If you’re searching for signs it’s time for a job change, it may be the right time to quit your job.
I think we all go through ups and downs throughout our career. I know I have.
Let me start this article by saying that I’ve been with the same company for twenty plus years because they have been good to me. Prior to my current career, I job hopped quite a bit.
I have also had quite a few temporary second jobs throughout my life.
That being said, there are certain situations, environments, and relationships that can be totally sketch and be a clear warning sign that it’s time for you to move on.
Only you know your situation.
You know if you’ve been feeling like this for some time or if this is only a temporary setback as something didn’t quite go as planned at your current place of employment.
Quitting your job isn’t something that should be decided in a single moment. It takes careful thought and planning.
With all this in mind… Here are some triggers that lead many people to leave their current position.
1. Toxic Workplace
A “toxic work environment” is such a broad statement and can include a million scenarios.
Here are some some examples of what a toxic work environment could look like.
- Poor communication
- Harassment of any kind
- Bullying
- Being repeatedly left out
- Micromanagement
- Favoritism
- Widespread stress
- Unfair treatment
- High turnover rate
- Mean Girl environment
Basically, a toxic work environment is an environment rooted in negativity. You can’t be yourself and you’re on edge. Stress is constantly in the air.
You don’t feel comfortable being around some (or all) of the people you work with or for.
2. Your Boss is Horrible
A horrible boss at your current job can make heading into work every day torture.
Not everyone is meant to lead others.
Actions of a horrible boss:
- Never shows appreciation
- Takes credit for your work
- You do all of their work – you’re not really sure what they do
- Rarely works a full shift
- Constantly calls/emails/texts you after hours
- Has severe mood swings that keep you on edge
- Wastes your time by rambling about their own personal life
- Asks you to run personal errands for them (and your job is definitely not a personal assistant)
Not only is having a horrible boss motivation enough to leave a job, but it makes me question the entire company.
Surely they see what this horrible boss is doing. Why aren’t the higher ups doing anything about it?
If you love the company, but hate your boss, I will say that it may be worth the effort to speak to someone about how your boss is treating you.
3. Company Values Do Not Align with Your Own
If you don’t believe in the product or company, it may be time to throw in the towel.
If your personal values are being challenged and keeping you up at night, this is a concern.
I don’t want to get political here so let’s use a safe example…
Say that you can’t stand smoking and you work for a tobacco company. That may be reason enough to begin your new job search.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to love the product or service that your company is selling or offering, but I’ll say that it does help if you don’t hate it.
If investing in the company with your cash makes you want to vomit, why would you support their growth by working there?
If you cringe when the President or CEO of your company talks about it’s company values, that’s a red flag.
4. Your Pay Rate is Questionable
Never settle for less than what you know you’re worth.
Do your research and know what similar positions for your current role are paying at other companies. If you’re not being compensated enough, you’ve got a few options.
- Ask for a raise
- Ask for some other type of perks or bonuses
- Seek out a promotion
- Find a job that will pay you more and has growth opportunities
This LinkedIn article states that “Research suggests that changing jobs every two to three years can result in a salary increase of 10% to 20% compared to staying in the same position.” and I believe that.
But what if you showed the company you’re currently at what you could be earning elsewhere?
What if you asked for a promotion or to take on more work in exchange for a higher salary?
5. Lack of Incentives
Retirement options terrible? Are there no company matches or retirement plans at all?
Perhaps the company you work for doesn’t believe in bonuses.
Are there are no rewards for going above and beyond?
I enjoy setting goals and being rewarded for reaching them.
I also realize that the little things matter. Perhaps your company refuses to supply coffee for the employees, no matter how many times you and your co-workers have requested it.
Perhaps no one ever wants to purchase supplies like pens or new computers or they make you stay in horrible hotels when you travel.
6. No Room For Growth
If you’ve reached a place where you can’t move up or your options are extremely limited, it may be time to seek employment elsewhere that has more opportunity.
Similar to receiving bonuses for a job well done, you also want the ability to move up in the future and progress your career.
If there’s only two people in the company above you and the company is not growing, you’re most likely stuck where you are for possibly years.
Do you want to depend solely on annual cost of living increases for the remainder of your working years?
If you don’t see enough professional growth opportunities in the position or with the company, it may be time to search elsewhere.
7. You’re Bored
If you aren’t being challenged or you don’t feel like you’ve accomplished anything at the end of the day, it may be time for a change.
You may have a lack of motivation to get any of your daily tasks completed.
There are jobs out there that people get excited over. New challenges may be just what you need.
If this job is far from your passion, perhaps it’s time to look into something that you can get excited over.
