Have you ever thought about leaving everything, including work? When to evaluate this option as real beyond a moment of strong stress or discomfort?
Last update: July 13, 2022
The decision to leave the job usually has implications such as to deserve at least a reflection. An analysis that it is advisable to do starting from a neutral emotional state, while always considering the feelings experienced in the last period.
That said, it's also important to learn to read the signs that it's time to quit your job. It is not good to postpone this decision if we really think it's time to do it. Fear of uncertainty may prevail, but if there are valid reasons, it is good to take this step.
It is also possible to conclude that you have to leave your job, but the time is not yet right. It wouldn't be a wise decision jump into the void. To make a more informed decision, however, it is worth paying attention to some signs.
"Life makes sense when you aspire not to give up anything".
-Jose Ortega y Gasset-
When is the time to quit your job?
1. Feeling of boredom in the work routine
Most work activities involve several tasks that are not to our liking. Not everything is tempting and a little boredom peeps out from time to time or demotivation in the face of some specific tasks.
However, if this feeling is constant and extends to virtually all tasks, it may be time to quit the job. The refusal of work results in demotivation, therefore it is necessary to change course.
2. Obsession with remuneration
The compensation we receive for our work rarely meets our aspirations. It is curious, but we adapt easily to positive changes, that is, the motivation or joy for a pleasant novelty usually lasts very little.
On the other hand, the discomfort due to the feeling of receiving an unbalanced remuneration for one's responsibilities tends to persist over time.
If this is a frequent concern and causes discomfort, a change may be required. In principle, the ideal would be to ask for a raise. However, if that's not possible, it's time to look for other job alternatives.
3. Tensions with the boss
Disagreeing with the boss is sometimes even healthy within organizational dynamics. This can lead to positive changes for both sides.
Another story is whether tensions are on the agenda, to the point where it can be considered a personal spite. In the presence of bullying or disrespect, it is important to find another job. Circumstances like this are bad enough to stop.
4. Leave your job when there is no room for growth
A determining factor in motivation and in the sense of belonging to work is the belief that a good performance is also synonymous with growth for the future. Every healthy organization offers incentives or promotion plans.
If you feel that your efforts are not appreciated or that there is no chance to evolve, it may be time to quit your job. If not, there is conformity and stagnation.
5. Quitting work when it causes personal problems
The deterioration of personal life due to work is a sign that things are not going well. Many times it is detected in physical aspects, such as health or appearance. Continuous work stress makes physical discomfort more frequent and can be reflected in self-care.
In the same way, an unsatisfactory job also has repercussions on an emotional level: anger, isolation and despair. In these cases it is time to find a new direction.
6. The options have been exhausted
This is very important in making a sensible decision. Before leaving your job, you need to have exhausted the options at hand. Obviously the problems must be identified, but it is good to try to solve them before throwing in the towel.
If this has already been done, but things have not changed or you are still not satisfied, it is clearly time to take another path. Not doing so is an attempt against your own well-being and creates the conditions for a less than idyllic future.
7. A plan B exists or the limit has been reached
The ideal would be to have a plan B before leaving your job. In other words, a concrete earning option. Sometimes it can be starting your own business, others a new job.
Conclusions
If everything indicates that it is time to quit, it is advisable to do it in the most cordial way possible. We encourage you to plan when and how to end your employment relationship.
Although many times it is a decision with no guarantees of success, it is still preferable to fuel a destructive situation.
