Quitting your job is not a decision to be taken lightly – and there is no one-size-fits-all model to help you make it. Consider the risks and rewards, as well as your financial situation. When all is said and done, you may find that moving on before another option is presented is the best thing you can do for your career and quality of life.
It’s Okay to Quit If …
Forbes recently reported that the average time currently spent in a job is 4.4 years, and only about half as long for Millennials. By staying a position for just a few years, you don’t have to worry about stagnating or waiting for a promotion that may never come.
Your quality of life is your number-one priority. When the unhappiness of your professional life starts to affect your personal well-being, you’re beyond your limit and need to make a change.
It’s time to quit if:
- Work is making you sick. You are too stressed or exhausted to the point where your job is literally making you ill. Studies at Harvard and Stanford universities have noted that workplace tension can slash up to nearly three years from a person’s life. Symptoms of stress include headaches, muscle tension, muscle or chest pain, fatigue, changes in six drive, stomach upset and sleep problems. Effects on mood can range from anxiety, restlessness, and lack of motivation to irritability, anger, sadness or depression. Stress-related behavior may manifest as over or under eating, tobacco use, alcohol or drug abuse, or exercising less often.
- The environment is toxic. Your boss may be horrible or your colleagues may be back stabbers. When the people or surroundings are toxic, you are constantly enveloped in negativity. This can make it difficult or even impossible to deliver quality results. It can be very hard to look for another job while you’re so depressed over your current one that you no longer feel like your best self.
- There’s nowhere to advance. There’s an expected rhythm to every career that involves incrementally taking on more challenges and responsibilities. It doesn’t always have to be completely linear, but there should always be potential at your job. Even if you can’t get promoted, you need to be continuously exposed to learning and expanding your skills.
- You’ve mentally checked out. For whatever reason, you have stopped innovating, stretching, or bringing energy to your role. This has a drag on your entire team and organization, and it’s even worse for you. You know there is a bigger plan for your career – and you need time away from the intensity of your current job to breathe, think, strategize, and refuel.
What to Tell Prospective Employers
If prospective employers ask why you left your previous job, be straightforward. Tell them that you wanted to regroup and pour all your energy into finding the right opportunity.
If you need a partner to help you through your career transition, consider working with the experienced team at PrideStaff Fresno. We’ve been matching exceptional candidates with leading companies since 1978. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.