When Should You Change or Quit Your Job?

Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Izabela KrajkaNo comments

If you've been wondering whether you should change or quit your job, read this blog. Why? Because you might find that there are some things you can change before you say goodbye to your workplace. In fact, you might be a driving factor for a positive change in the company. So, learn to ask for what you need from your employer.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself to find out whether you should change or quit your job.

  • Is the feeling new?

We all have bad days where we dread going to work. However, if that negative feeling about your job becomes the norm, it's time to think about moving on. Or at least changing some things. Try to think if there's any other reason in your life that caused this negative feeling about your work. Nothing? Okay, then start planning your next step.

  • Are you stagnating?

Like it or not, we spend most of our waking hours at work. Therefore, it's important that you keep growing and learning professionally. Otherwise, it's easy to get indifferent about your job and carry out your tasks half-heartedly. In which case, it's a loose-loose situation to both yourself and your employer.

  • Say it out loud

If you can, find someone to confide in. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes to hear yourself say all your arguments out loud. So, don't feel like you're complaining. Instead, think of it as taking on a different perspective. Who knows, maybe the person you're talking to can offer you an option you haven't even thought of?

  • Be realistic

No job is perfect. Even the 'perfect' option will still have some disadvantages like a long commute or sitting behind the desk all day. However, what you should do is ask yourself is what do you want from the job.

If you can accept the disadvantages because you know this is a great learning opportunity for you - do it. Will it help you get to where you want to be? - do it. So, look at your boss, or the boss of your boss. If you want their job, but your current position isn't exciting, try to stick it out. Everyone starts somewhere. As long as you have an idea of what you're working towards, it could pay off to spend some time doing the boring things at first if it leads you to where you want to be.

 Taking the next step in your career after deciding to quit

  • Can you salvage it?

It's not a good sign if you're already thinking about exit strategies only weeks after starting your new job. So, don't ignore that sign and figure out what the problem is. However, don't just quit on the spot either. Do yourself and your employer a favour and talk about your options. Is there a collegue within the company whose job you'd love to do? Ask your employer if there's any chance you could switch departments.

Whatever the case is, come prepared with ideas on how your employer may accommodate you for you to stay. Unless you speak up, they won't know that you're struggling. If there's nothing that they can do or that would change your mind, try to play your cards right. At least you'll know what to do next.

  • Take the next step

Okay, so you've come to the conclusion you want to change or quit your job. What now? Look for development elsewhere and put out feelers. If you haven't already, it's time for you to get networking. Would you be interested in going back to your old job? Find out if that's possible. Want something new? Ask around your friends, start applying through LinkedIn, Facebook, jobsites, etc. Also, try and think where you went wrong with this job and avoid doing that with your next one.

Nevertheless, understand the risks of quitting your job. If it's just a bump in the road, worry not. Just explain why you decided to leave so early. However, if this happens to you more often than not, it could be alarming to a future employer. They will wonder why you can't keep a job for longer than few months and if it's worth for them to invest in you. What you should do in that moment is again, justify and explain what the reason was for each time you left a company.

  • Take the high road

If you leave a company, try to leave on good terms. Don't be so quick to burn bridges because you never know when the connection you made might come in useful. Additionally, it proves you can be professional in every setting. Even in difficult situations like these. Also, try not to announce to everyone in your company about looking for a new job before you've even left. First, find a job and only after you've been made a new offer tell your boss that you want to quit your job.

Don't forget to thank them for the opportunity they gave you with this position and explain why it would be better if they found someone who'd actually be excited to do your job. In the end, the employee would want someone who can fully engage and contribute to the growth of the company.

Final Thoughts on Quitting Your Job

It might be pretty obvious but the best way to figure out if you should quit your job is to create a pros and cons list. Think about what is good and bad about your job. Moreover, it'll give you an idea of what you actually want from a job and aid in the searching process.

Understand what you can and cannot control. You might be able to change some things about your position, however, there are still things you cannot control. In that case, take some time for yourself while looking for a new job. It can be stressful and difficult so don't disregard your mental and physical health.

Additionally, work isn't your whole life. Yes, I did say we spend most of our time at work. However, not ALL of it. If you're okay with how things are and there are only some elements that are missing from your professional life think of other ways to feel satisfied. Why not join clubs? Finish courses to do that thing you've always wanted to do? If it's the creativity you miss, you can do that outside of work! Start painting, playing a musical instrument, doing graphic design, anything to exercise your creativity! Remember, no job is perfect. It's all about what you make of it.

 Finding a new job after quitting

To sum up, if you want to quit your job, start your job search quietly and discreetly. Meaning, don't announce it to everyone in the office. Networking will always be important, especially in your professional life, so start today. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to industry professionals yourself if you want to find out how they got their position. They might be able to help you figure out what your next step should be to get to where they are. Whatever it is, you can do it. Just brace yourself in patience, bravery and confidence. It's not easy but spending the rest of your life hating your job is far worse. So, give yourself some time to think, plan, strategize and take action. Good luck!

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