in a job that makes them miserable or in a place they regret staying in.  You can challenge your belief that “I don’t deserve it”.  If not for you, do this for your family or someone you love.

I hope you take time to consider your situation with your job if you are dissatisfied.  Is it serving you or making your life harder?  Are your family, spouse, or children being affected by your current situation? Even if there is a small chance that there is another job, or career, that you can change to, what does it hurt to look?  Or to get your voice heard or your name out there?  You never know, something might come along that completely changes your attitude about your work and your life.

“Leave your situation, change your situation, or accept it.  All else is madness.”  -Eckhart Tolle