Should you quit your job if you're unhappy?

The power of realisation is a pivotal moment for most. Acknowledging there is a problem and then recognising that it is within your power to change it is the first step. At the risk of sounding like a political slogan, you can take back control of your life.

Reasons why people don’t quit their job:

● Steady income

● Security

● Fear

● Laziness

● Risk averse

● Economic and financial reasons

The above is not an exhaustive list but it tends to cover the main reasons why people stay in a job when they’re unhappy and in fairness they’re not to be sniffed at. In uncertain economic times, it’s understandable that many feel fortunate to have a job. That said, the internal conversation of “I’m lucky to have a job” tends to then allow for situations to continue that no longer serve you.

Yes of course we should be grateful for a steady income and a roof over our heads but this in fact affords you a position of security to explore what is out there. No one has to know that you are considering quitting your job and there is nothing wrong with tentatively exploring what other options might be available to you.

Fears

This is the enemy of most people in any decision-making in life. Even though we instinctively know something is wrong we still stop ourselves from making a change by listening to the internal voices:

“What if I’m not qualified enough?”

“What if I’m not good enough?”

“I’m too old to make a change, I’m too young to be taken seriously.”

This is all limiting self-talk that is rooted in fear and stops us from achieving and making a move that deep down we know is the right thing to do. If you’re asking yourself these questions, then you are already in a decision-making dialogue with yourself.

Should I quit my job if I’m unhappy?

Ask yourself how you would answer that question if your friend said it to you or a member of your family. The chances are you would say to them yes absolutely, why would you continue doing something that makes you miserable? It’s important therefore that we afford ourselves the same level of care and opportunity that we would advise a loved one. You are important, and what makes you happy is central.

How to get empowered if your job makes you unhappy

You should be able to go to your line manager or someone in HR and voice this unhappiness. There may well be another completely different role within the business that better suits your wants at this point.

If there are no internal opportunities, the good news is that you are not a tree, you can move. If you find your current job physically, mentally, and emotionally draining then you owe it to yourself to be happy in your work.

What is it that is stopping you from quitting? A lack of confidence, fear about change or the interview process? Perhaps it's time to audit your own capabilities and recognise that you have so much to offer. Ask colleagues, friends and families what qualities you have as it can be powerful to hear how other people see you.

What if it goes wrong? But what if it goes right...