11 signs that it's time to quit your job and how to navigate the decision

Quitting a job can be daunting, but staying in a role that is no longer fulfilling or aligned with your goals and values can significantly impact your overall career and well-being. Recognising the signs when it's time to move can be challenging but essential for professional growth. 

In this article, we will explore the signs that it may be time to move on from your current job and provide guidance on navigating this significant decision. 

11 signs that it may be time to quit your job

1.     There are no more growth and development opportunities 

Do you feel like you've hit the ceiling with your current company? 

Continuous learning and growth are essential for job satisfaction and personal development. Do you currently have opportunities for new challenges, promotion, increased scope of responsibilities, or to learn and develop new skills?

If the answer to all these questions is no, then it's essential to recognise that this stagnation can lead to long-term dissatisfaction in your job, and it may be time to start looking for a new opportunity.

2.     You feel undervalued.

Feeling undervalued can come in multiple ways – you can feel undervalued in terms of your salary and benefits, or a lack of appreciation and feeling like your work doesn't make a difference, or you might be continuously overlooked for exciting new projects or promotions. 

It's motivating to see the impact of your efforts, to know that your work is making a difference and to be valued and rewarded for your contribution and hard work.

3.     You've achieved what you set out to

Throughout our careers, we are told to set goals, but what happens when you've hit your goals and achieved all you've set out to achieve? You may have joined a company to help them overcome a particular challenge, learn a new skill and gain expertise in an area, or your job was precisely what you needed to enable you to prioritise or achieve your goals in another part of your life. 

Sometimes, we accomplish what we set aim achieve and are ready to move on to new challenges.

4.     Toxic work culture

Are you forming bad habits because of work, or do you find yourself constantly stressed and anxious due to the attitudes and behaviours of colleagues or management? 

A toxic work environment can have severe adverse effects on your mental well-being. Disrespect, discrimination, distrust, hostile feelings, ineffective communication and a culture of fear and negativity are all signs of a toxic work environment. 

If you're facing a toxic work environment, does this come from one person? Or does this run more deeply in the company culture?

5.     You're unmotivated and actively look for ways to avoid your work

Feeling motivated about your work is crucial for maintaining job satisfaction. If you find yourself procrastinating, getting lost on social media rather than working, or lacking the drive to excel, then this is a sign that you're unmotivated. 

6.     Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion; it can occur when you experience long-term stress (like working a stressful job). If you regularly approach work with exhaustion or dread or feel helpless, trapped, or defeated, then you might be experiencing burnout, and it's time to consider a change seriously. 

7.     You are compromising your ethics

If your company ever puts you in a position where you are asked to compromise your ethics, it is time to leave. Compromising your ethics in a working environment can have potential long-term consequences for your career and negatively impact your chances of finding a job in the future. 

8.     You can't work with your boss

I know - you're a people person, a great communicator, and a real team player (insert other adjectives currently on your CV), but you're also human. It's impossible to get on with everyone. If you cannot work with the person you report to, and you no longer respect them, or if they are unsupportive, a liar, or incompetent, then it's time to take action.

9.     You wouldn't want your friends working in the business

Would you recommend your company to your friends as a place to work? If the answer is no, why is it OK for you to work there? 

10.  Work/Life Balance

What are your priorities? When I was in my early twenties, I was working 10-12 hour days and socialising in the evenings and weekends - I was very happy with this lifestyle; now I'm older and have a young family, my priorities have shifted, spending quality time with my family, and friends and having time to encourage healthy habits is vital to me. A job that may have previously suited your lifestyle may no longer be the fit it once was. 

A poor work-life balance can have detrimental effects on both your physical and mental health. If your job demands significantly more time and energy than you can give, it can lead to burnout, increased stress, and a general dissatisfaction with work.

11.  You're reading articles about quitting your job.

I'm joking – sort of. You're here for a reason, after all. 

If you can relate to any of these signs, it's time to consider your next career move. This change could be staying in your current company but changing your current position, adjusting your working environment, or looking for a new job in a new organisation.

Sometimes, it can be challenging to see the wood for the trees – you are involved in your work, and it's all-encompassing to the extent that you do not notice what is important. I can relate to this; I've been there. For me, it was helpful to take a few days away from work; I allowed myself time to decompress before taking time to think about life, work, and my career.

How to recognise the sign that it’s time to leave your job

Self-reflection

Self-reflection is a powerful tool. Take time away from the daily rush and evaluate your feelings and experiences in your current job. 

Seek feedback from others

Seek feedback from trusted colleagues, family, friends, or mentors about your performance and attitude at work. Have they noticed any changes in you? Gaining an outside perspective can provide valuable insight into how your job impacts your well-being and overall satisfaction. 

Assessing personal and professional goals

Assess your personal and professional goals and how your current job aligns with these goals. Consider setting and evaluating career goals to determine if your current role is helping you progress towards these objectives.

Paying attention to physical and emotional cues

Pay attention to physical and emotional cues, such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue, as indicators of job dissatisfaction. Managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being is essential for recognising the impact of your job on your overall happiness.

What to do next?

Big decisions, like career changes, should be approached thoughtfully. You've taken the time to acknowledge some of the signs above; now it's to ask yourself these four questions:

• What are your professional goals? 

• What are your priorities?

• Are you in the right organisation?

• Are you in the right role?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you should try a few things before deciding to leave. 

Be honest and objective

Focus on yourself. Can you change the situation? Evaluate your actions and performance. Can you pinpoint what is making you feel this way? When doing this it’s important to remember that you can only control your actions and feelings.

Talk with your manager

Make an appointment to talk with your manager. Make notes and outline your areas of concern and what you would like to discuss. Be open about your feelings and explain why you feel this way. This is best done one-on-one in person (avoid doing this via email). If your problems are with your manager rather than the organisation, you could speak with somebody in HR or another senior leader within the business you trust. Depending on your situation, some questions you might ask are:

• What are my opportunities for growth in the position?

• Are there opportunities for me to take on more responsibilities?

• What do I need to do to secure a promotion or pay increase?

• Are there opportunities for me to make changes to my current role? (moving into a new role or refocusing your current one).

• I want to get to X in my career. Are there opportunities for me to do this within the business? If so, how do I do this?

 Getting clear answers to these questions and tackling the problem head-on can help you with your decision-making process. You may find yourself recommitted, refocused, and remotivated, or it may confirm that it's time to start looking elsewhere. 

Conclusion

Recognising the signs that it may be time to quit your job is an essential step in taking control of your career and well-being. You can make informed decisions about your next steps by proactively evaluating your job satisfaction and recognising these signs. 

Remember to seek further support and guidance as you navigate a potential career transition or job search.

For more resources and support on career transitions and job searching, visit our website – we will be posting blogs on topics ranging from how to approach finding a new job to CV writing to interview tips and much more.