Everyone dreams of having that perfect job – the one where they are happy to come in to in the morning, where they feel comfortable coming in. Even just having good office furniture fit out can make a huge difference to how much you like the job. But sometimes, you might just find the job you are in just isn’t right for you and it’s time to move on. The decision to quit your job is a big deal. It can have repercussions that affect not only your career, but also your life. Sometimes when we have a bad day or even a bad week at work our first thought is to quit. There are after all other jobs out there right? Today I’m breaking down valid reasons to quit your job.
1. YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT IS TOXIC
Working in a toxic work environment can be detrimental to both your mental and physical health. I once worked at a job that was so stressful and toxic that before I even walked in the office, I’d feel horribly nauseous. I would have daily migraines that would sometimes prevent me from working. Eventually, I decided to resign before I even had another job. It took only a week of me no longer reporting to that job for most of my symptoms to subside.
At no point in time is it okay to be verbally, physically or mentally abused by your employer or co-workers. If you’re at the point where you find yourself often crying at work or you’re having health issues like I did, it’s time to quit. There’s no point in staying at a job that’s breaking you down and if it kills you, then you won’t have the job anyway.
2. YOUR FUTURE AT THE COMPANY SEEMS UNSURE
Sometimes the writing is on the wall and sometimes you just have to trust your gut. If you’ve seen your company go through multiple rounds of layoffs, it may be time to start looking for another job. Likewise, if you and your boss constantly clash and you have a feeling that they are campaigning to get you fired, resign before they have the opportunity. It will be much easier to explain why you resigned from a job than why you were fired.
Just a heads up depending on your state laws, quitting a job may prevent you from claiming unemployment.
3. YOU HAVE A BETTER OFFER
At the end of the day you have to look out for yourself first. If you have a great offer on the table and your company isn’t willing to match, then you gotta do what you gotta do and leave. You may see your co-workers as friends or even family, but never lose sight of the fact that it’s a business and the company will always have it’s best interests at heart.
4. YOU REALIZE THE CAREER ISN’T FOR YOU
There’s a sticky note I keep on my desk that says “people may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.”
As we grow older our dreams and our interests change and sometimes that means that our career has to change as well. Sometimes it’s necessary to quit office jobs and seek outdoor jobs for a more thrilling and adventurous career. If you don’t have a career that fulfills you, the money you make will never be enough to keep you interested. This realization may initially disappoint your family, but ultimately this is your life to live.
5. YOUR LIFE SITUATION HAS CHANGED
Maybe you have a sick parent or spouse for which you are the primary caregiver. Maybe you’ve had kids and would like to spend more time with them. Maybe you just need a mental break from work and need time to get centered. Sometimes life happens and your career has to take a back burner. If returning to work is your goal, before you resign make a plan for yourself that details how long you’re comfortable being unemployed and set a date for when you’ll begin the job hunt again.
No matter how many times you’ve resigned it never gets easier, but it’s almost always worth it.
