Anna Maria Richards
It is no secret that quitting is at an all time high. In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, record numbers of people are voluntarily quitting their work. Resignation rates are at an all time-high among mid-career employees and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. The trend is so prevalent that it even has a name: The Great Resignation. There are a myriad of factors contributing to this trend, including not meeting salary expectations and job dissatisfaction.
So if you’re considering quitting your job in 2023, be comforted in the fact that you are far from alone. However, the decision to quit is a difficult one and is often accompanied by much deliberation and stress. It is a big decision, one that will affect your life emotionally and financially. There are so many factors that must be weighed up before making the decision.
But there can be clear, obvious signs that indicate that it’s time to leave the role that you are in. Below is a list of signs that it’s time to consider quitting your job.
Your Work is Impacting your Mental and Physical Health
This goes beyond that feeling of stress and dread you get on a Sunday night, as you contemplate the working week ahead (although this is also not a great sign.) If your job is causing you an undue amount of mental strain, whether that is stress or general unhappiness, perhaps it’s time to look for another role.
There are many signs of this mental strain, not simply that you feel stressed when contemplating your work. You may have stopped doing things that previously fulfilled you because you’re constantly worried about work.
You may begin to try and avoid work and all discussion of work. You might stop taking care of yourself physically, or start engaging in unhealthy habits as a way to cope with work stress and discontent (such as eating or drinking too much.)
If this sounds like you, then consider taking time off work, or leaving the position all together.
Your Workplace is Toxic
If you dread going into work because of the environment and culture that surrounds the company, then you should take that as a sign that it is time to move on.
Perhaps you are being consistently overworked, to the point of exhaustion and burnout. Perhaps you have noticed that the way you and your colleagues are spoken to is disrespectful or downright insulting. Perhaps you find yourself being asked to engage in practices that you consider unethical.
Any one of these reasons is a sure fire way of knowing that you are working in a toxic, unhealthy working environment. If this is the case, then it would be wise to consider finding other employment. Work comes with its stresses, this is unavoidable, but life is too short to dread your place of work, and the people that work there.
You are not Growing Professionally
A key aspect of a healthy work life is that there are always opportunities to grow and learn within and beyond the role that you are in. Professional development is vital in building a sustainable and fulfilling career, wherever you work.
Sure, you may not always be learning new things at work. There can be periods of time where you are simply putting your skills to work and consolidating what you have learnt so far. But if you have found yourself stagnating for months, or even years, without any opportunity for growth on the horizon, then you may want to consider moving to a new role.
Before quitting, however, it is worth exploring options with your manager. Can they give you extra tasks and responsibility to help you learn? Can they take time to really consider your professional development and growth as an employee? If not, then it’s time to consider finding employment that values your long-term goals.
