7 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job
Experts weigh in on whether or not it's time for you to update that resume
A hard day at the office can leave you cursing and swearing that you’ll take your talents elsewhere. Pressure looms, your boss nags, and you dread those Sunday nights leading up to a monotonous Monday morning.
But is your job truly terrible, or are you simply overreacting to typical, work-related stress and situations? Use these tips from career consultants to determine when you should turn in your two-week notice and head toward greener grass.
You should consider quitting if:
Your boss doesn't have your back.
Before doing anything drastic, have a conversation with your supervisors, says Ryan Kahn, a career coach and founder of The Hired Group. If it’s been a year and you’re not any closer to your dreams, share your hopes about your future at the company, your long-term career plans, and your worries or concerns. A supportive boss will reply, “We want to help you progress and move toward your goals,” says Kahn.
And, they’ll back it up with actions that give you the chance to advance. Not following through is a deal-breaker. “Your direct supervisor often has a large impact on your own career,” says Julie Cohen, career and leadership coach and author of 7 Keys to Work-Life Balance.
Constantly being passed on promotions may also be a sign that your employer isn’t your biggest fan, she says.
Literally anything sounds better than what you're doing.
When even your buddy’s lousy gig sounds more appealing than yours, then you need a change, says Kahn. Some people reach the point when they’d rather be doing anything other than their current job, he says.
It’s a sign you’re obviously not happy and should start researching openings for something you actually see yourself doing, not just whatever comes along.
You've been slacking off.
You’re usually a hard worker. You arrive early and leave late, but lately you have no motivation and are even doubting whether what you do matters. And your work shows it. When you start slacking, it could be a clue that you’re simply not interested, says Cohen. And you may be the type of person who needs a job that inspires you or that you find fun, she says.
If you want your job to drive you, look at the work of other organizations. What do they do? What do they stand for? What’s the corporate culture? Perk up your performance by joining a group you can feel good about.
Your skills are going to waste.
Chances are, you’re a pro at something. But the skills you mastered may not be a part of your job, and that’s a problem.
“Lean toward your strengths,” says Kahn. “You’ll be happier and more successful at work.”
If you’re a natural leader, but your job largely involves working by yourself, you’re not going to shine at the workplace. If you're an excellent writer, but you only write emails from 9 to 5, your abilities will be hidden. And if your current job responsibilities aren’t your strong suits, there's probably a candidate out there who could do your job better. For security and satisfaction, seek work where your skills are showcased.
Your job isn't useful anymore.
A career is more than simply the thing that puts bread on the table and feeds the kids. Your position can propel you to new success.
But you may have outgrown a job that once helped you gain new knowledge, develop new skills, or offer new experiences, says Lea McLeod, a corporate and career coach. Jobs are often temporary, and that’s okay.
Evaluate if your post is still furthering you as a professional, she says. Is your current job prepping you for the future or are you now ready to level up? Once you’ve received what you need, it’s time to move on.
You're bored. Really, really bored.
Many people think you either like or hate your job, but you don’t have to be in love with your work for it to be a good fit, says McLeod. And you can be satisfied toiling somewhere you find kind of boring or that doesn’t challenge you if it affords you the opportunity to do other things that matter, says Cohen.
Maybe your humdrum job is lucrative and gives you the funds to travel, retire early, and live comfortably. Or your 9-to-5 allows you extra time in the evening to volunteer, spend time with your family, or play in a band with your friends.
If your work is boring with no benefits, sticking around isn't worth it.
You're less than 70 percent satisfied.
Things will never be perfect, but it’s crucial to have more positives than negatives on your pros-and-cons list, says McLeod. Write down all the qualities your ideal job would have, she says.
Ask yourself questions like, “Do I want to work on my own or in a team? Do I want to work on big strategic assignments or on the small stuff?"
Very few people have jobs that give them 90 percent of what they want. But if your current gig has 70 to 80 percent of the crucial qualities, you’re at a pretty solid place, says McLeod. Only checking off half of the items on your work wish list? Pursue a new position.
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