Should I quit my job?
What you do for a living can affect almost everything in your life. From where you live to your mental health to what kind of car you own, your job can be as much a part of you as you are of it. It means that quitting your job can be a major life decision, and not one that should be done lightly.
Here are all the questions you need to ask yourself if you’re considering quitting your job.
What about my job don’t I like? Before you do anything you should work out why you want to quit your job. Think through and list all the reasons why you might want to leave you job. Having it all laid out in front of you may help you see whether your worries are small and manageable, or completely insurmountable.
Am I happy? This may seem like an obvious question because if you were happy then you wouldn’t want to quit, but is still something that needs to be considered. It’s also worth thinking about whether you were always unhappy with your job, and if not then where it all went wrong.
Is this job causing me harm? If your job is putting strain on your mental health through too much stress, or your physical health by having to work unreasonable hours, it may be time to consider whether it’s worth continuing.
Can I progress in my current role? One reason you may be unhappy at work is because you’re feeling unsatisfied in your role. If you know you can’t make any progression in your job and that you’re just stuck in a position you don’t want to do, that could be a significant push towards leaving.
How much effort have I put into getting here? This can encompass numerous things; whether you’ve been at the company a long time, how much training you’ve done for it, whether you paid money to earn qualifications for that role. That being said, don’t let a false sense of obligation or loyalty keep you in a job you aren’t happy with.
What else do I want to do? If your current job isn’t one that you’re passionate about, think about something that you are. It’s never too late for a career change if you want it badly enough. On the flip side, if you can’t think of anything else outside of your current job that you’d rather do, you might have to consider staying put.
Is quitting financially plausible? Pursuing your passion is a great thing, but it becomes less feasible when you’ve got bills to pay. If you know you can get another job straight after quitting your current one then great, live your dreams. However, you should bear in mind the potential risks if you can’t find new employment right away.
Can any of these negatives change? If you’re unhappy at work, whether because of the working environment or just general career dissatisfaction, try talking to someone about it. If you approach your boss or perhaps Human Resources, then they may be able to help you sort out some of your issues and try to make your work environment more enjoyable. If absolutely nothing can be done, then resigning may be your best option.