Perhaps you could explore a new career in your free time away from the office? Maybe take some classes to learn new skills?
I’ve had second jobs that I have loved. Those positions helped guide me to where I am today.
Does your company have any other departments where you think you you may fit in better?
8. The Hours or Workload are Demanding
If you are not happy with the hours that you work, it may be time for a change.
This could include working too many hours or on the weekends.
Perhaps you aren’t able to spend enough time with your family while they are home because of your demanding work schedule.
Maybe the workload your employer has given you is enough for three people, but they refuse to bring in anyone else.
You’re only one person. If the company is setting unrealistic hours for you, speak up.
Is it in your control to change this by enabling decisions to be made without your stamp of approval while you are away? Could you shift the thoughts of others by slowly steering them in the direction of “nothing is burning – this can wait until business hours”?
Do you believe that the entire company culture promotes being available at all hours of the day/night?
9. The Company is Going Downhill
Not all companies survive for twenty years. Some don’t even make it past one.
If you feel like the atmosphere is looking quite shady, it may be time to quit your job and find a position with a company that you feel more secure with.
Signs a company is failing:
- Hiring freezes
- Sales are declining
- Delayed payments (payroll payments or vendor payments)
- Eliminating or significantly reducing bonuses or other incentives
- Significant layoffs
- Upper management team members begin exiting
- Reduction of salaries
I don’t think anyone should live in fear of losing their job.
10. You Dread Going In
This is the number one sign. It’s a good enough reason to quit your job.
If you are sitting in your house on Sunday night thinking about how much you absolutely do not want to go into work tomorrow, there is something wrong.
If you’re driving to work and have an overwhelming amount of anxiety, know that you do not have to do this to yourself.
Maybe it’s consumed your life at home as well. You’re constantly complaining to your friends or family members about your job. You think about it more often than you’d like to admit to anyone.
You have options. Don’t sit back and convince yourself that there’s no way out.
You’re making a choice to do or not do anything.
If/When You Do Quit Your Job
Don’t feel like you’re ever stuck anywhere.
Everyone is replaceable with another employee. They may not be as fantastic as you or I would be, but we are all replaceable.
Jobs are just as replaceable to you as employees are replaceable to companies.
If you do make the decision to quit your job, don’t burn bridges.
I know everyone says that. You’ll be inclined to throw up peace signs on your last day with the intentions of never looking back.
But hear me out… You don’t know the future. Leaving on bad terms could haunt you five, ten, or even fifteen years from now.
Excellent reasons you should not leave on bad terms:
- You may need additional references in the future.
- The new job you’ve potentially secured could be a thousand times worse than this one you’re leaving.
- The company you’re leaving can hurt your reputation in the industry.
- You could run into any of these people, anywhere, at any time.
- You want to be able to put this company on your resume for years to come.
- Who knows if the old employer knows anyone at your new employer.
For more on the topic, visit my article on How to Quit Your Job Without Burning Bridges.
After you make the decision to leave, set up the pieces to make the move. Don’t hash it out with your current employer once you’ve decided on your exit.
Before You Quit
Here’s a short checklist to get you prepared before you quit your job:
- Is your financial situation where you want it to be? A healthy savings account will take some of the stress away when you do decide to leave.
- Is your resume ready to go?
- Know what career path you want to take.
- Consider taking classes for a career change.
- Have you looked into a better opportunity internally?
- Have you attempted to resolve the issue with your current employer?
- Take into consideration any upcoming vacation plans you’ve already set up.
- 100% have income ready to come in before you turn in your notice of departure.
At this point, it’s not a bad idea to sit down with your boss or human resource department to see if there are other opportunities in your current company, depending on the reasons why you are wanting to quit.
Do you have any other income streams or quick moves you could make to generate an income if this goes south? I’d have some backup plans in my pocket if you decide to quit your job.
Final Thoughts
You’re in control.
No one is chaining you to the desk.
It does take some proactive behavior on your part to make a job switch. Most likely, if you’re even searching up this topic, you’re ready to make a move and quit your job.
Only you can decide your tolerance level for the above scenarios. If you’ve tried to make a change within your company, but no one is willing to stand with you and your hands are tied, it may be time to make a change for yourself.
Spiff up your resume, starting networking, and begin preparing to ace interviews if you’re ready to make the move.
It’s not going to be overnight. I will say that I always feel better when I make a plan. Your mental health is so important.
Even if you do job hunt and you find nothing that you feel is worth leaving for, you may begin to look at your current position in a different light.
Looking for a new opportunity elsewhere doesn’t mean you are going to quit your job immediately.
However, it may get you out of the rut you’re in as you make the decicion that you will not settle for continuing in the poor environment you are currently in.
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