HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO QUIT YOUR JOB

Most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else, which is why it’s so important to make sure that all this time is spent wisely. Of course, going through ups and downs at work is completely natural and you may feel like pulling your hair out at the end of a tough week, but how can you tell when it’s actually time to quit? Making this choice can be confusing, so we’ve put together this list of 5 ways you can tell it’s time to leave your job.

1. You dread going to work every day.
We all know the feeling of wanting to roll over and go back to sleep when the Monday morning alarm rings. But if the very thought of your job brings up emotions of anxiety, dismay, fear or dread, it’s probably time to get out of there. Try to pinpoint exactly what it is about your work that is making you feel this way. Is it the people you work with, the tasks you’re doing, or have you simply lost your passion? By understanding the cause of the negativity, you’ll be better equipped to plot your next steps. 

2. Other parts of your life are suffering.
No job is worth sacrificing your health or important relationships. Are you struggling to sleep, gaining weight, feeling depressed and anxious, or suffering from headaches and frequent illness? These could all be signs that you are overworked or overstressed. Is your partner constantly complaining that you spend too much time at the office, or do you come home so tired you can’t even enjoy spending time with your kids? When your job starts to affect your personal life or health, this is a major red flag that something isn’t right. Try to find ways to minimise your stress and workload, but if you can’t perhaps it’s time to find an alternative solution. 

3. The work environment is really bad. 
When a company culture is full of blame, infighting and Nobody wants to be stuck on a sinking ship, so if you feel as though the company you work for is circling the drain then it could time to look for jobs elsewhere. Look out for signs such as losing big clients, tighter budgets and resignations within upper management. To excel in your own career, you need to be a part of a company that is growing and developing, not one that is struggling to make ends meet. 

4. You aren’t learning or advancing in your career.
One of the easiest ways to know it’s time to leave a job is when you feel as though you aren’t learning anymore. All too often people find themselves stuck in the same role for too long, making them complacent or bored. If you feel as though you’ve been pigeonholed in a position with little chance of being promoted, especially if you have asked and made it clear, then it’s not worth hanging around. Although it may feel comfortable, a truly fulfilling job should always challenge, upskill or develop you in some way.

5. You have a bad boss.
Do you feel that you know more than your boss? Are they incompetent or take credit for your work? Does your boss blame you when things go wrong? These are all signs of a bad boss! If you have a boss who leaves you feeling miserable at the end of every day, it’s time to leave your job before you lose your confidence altogether. Maybe there is another opportunity within the same company, if so explore, if not then time to see what else is out there.

Maybe you now know it is time for something new. Then download our free guide '5 mistakes to avoid when starting a new career' so you can learn what they are and what to do instead. You can download it here

Remember, it is never too late to create a career and life that you love.

Shine one!

​Hanna