Should I Stay or Should I Go?

For those of you who don’t already have The Clash playing in your head, let me help you out: "Should I stay or should I go?" It's a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point, whether Mick Jones inspired it or not. And just like the song, your career decision might feel like a back-and-forth of uncertainty!

In all seriousness, deciding whether to stick with your current role or explore new opportunities can be tough.

Every week, I talk to candidates grappling with that same question, and I get it. Whether it's dealing with a toxic workplace, lack of support, or just feeling like you've hit a dead end, deciding whether to stay or go isn’t easy. So, if you’re wondering, “Should I stay, or is it time to go?”—let’s break down some of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs and what you can do about it.

Lack of Support from Senior Leadership This is a big one. Many people who come to me for assistance with their job search, feel like their managers aren’t supporting them—whether it’s lack of recognition, poor communication, or simply feeling like they’re left to fend for themselves. It’s hard to give your best when you feel unsupported.

What you can do: Before making any big decisions, try having an open and honest conversation with your manager. Sometimes they may not realise how you’re feeling, and a discussion can lead to positive changes. If things don’t improve, it might be a sign it’s time to explore other options.

Bullying or Toxic Work Culture This is one of the hardest things I hear about, but it’s sadly more common than we’d like. Bullying, passive-aggressive behavior, or a generally toxic environment can drain your energy and harm your mental well-being. No one should ever feel like they don’t want to go into work because of a toxic culture.

What you can do: If you feel comfortable, bring it up with HR or a trusted leader. But if the culture is toxic across the board, prioritise your well-being and start looking for a healthier environment. You deserve to be in a workplace where you’re valued and respected, and where the environment is safe and supportive.

Misalignment with Company Values It’s hard to stay engaged when your personal values don’t align with the company’s. Whether it’s ethical differences or a lack of purpose, this can leave you feeling disconnected from your work.

What you can do: Reflect on whether the misalignment is something that could change or if it’s a core part of the company. If it's fundamental, it might be time to seek out an organisation whose values better resonate with yours. After all, we humans want to feel valued, respected, and like we're contributing to something meaningful.

Burnout Burnout is something I hear about all the time. Long hours, too much responsibility without support, and constant pressure can leave you feeling completely drained. You should never feel like you’re dragging yourself to work each day.

What you can do: Reassess your work-life balance. Set boundaries where possible and have a conversation with your manager about reducing your workload or finding additional support. If burnout is affecting your health and there's no improvement, it’s time to consider other opportunities.

Career Stagnation Feeling stuck in a role with no room for growth can be frustrating. If you don’t see a clear path forward, it’s easy to start questioning your future at the company.

What you can do: Talk to your manager about career development. If there’s no real plan for your growth, it may be time to look elsewhere for new challenges.

Redundancies and Job Insecurity With the way the job market has been lately, I’ve been hearing from more candidates who are feeling unsure about their future due to company restructuring or layoffs.

What you can do: If job security is a concern, you can start discreetly exploring new opportunities before it becomes a pressing issue. It’s always better to have options lined up, just in case.

The Daunting Job Search One reason people hesitate to leave their jobs is the stress of job hunting. It can feel discouraging when you don’t hear back from companies or receive automated rejection emails. I know how frustrating that can be.

What you can do: Don’t rely solely on job boards—use your network, connect with a recruiter, and tailor your applications. Persistence pays off, and the right opportunity is out there!

So, Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Before making the leap, ask yourself:

• Can the issues you’re facing be resolved, or are they deeply rooted?
• Does this job align with your long-term career goals and personal values?
• Are you feeling unsupported, undervalued, or stuck?
• Is your mental or physical health suffering as a result of your work environment?

At the end of the day, we all want to feel valued, respected, and supported in our roles. The workplace should be a place where you feel safe, appreciated, and empowered to contribute. If that’s not the case, don’t be afraid to start exploring new opportunities.

And unlike The Clash lyrics, "If I go there will be trouble…" sometimes, leaving can open the door to something truly amazing! If you're unsure or need someone to talk through your options, reach out to me. I'm happy to offer advice or help you navigate your next steps. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

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