Know when it’s time to go.
When it comes to your career, the cliché that “quitters never win” doesn’t always hold water. Quitting your job may help you revitalize your career, earn a fatter paycheck or escape an unhealthy environment. Here’s how to determine when it’s time make your exit.
1. Work stress is harming your health.
If the thought of heading to work each day is taking a toll on your mental and physical well-being, it may be time to call it quits. Warning signs may include weight gain, trouble sleeping and nausea before you start your week.
2. You’d hate to have your boss’s job.
If your boss’s job sounds like a soul-crushing, mind-numbing express ticket to Sellout-ville, then you may be at the wrong company — or even in the wrong industry. It’s time to re-examine what you want out of your career and consider moving to a new job.
3. Your boss is a bully.
A boss who teases you about characteristics you can’t change, aggressively manages you or doesn’t give you the credit you deserve is a bully. Talking to your manager or human resources about the problem may remedy it. If that’s not an option, or it doesn’t work, it may be time to put in your two weeks’ notice.
4. You have a game plan.
If you have another job lined up, or sufficient savings to get through a period of unemployment, it could be the right time to exit an unhappy work situation. Quitting a job without a plan can be risky for your finances and your career.
5. You’re woefully underpaid.
If you’re making peanuts — and struggling to get substantial raises — heading to a new company may give you a chance to negotiate a higher salary.
6. Your life is changing.
If you’re moving across the country, starting a family or heading back to school, quitting your job may be necessary to keep your personal life moving forward.
7. You’re thinking rationally.
Don’t quit to “show them” or because you had a bad month. Take a few weeks, at the very least, to think about the long-term effects and challenges of leaving your current gig. Then, make a rational decision that works best for you and your family.
8. You’ve put in the time.
A resume filled with short-term jobs, lasting less than two years, is a red flag to many employers. Make sure you’ve put in the time before jumping ship.
9. There aren’t quick fixes to your work problems.
Sometimes an honest talk with your boss or the human resources department will remedy a bad situation. For example, if you’re overwhelmed, a chat with your manager may result in getting a few tasks moved off your plate. But when discussing the problem won’t help, it could be time to head for an exit.
10. Your job is in jeopardy.
If it looks like you’re about to become another casualty in a companywide layoff, looking for another job is crucial. Same goes if you suspect that you might get fired for other reasons, like poor performance.
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10 Reasons to Quit Your Job Already originally appeared on usnews.com
