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Should I Quit My Job? 5 Reasons It May Be Time to Resign

Should I Quit My Job? 5 Reasons It May Be Time to Resign

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Should I Quit My Job?

Considering a job change? You are not alone - in 2021, 41% of employees were thinking about switching careers, according to the Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report. This 'Great Resignation' of increasingly more employees choosing to leave their jobs is due to the abundance of employment opportunities and the 'war on talent.' With the pandemic inching on throughout the year, many have re-evaluated their career goals, and the number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs surged in September 2021. However, quitting a job can be a challenging decision, especially if it is your first time. The following article will explore the potential reasons for considering a job change.

When is it Appropriate to Quit a Job?

Before making a decision on whether or not to quit, it is important to consider the below reasons.

  • A personal conflict, commitment, or change - If your personal life has made a significant shift and your present workplace is unable to accommodate to this change, it may be the right time to switch jobs. For instance, if your partner has landed their dream job in another city, or if you have a newborn and need to switch to a part-time role, or if you want to pursue further education. In such cases, it is important to consider the options available with your employer before deciding to move on.
  • Lack of future opportunities - If professional growth is important to you, then making a career change can demonstrate ambition and commitment to personal development. However, it is essential to understand your prospects in the current job before you decide to quit.
  • Lack of motivation with daily tasks - Studies have found that many people leave due to lack of purpose, meaning and impact in their daily tasks. If possible, it is advisable to discuss potential changes with your employer. If this is not possible, then evaluating if a role elsewhere may provide a more satisfying job experience.
  • A toxic work environment - This can refer to a clash between values or lack of respect between colleagues and/or supervisors. If you find yourself constantly chilled or feeling uncomfortable and unsafe, it is time to seek a job elsewhere.
  • Unfair compensation - Depending on where you live and the type of job you do, it is common to not receive a salary that matches the market average of your experience level and cost of living. In such cases, it may be beneficial to negotiate a raise or alternatively look for a new job that better rewards and compensates you.

Before you make the decision to quit your job, make sure you have considered the above points and that the reason is a valid one.

Reasons to Think Twice Before Quitting Your Job

No matter what you may be feeling, there are times when it is a good idea to reconsider giving up your job. Here are five reasons why you may want to think twice:

Poor Management

If you feel the management team is unprofessional, it may be worth considering giving them the benefit of the doubt. It may be easier to find a new job than to find a solution to the current team's issues. If there is a poor management system in place, it can be beneficial to try and work together to address the issues, rather than leaving the job.

Difficult Colleagues

Not getting along with coworkers is not uncommon, but try to be the bigger person and resolve difficult conversations through effective communication. If you are struggling to do this, take a look at Shiken's events and blog for tips.

No Recognition or Appreciation from Superiors

If your superiors do not recognize or appreciate your hard work, it's worth speaking to them about it. It may be a simple miscommunication, or they may not be aware of the work you are doing. If the situation does not improve after talking to them, it might be time to move on.

Hating the Job

Sometimes, it's not the job itself that is the problem - it may be the workplace culture, expectations, or the people you work with. It is important to consider the root cause of your unhappiness and see if it's something that can be improved or changed. If not, it may be time to quit.

Work/Life Balance Issues

If you are feeling as though you are spending too much time at work or not enough time for yourself, you should talk to your manager or HR team about it. They may be able to offer some flexibility in your working hours. It is also worth considering whether there are other roles that may offer more of a balance.

Quitting Gracefully

When you decide to quit your job, it is important to keep things professional and not burn bridges. Give two weeks' notice and provide a reason for leaving. Be sure to thank your colleagues and supervisor and maintain a positive attitude.

Support

It can help to have support when going through the process of quitting a job. Talk to friends, family, a coach, or a therapist to get an outside perspective.

Signs of a Toxic Company Culture

A toxic company culture can have a significant negative impact on health. It is important to identify the cause of your unhappiness and, if possible, work through it. If the issues are more serious or long-term, it might be time to look for a new job.

Things to Consider When Transitioning to a New Job

When evaluating a new job offer, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons. Consider the pay and benefits, career opportunities and development, relevance to your education and experiences, and the work/life balance that it offers.

Should I Quit My Job? Professional Development Tips for Finding Solutions

Making a career-impacting decision like quitting your job is not one to take lightly. If you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, it could be time to take some time away from work to assess the situation and consider the pros and cons of leaving. If you're having difficulty accepting feedback, take time to pause and reflect on why it may be triggering for you. It could be related to the lack of a safe space, the type of delivery, or something else. Going behind the scenes and understanding the common denominator among those who have been promoted can help identify areas to focus on.

Tips for Preparing to Quit Your Job

If you've decided it's time to quit your job, taking the following steps can help you feel ready and prepared:

  • Prepare your resignation letter.
  • Check your current contract for your notice period and benefits.
  • Talk to your boss, trying to end on good terms.
  • Ask for a reference or LinkedIn recommendation.
  • Finalize the details of your departure, including vacation, sick pay, and how to transition your pension plan or healthcare plan.
  • Prepare for an exit interview.

Solutions to Consider Before Quitting

Before making the permanent decision to leave your job, consider if the issue could be another factor such as the specific reporting line. Professional development and skills-building can provide the key to finding solutions. Here are three solutions you might be able to implement to avoid quitting:

Solution 1: Dealing with Difficult People

Leadership, co-workers, or stakeholders can all be difficult to work with. If you otherwise enjoy your role and are motivated and challenged, it could be worth taking some time to step back and assess the situation. Talk to someone you trust such as a friend, colleague, or coach. Brainstorm possible solutions and attempt to communicate with the person in question respectfully and in terms of your own needs.

Solution 2: Lack of Social Connections

Feeling isolated or not connected to co-workers could be a major stressor that leads to wanting to quit. Take the initiative to connect with co-workers by inviting them out for a coffee or a drink after work. Making it a habit to check in with your co-workers, even if just with a few minutes of conversation at the start of a meeting, can help build more meaningful connections.

Solution 3: Improving Relationship with Your Manager

When it comes to difficulty with your manager, having an honest conversation with them can often resolve the situation. Before making the decision to quit, explore the possibility of having an open discussion with your manager, preferably with a trusted person or coach to prepare. Be sure to be honest about your feelings and objectives in order to come to a mutually beneficial outcome.

Conclusion

Quitting your job is a major decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Taking the time to pause and reflect, assess the pros and cons of any job offers, and explore solutions such as developing relationships with co-workers and managers can help provide clarity so you're able to make the right decision.

Should I Quit My Job?: Identifying the Right Path for You

When you've reached a point with your job where it's no longer the ideal fit, it's a sensible idea to take a step back and examine your options. It's important to be sure of the decision you make, and one effective way to do this is by enlisting the help of a coach. A coach can provide perspective, talk through ideas, and brainstorm next steps with you.

As you evaluate your options, here are some key areas to consider:

  • Your core values and priorities
  • The pros and cons of the situation
  • Available resources
  • Alternative solutions

Talking through these considerations with your coach or a trusted friend can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, and can help you to gain clarity on the decision you should make. At the end of the day, the choice is ultimately yours, and you must have confidence in whatever decision you make.

Though the process of making this decision can be intimidating, you have the inner knowledge, tools, and resources to make the right choice. Reach out to a coach or a trusted friend for support, and trust that you are the driver of your own career. If all else fails and the company is unable to provide you with the professional development opportunities necessary to resolve these issues, it may be time to make the move and start something new.

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