How Do You Know When It’s Time to Leave a Job? [Quiz]

It happens to all of us, including those of us who love our jobs. Should I quit my job? Is it time? Many of us find ourselves rationalizing the pros and cons of keeping a job. However, most of us don’t realize the impact of keeping a toxic job or working in a toxic workplace can have on our health. How do you know when it’s time to leave a job? Well, it turns out there are some glaring signs you might be ignoring.

Glaring Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job

On occasions, these signs are too evident not to ignore. Other symptoms are more subtle, and we tend to associate them with the cons of having a steady job. After all, we’re told that no one likes their jobs anyways. So, like keeping up with pain and discomfort, we choose to stay at jobs that make us miserable. Watch out for some of these silent, glaring signs.

You Are Miserable

Yes, no one must be 100% in love with their job, but they shouldn’t feel miserable. If you can’t find even the slightest joy in what you do, it’s time to move on. If you feel as if you’re not the “real you” or if you’re not proud of your job, look somewhere else. Also, if your job adds too much stress to your life, it can impact your health, leaving you burned out and with potential health issues in the long run.

Your Work Environment Is Toxic

Unless you get to lock yourself in a cubicle and avoid any peer-to-peer interactions, most likely, your work environment affects you. Here are some things to look for:

• The leadership dynamic of the company
• The values and goals the company is striving for
• The potential growth (if any) you can achieve
• The way your company treats its employees and clients
• The collaborative and positive spirit (if any) among your colleagues
• The way people speak and treat each other regularly

You’ve Reached Your Maximum

When you first started your job, most likely, you came with a set of skills that got you the position. As time goes on, you learn more and become fully entrenched in your role. However, if you’re someone with a vision to grow within or outside the company, at some point, you’ll desire more.

Hopefully, if you’re in a company with room for growth, you can voice this to your supervisor and move up the ladder. When there’s no room for growth, it’s time to look for somewhere else where you can keep expanding your professional self.

How to Make the Decision

Leaving your job is not easy. That’s why people struggle to leave their comfort zone. It’s just scary. If you’re considering quitting your job, don’t act impulsively. Sure, listen to your gut, but analyze the workforce environment, look at different opportunities before making the jump.

Remember, your job is almost a third of your day. Make sure you spend that time at a place that makes you feel whole, not one that drains you or affects your mental and physical health.