“Should I Quit My Job?” How to understand it’s high time [Check List]

‘Should I quit my job?’ — a relatively simple question topical for everyone who found themselves being employed at least once. However, this question presupposes a challenging decision-making process, doubts, and internal disputes.

Every time this question springs to someone’s mind, there is a specific reason for that. According to a recent survey, the most common reasons appear to be: benefits and revenues (22 %), absence of career advancement (31%), lack of cultural fit (20%), and poor management (16%).

Career change is a decisive step. As far as it may influence the rest of your life, it presupposes doubts, uncertainty, and fear. To diagnose the symptoms of the quitting disease correctly and make sure you need to end this story, follow our “Should I Quit My Job?” checklist.

Checklist

❏   Your work environment is toxic

Even if your present job more or less corresponds to your dreams and ideals, a situation may arise when you dread going to work in the morning. A recent study found that 26% of Americans dread coming into work, and nearly one in four doesn’t feel respected or valued in the workplace.

This is a clear signal that your working environment negatively impacts your mental health. A toxic working environment or culture may cause even more severe issues like burnout, depression, stress, constant health issues, and influence your private life as well. Thus, if you have this symptom, you’d better get out of this job as fast as you can.

❏   You fantasize about a different job

Fantasizing about a career change is an obvious symptom of ‘quitting disease’. Picturing yourself on job positions that differ from your current job speak of your long-term goals, which obviously may not be achieved from where you stand now. Do not lose these fantasies, but try to give them further development and, who knows, maybe even implementation.

Start mapping out your way to a dream job right away. Think of details. Poll your close advisors, discover new skills and aptitudes you have or need to develop. In case you feel excited about all this, there is no doubt you shouldn’t think twice about quitting your job.

❏    You don’t feel a sense of purpose

Unfortunately, having no sense of purpose appears to be a widespread problem. According to a LinkedIn study, 35% of employees under survey said that the top reason they don’t like their job is that they don’t feel a strong sense of purpose.

This is a complete disaster. Just give it a thought! You spend the majority of your time working and don’t see the point in this work. Work takes a considerable portion of your life. In case you do not have a sense of purpose while working, your whole life becomes meaningless. The easiest way to make sure you belong to this 35% is to ask yourself a question — “Do I feel my work meaningful no matter how small it is?” if the answer is “no,” — you know what to do.

❏    You’re Not Earning

Nowadays, money is a crucial motivation to work hard. Do not fool yourself with the statements like “I earn more than some other people,” “perhaps, I do not work hard enough to get a pay rise,” or “I will do my job no matter how small the salary is.”

In case you do not earn enough now, it is essential to feel the monetary growth potential. Thus, 35% of Americans said they would consider returning to a previous job if they were just paid more. If salary is the only symptom you have, consider talking to your boss about a pay rise. But if that does not work or you have multiple reasons — quit.

❏   There’s no room for advancement

No career development opportunities is always a bad option. Jokes aside, if you do not learn from the people you work with, do not develop your competencies, and do not have a future in the company, you are facing a dead-end, and it is high time for you to quit. More than 80% of employees would quit their jobs for the record due to a lack of career progression.

Remember, a dynamic and ambitious person would say “yes” to the answer to “should I quit my job” with no doubts.

Get prepared

So here we are, standing at the line of a huge decision. Please, keep calm. In case you have more than one tick on your checklist — no drama. Start preparing yourself and your way to new opportunities. Here are several must-do points for you:

• Make sure you have a reliable financial buffer;
• Get advice to work through the options;
• Make a transition plan;
• Work through your quitting.

Do it

Leaving a job is a big deal. It is normal to have doubts, feel uncertain, or frustrated. Besides, leaving always takes time. Don’t get stress; there is no hurry or pressure. Take your time and make sure you are ready to make this decision now. Be honest with yourself about the motivation behind this move.

Check out our list to have a better understanding of the situation and your feelings. Try to choose a new job that will motivate, inspire, challenge, empower for growth, support your talents, and fit your personality perfectly.