“Should I quit my job?”
With news outlets from NPR to the New York Times predicting a considerable shift in the job market in the coming months, you might be thinking that with the new opening roles at desirable companies, “maybe it’s time to start job hunting.”
How do you “know” it’s time to move jobs? The writing on the wall looks different for all of us, but some of it includes hitting a ceiling, toxic work culture, or a lack of flexibility. Regardless, it’s easy to spend a lot of time in the “what ifs” when you’re considering a career change. Here are five signs that you should quit your job.
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You’ve hit a ceiling at the company
I work with many clients in the middle of a career shift, and hitting the proverbial ceiling is a big reason they want to consider making a move. Hitting a ceiling breaks down to being at the limits of what you can do in your current role or company.
This plays out a few different ways:
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You’ve worked your way up to the highest level in your department and are feeling unfulfilled or even underpaid.
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You’ve consistently been passed over for promotions within your department even though you know you should be getting promotions, title changes, and raises.
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There is no upward mobility at your company or in your current position (rare, but it does happen!)
Hitting a ceiling, regardless of what that looks like for you, is a big motivator in looking for a new job.
Bonus Tip: Use this information to your advantage in your interviews! Here’s a great script for when you’re asked “why” you’re considering a change: “I have learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed my time with XXX, but I have hit a ceiling in my employment path with them–– I am looking to be challenged and have a clear path to advancement in my next role.”
You’re in a toxic work culture
This one is particularly painful and all too common. First and foremost, I want to assure you that if you’ve found yourself in a toxic work environment, you are NOT alone. You are a human before you are anything else, and if your workplace treats you inhumanely, it’s time to leave.
Toxic workplaces could include any of the following:
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Being overworked and underpaid with no end in sight (or opportunity to rectify the situation)
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Being harassed in any shape or form by your boss or co-workers, especially if you’ve brought forth formal complaints to HR with no resolution.
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Doing work you feel is against your moral or ethical values.
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Other examples of toxic work environments include workplaces permeated by gossip, gaslighting, or unsafe working conditions.
Toxic workplaces can take a toll on your physical and mental health, and getting out of one should be one of your biggest priorities. It can be scary to think about leaving, especially if your boss is gaslighting you or your company is psychologically conditioning you that leaving will lead to chaos or prolonged unemployment.
Here’s a reminder: You are responsible for yourself. You can leave any company at any time. It is not your responsibility to fix the problems at hand, especially if you’ve taken your concerns to HR and been dismissed.
Your mental and physical well-being is more important than any job.
No wiggle room on working from home
One of the most significant factors in the “Great Resignation” is that many companies have asked employees to come back into the office after a year + of successfully working from home.
Remote and flex-jobs jobs are becoming more and more popular, and many employers are adjusting their policies to be more friendly to remote workers –– but not all.
If you’re unsure how to have a conversation with your boss about working from home, you have a few options. To quickly recap from my previous article on the subject:
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Approach your boss/HR with documented proof of your accomplishments working from home.
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Know your bottom line and where you’re willing to compromise.
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Negotiate other perks like unlimited vacation, travel, or a hybrid schedule.
If your boss is completely unwilling to listen to your valid concerns about working in the office, it might be time to start looking for remote-friendly roles.
You’re uninspired
We’ve all been there –– what started as a dream job eventually turned into the Sunday blues and dreading weekday mornings. Sure, you’re doing “good work,” but you’re hopelessly bored or uninspired by what you’re doing.
Feeling uninspired can happen to anyone at any time, and when you’re spending more time dreading your work than excitedly taking on new projects, it’s time to re-evaluate. The great news is that if you’re uninspired but otherwise in a safe and friendly work environment, you have time to figure out the next best move for you. The next step might be leaving your job, but it could also take some personal work to reinspire yourself within your job.
It’s time for a course change
One of my favorite stories of an intense career pivot is Jessica Vosk. Jessica worked on Wall Street straight out of college and had a thriving career when she decided to leave it all behind for Broadway –– and she’s been astounding audience go-ers ever since.
You may not be interested in running off to LA or NYC to try your shot at the stage and screen, but maybe you started in marketing and realized you had a knack for photography or worked in hospitality only to realize that you can make some good money and fulfill your travel dreams by working in tech sales.
No matter what, when you find the tides shifting, it’s best to explore what that could mean for your career. I’m a big believer in following your dreams and making them a reality. How could I not be? I literally quit my 9-5 to run Her First $100K. I haven’t looked back since.
Bonus: Because you want to
If you’ve googled this article and gotten this far, it feels pretty obvious that you’re looking for a change. Sometimes, when you know, you know. It never hurts to spiff up your resume and cover letter and start submitting applications for jobs that light you up when you read the description.
Shameless plug: I’ve got a killer resume and cover letter template as well as a Job Interview Overview guide to help you nail your next interview and land the job of your dreams. Purchase separately, or save 10% when you purchase all three in my Job Interview Package.
More Resources:
Blog: Boss Won’t Let You Work from Home? Here’s What to Do Next
Job Interview Package (includes Resume and Cover Letter template + Job Interview Overview)
