"Don’t be a quitter." "Stick it out." "The grass is always greener." "Work isn’t supposed to be easy." "We all have bad days."
How often have you heard those clichés when venting about your work situation with family and friends? HR managers, career counselors, and our own peers are often quick to offer contradictory advice on how to survive a difficult work situation.
But while longevity and advancement may look good on a resume, sticking around isn’t always the best solution—especially if it’s for the wrong reasons.
Frustration with your current situation may not be a good enough reason to say goodbye (at least not without a solid backup plan), but actually hating your work is. How do you know when you've reached the point where it’s the right time to quit?
Here are a few circumstances in the career world in which quitting is the answer. Use this checklist to decide if you are ready to put in your two weeks notice and make the leap.
1. Your Health is Suffering
Are long hours, demanding schedules, and an uncomfortable work environment leaving you drained of energy, unable to sleep, or fighting off colds and headaches often? Chronic stress has been shown to impact our health in dangerous ways from temporary illness to long-term health problems.
Your health is a priority. If you aren’t feeling well, chances are you aren’t functioning at full capacity. Take a good hard look at your situation. Is your work burning you out? Risking the health of your body and mind just isn’t worth it.
2. The Money Isn't Enough
Let’s face it: at the end of the day, collecting a paycheck to put food on your table and a roof over your head is the main reason you clock in and out. Demanding projects and work hours can be even harder to manage when your paycheck doesn’t reflect the time and effort you put into your role.
Unfair compensation for your work, little to no growth opportunities, or lack of benefits are all valid reasons to seek a position elsewhere. If you speak to your supervisor and see no hope for the future, take your talents where they will be more appreciated.
3. Your Relationships Are Suffering
Whether long hours in the office keep you from social activities, your boss calls constantly and interrupts your free time, or you find yourself just too drained to engage with your friends or your significant other, it may be time to quit.
Some common signs: suddenly you’re fighting more with your partner, you’re avoiding going out after work because you don’t have the energy, or you’re uncomfortable seeing the friends who know you well enough to spot when you’re miserable.
Our relationships are the butter to our bread of life. Don’t lose them over a job you’re not even enjoying.
4. You're Doing it for Others, Not Yourself
Maybe you’re in a job that your parents find boast-worthy, or you’re making enough money to support those you love while they pursue other lower-paying opportunities. If you can’t think of a single reason why you’re working where you are, except ones that involve how it affects others, it’s probably time to go.
Start the conversation with those involved about why you want to leave and, in the case of financial support, discuss ways you could make your exit without causing an upset. And trust us, your parents will love you even if you bounce.
5. There's No Opportunity for Progress
You’ve tried for a promotion, asked for a raise, or you’ve spoken to your boss about opportunities for new challenges or growth. All you hear is crickets. If your position has devolved into stagnancy, remind yourself that you’re a career woman with little to lose and a ton to gain. Move on.
