Deciding to leave a job can be a difficult decision. We spend almost half of our time at work. We dedicate so much time and energy to our job which makes it even harder to leave.
You may also feel great personal satisfaction by contributing to the growth of the current company you’re working for. Additionally, having a stable job is also important in this uncertain economy. So how do you know when it’s time to leave your job?
There are a few unmistakable ways to know if the time has come to leave your job. In this article we highlight 7 signs it’s time to leave your job. It also gives you a few tips on how to leave your job if you think you’re ready.
7 signs it’s time to leave your job
Here are 7 good reasons for leaving a job.
Your job no longer challenges you
When you start to feel like you are no longer being challenged at work and its a waste of your time, it may be time to leave. You don’t want to be stuck at a dead-end job and not advance in your career. When you’ve learned all you need to know in your current position, going to work may feel like a drag. You can try learning new skills as part of your professional growth. These skills can then be used to help you get a promotion. If a promotion takes too long then you can start looking for a new job.
Your work environment is toxic
If you’re constantly feeling unhappy at work, it can be due to a toxic work environment. You can try creating boundaries between your personal and professional life. However, the toxicity from your workplace will transition into your personal life. This can affect your mental health and create lots of issues for you.
You’re most likely working so that you can make your family proud and put food on the table. If your boss is constantly shouting at you or your co-workers are bullying you, then it’s time to leave for a place with better company culture.
The company’s future doesn’t look too promising
It doesn’t matter if you join a company in its good times or trying times. If you’ve spent a considerable amount of time at the company and you feel like they are moving in the wrong direction, it’s time to leave.
A company that isn’t functioning properly or is run by incompetent people will have a hard time achieving its goals. This can result in the company not being successful in the long run.
If you recognize that this is what is happening, consider your options. Start your job search for a new position at other companies.
You don’t like what you do at work
If you wake up and immediately hate the idea of going to work, then you definitely need a change. You can request some time off and go on vacation. Spend time doing the things you love with the people you love.
If you feel the same way or worse towards work after your holiday, the time has come to quit your job. When you no longer enjoy what you do at work, it’s time to move on and find something better.
Underpaid and feeling resentful
In today’s world, loyalty is undervalued. A true example of this was when Twitter laid off thousands of professionals. One person had even worked for the company for over 10 years. This is why you should always know your worth. You should also always try to make a move after acquiring all you need to know in a particular role at a company.
Do keep in mind that you can even be underpaid even if you decide to stay and get promoted. According to research, the average salary increase when changing jobs is 14.8%. Meanwhile, the wage growth is 5.8%.
No work-life balance
A good work-life balance is crucial to your overall well-being. Some of us work overtime because we need extra money. Other times, we work overtime and do not receive any compensation.
Working 50 and 60 hours a week may not have serious effects on your overall well-being at first. However, as time goes by, fatigue will kick in. This can lead to different behaviors around others. You may find that you are quick to get irritated or angry at little things or the people around you.
Your work will eventually take a toll on you. You can talk to your boss about reducing some of your job responsibilities. Try to find ways to automate tasks. If no solution is found, then it’s time to leave that job.
A better opportunity arises
If you have an awesome job offer and it’s a better opportunity, grab it with both hands. As we said before, loyalty is undervalued. The chances of you learning and earning more in a new role are extremely high. When the time is right, make the move. Change can be scary but do not be afraid to make the jump.
How to quit a job
If you do decide to leave, you may be wondering how to quit your job. Here’s how to do it.
It’s ok to disappoint others
You are in control of your life. If you make career choices to please other people, you may resent those people in the future. Try to please yourself first. You are the one who has to go to the job and get through each day.
If you think it’s time to quit your job, do so regardless of what others think. One of the biggest reasons you may not want to leave your current job is because you feel some sort of loyalty to the company. This may seem like a noble action. However, if the job is affecting your quality of life, just leave.
Have a game plan
Once you’ve decided to quit, you need some sort of backup plan. This way you can still pay your bills and not stress about money too much.
You can:
- Begin a job search for a part-time job with a flexible schedule
- Save up to start your own business
- Start your own agency by providing consultancy services. This way you can be your own boss and set your working hours
Having a game plan will ensure you have a smooth transition from your current job to a new dream job or establishing your own company. For example, you can start job hunting while you’re still employed by your current employer. You can choose a whole new career path as well. Just ensure you are getting good career advice before making a big career change. Find a trusted mentor. This can be a family member, friend, or even a professional. They may be able to provide some awesome job tips that can enhance your professional development.
Update your resume
Once you have your game plan outlined, focus on updating your resume. Ensure that you include all new and relevant information on your updated resume. This can help you sell yourself at your next job interview with a new company.
Give ample notice
How much notice is enough? Two weeks’ notice is a common practice in the business world. However, check your contract to see what are the terms and conditions concerning quitting your job.
If your job is complex, you can choose to stay until your employer hires someone else. However, they cannot force you to stay longer than what is outlined in your contract. This way you can start your next job with your new employer on schedule. If you still want to help your previous employer train your replacement, you can do so during your off hours.
Communicate clearly
When resigning from a job, try your best to write a great resignation letter. In the letter you can include:
- A brief explanation of why you’re leaving
- Thank them for the opportunity
- What your last day is going to be
Stay positive when writing your letter of resignation. Talk about how the company has helped you and why you think it’s time for you to move on.
Leave with grace
No matter how upset you are with your boss or coworkers, try leaving the job gracefully. Don’t burn bridges because you never know if you may need something from your former employer in the future. Prospective employers may ask your old employer about you so you want to be in their good graces.
Avoid burning bridges if you can. Don’t do anything that can harm your professional reputation. Don’t quit without notice or be rude when you quit. This can follow you around and create troubles for you at your new job, in your job search, and even in a new industry. Try not to do anything to ruin your professional relationships. You never know when you may need these connections.
Conclusion
Leaving a job is never an easy decision. However, you must always know your self-worth and make choices to keep yourself happy. It is recommended that you have another job lined up before you quit. Sites like LinkedIn and Indeed are great for finding new jobs. However, if your work is affecting your overall well-being, leave as soon as possible. You can also check Scorpion for any job openings as well.
