Signs it’s Time to Leave Your Job

Image by Fuu J/Unsplash

When the pandemic took away the distractions of office life and social obligations, many of us had more time to reflect on what we really want out of life. And what lots of people want is to leave their jobs. 

In fact, so many Americans have quit their jobs in 2021 that headlines are calling it the “Great Resignation.” 

If you’re thinking about quitting your job, take a look at this list and see if anything feels true for you. It may be time to move on if: 

1. You don’t feel good about working there anymore. Is your employer doing shady things? Have you heard of—or experienced—one too many stories of sexism, racism or other types of discrimination in your workplace? Unfortunately, it happens. And when it does, it’s time to move on.
   
   Staying on in these icky situations is not only demoralizing, it could even damage your own reputation in the long-term. For example, I once worked in PR for a nonprofit that mismanaged a huge scandal. Even though I loved the job and the mission, I knew I had to leave before it affected my reputation as a communications professional.
   

2. Your job is making you sick. The toll that stress takes on your body is real. Researchers have compared the effects of stress on your heart to smoking five cigarettes a day.
   
   Listen up: Your health is more valuable than anything else in the world. If your job is causing you to feel physically sick or chronically stressed, it may be time to move on—or at least, get help from a therapist.
   

3. You don’t want to go back to the office. Maybe you’ve gotten used to the work-from-home life but your employer has mandated five days a week in the office. If you’re loving remote work, it may be time to look for something more flexible.
   
   With so many employers embracing remote work or a hybrid model, there’s a very good chance your dream employer will be fine with your preference. 
   

4. It’s “just OK.” This is a tough one. On one hand, you’ve been at your job for a while and you feel that your growth has stagnated. You may feel unmotivated. But on the other hand, maybe you don’t have to work that hard to earn your steady paycheck.
   
   If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. This is actually a super common situation. It’s easy to stay when your job is “just OK” if you never reach a breaking point. 
   
   But consider this. You have the right to feel engaged in your work. If you feel restless or unfulfilled, it may be a sign that it’s time to move on to the next challenge. And if you’re feeling guilty for leaving your team, consider that you may actually be creating a new opportunity for someone else to grow.
   

Remember that you always have the choice to create a work situation that feeds your soul and works for your lifestyle. It’s OK to move on from a job, or to take time to figure out what you want to do next.

If you need help gaining clarity, you can download my free workbook, “Get unstuck! 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Want To Make A Career Change—But Don’t Know Where To Start.”