Over the past couple of years, record numbers of workers have quit their jobs searching for something better. This created a labor shortage unlike anything we’ve seen before, cultivating a job market favorable to candidates. Does this have you wondering if it’s time to move on?
Sometimes it’s tough to know when to quit your job, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. To help you reach the proper conclusion, here are 7 undeniable signs that it’s time to hand in that resignation letter.
Sign 1: You’re No Longer Growing
Assuming it’s your goal to rise up the ranks of your career, you’ll want to make sure growth is constant. If you’d rather stay where you are – and there’s nothing wrong with that – this may be less of an issue.
If you’re trying to determine when to quit your job, ask yourself if you’re still learning in your current role. It’s absolutely normal to go through periods of higher and lower growth, but you should consistently feel challenged and as though your skillset is increasing.
Before quitting, look for ways to change your current work. You can modify it in small ways to ensure you’re growing professionally. If that avenue has been exhausted, that’s when to quit your job.
Sign 2: You Hate What You Do
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends 7.7 hours per day working. Multiply that by 5, and then again by the 52 weeks in a year, and you spend roughly 2,000 hours per year working.
Other than sleep, work is the activity the average person does most in their lives. 2,000 hours per year is a massive commitment. If you hate your job, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Ask yourself why you hate your job. If it’s because of a toxic work environment, switch companies. If your daily tasks bore you, consider an internal career change. What excites you today may not excite you in a few years, and it’s okay to pivot.
Sign 3: You Constantly Feel Exhausted or Burnt Out
If you’re wondering when to quit your job, check in with your motivation levels. Even if you enjoy what you do, it’s possible to be overworked. This can be due to internal factors at your company, such as unreasonable expectations or a lack of staff.
Some signs of burnout include:
- Fatigue: if you’re struggling to complete basic tasks or want to sleep all the time, you’re probably suffering from burnout.
- Headaches: constantly dealing with headaches? You may be burnt out.
- Apathy or dissatisfaction with work: Burnout will impact how you feel about your work. It’s important to remember that burnout and exhaustion can leave you dissatisfied even if you enjoy what you do at its core.
If you determine you’re suffering from burnout, try and fix your work environment. Doing so may mean taking on fewer tasks or not working more than 8 hours per day. If you can’t address it at the current company, that’s when to quit your job.
Sign 4: You’ve Achieved What You Wanted to
Achieving what you intended to achieve is the goal of every leader. Eventually, the problems you were hired to address will be solved, in theory, by your hard work. When we accomplish what we intend to, it’s time to move on to the next challenge.
Sign 5: You’re Not Compatible With Your Boss
If you’re curious about when to quit your job, a poor relationship with your boss is a sign. Being incompatible with your boss negatively impacts your productivity and experiences at work. Now, before you jump to handing in your resignation letter, try these techniques to get along with your boss instead:
- Does your boss not trust you? If you aren’t getting options for promotion or new projects, trust may be an issue. Ask your boss questions about how you can improve and add more value.
- Does your boss dislike you? If they avoid spending time with you, this may be it. Pay attention to your boss’s communication style and how to create meaningful conversations with them.
- Ultimately, don’t hide from your boss. Actively work on that relationship.
If you’ve tried hard and the relationship isn’t improving, it’s time to move on. Here are some questions to ask your new boss to get off on the right foot this time.
Sign 6: You’re Feeling Undervalued
Being undervalued at work is a problem that can dampen your experiences on the job.
Signs of being undervalued include:
- Insufficient pay
- Lack of recognition for a job well done
- Too much criticism without constructive feedback or praise
- Lack of appreciation
Talk with your boss about your feelings; perhaps they weren’t aware of the problem. If your boss doesn’t take you seriously or implement any changes, that’s when to quit your job.
Sign 7: Your Company Has a High Turnover Rate
A high turnover rate can be one of those signs you should quit your job immediately. If turnover is rapid, this may indicate problems internally. These problems can include burnout, lack of communication, below-market pay, poor leadership, etc.
Consider high turnover to be a significant red flag, and evaluate whether or not you want to stick this job out.
Need a New Job? We Can Help
If you were wondering when to quit your job, we hope this article helped. Ultimately, this is a decision only you can make; trust your gut.
Now, if you’ve determined it is time to move on, Jennings Executive would be happy to help you find the role of your dreams. We’ve got over two decades of combined experience filling senior leadership positions across a variety of industries. And even if you aren’t ready for senior leadership yet, we’d love to get to know you. Learn more today!
Related: Upskilling and Reskilling: How to Close the Talent Gap on Your Way Up the Corporate Ladder
