Should You Stay or Go? 6 Clear Signs It’s Time to Quit

If the title caught your attention, that might be your first clue.

I understand how it feels. I stayed in a corporate job far too long, even though I was miserable. It affected my health, and my loved ones didn’t particularly enjoy hearing me complain about my job. Yet, I continued to endure the misery for several more years, in denial. I worried about money, struggled with self-esteem, felt confused about what I wanted, and was reluctant to “start over” in a new job. After all, I had my current job down to a routine, almost like autopilot.

Looking back, I now see that it was a combination of fear and an odd sense of comfort that held me back from making the change I desperately needed. That fear was familiar, and in the short term, it was easier to blame my boss for my unhappiness than to take responsibility for my career and designing it to honor my strengths and aspirations.

Fast-forward several years (and after a few failed attempts to figure out what I wanted), I finally started my own business. I embraced discomfort with courage, flexibility, openness, resourcefulness, and creativity. Today, I love where I am, I’m energized by my work, and I’m curious about where my journey continues to take me. I’m no longer settling.

I wish I could say taking the first step was the hardest, but in truth, there were several harder steps along the way, mostly because I didn’t learn the necessary lessons the first time around. While I wouldn’t trade my personal journey, I hope sharing what I’ve learned will help make your transition easier.

So how do you know that it’s time to leave?

Below are some clear signs to consider. Not all of them must be met; for me, even just one can be a reason to say move on (as I’ve learned). You’ll need to decide for yourself, but make sure it’s from a place of trusting yourself, not denial.

1. You get the Sunday night dread most every night.

You’re unhappy most of the day, nearly every day. You lack energy to go to work, and when you’re there, you dream of being anywhere else. Even when you’re super busy, you’re bored. You find yourself procrastinating more than usual (we all procrastinate a bit, but this is more).

2. You’re exhausted and/or frustrated.

You’re mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. This is the level of exhaustion that no matter how much sleep you get, you never feel recharged. Work/life balance seems meaningless, and even when you have time for your personal life, you don’t feel as excited as you used to. You identify with Eeyore. Your work is impacting your personal relationships and you vent about your job too much.

3. You don’t feel like YOU at work.

You feel misunderstood and hide the “real” you. You don’t feel respected or heard, and your suggestions or input are often dismissed. You hesitate to speak up because you don’t believe anyone will listen, so you stop contributing.

4. There’s no future.

You haven’t been promoted in a long time, but responsibilities and work have increased. There is no path forward in your career. Promises were made about opportunities in your career path, but nothing has happened. You’re not learning anything new or expanding your skills and experience in a meaningful way. The tasks you’re doing do not match your strengths, and the company might be struggling.

5. You don’t like your coworkers and/or your boss.

The company culture does not align with your personal values, or the company mission feels meaningless. The environment is toxic, and so is your boss. You might even be experiencing verbal abuse, sexual harassment, or are aware of illegal activity.

6. Your job doesn’t feel meaningful.

You don’t feel that your work contributes value to the world. Deep down, you sense there’s something more that you were meant for – bigger, more meaningful, or thrilling. Many people, especially women, hesitate to admit that deep down they feel they are made for better things. They’re afraid this sounds arrogant. But these feelings are guiding you toward greater joy, success, and fulfillment in your life. If you feel you’re made for more, then you are. Don’t ignore those feelings.

If any of these points resonate with you, they are likely impacting your health. No job is worth compromising your health and well-being! Deciding to leave can be daunting, but what’s the cost if you do nothing?

Still unsure whether to stay or go?

Ideally, you’re in a position to choose if and when to look for a new job. If you’re feeling uncertain, check in to see if your current role still fits. Avoid falling into ‘the grass is always greener’ mindset if there are potential changes you can make to improve your current role. Consider if any adjustments could help you find greater satisfaction in your current role.

I’m not saying stick with what you know and make the best out of it. On the contrary, it’s wise to be open to new opportunities, even if you’re happy in your current role. Interviewing once a year is a great way to stay connected with what is available in the industry, understand what employers are looking for, and recognize your own value. It’s also helps you assess whether your current situation is a good fit and clarify what are good and bad jobs for you. After all, you spend a lot of time at work, so it’s important that it fits you well.

What makes a job a good fit?

There are three major areas to consider when determining if your job is a good fit:

1. Engagement:

Your work should engage you. This could come from learning new things, building something that excites you, or being a part of a bigger cause. Whatever engages you should be a consistent part of your work.

2. Colleagues:

You enjoy the people you work with. Whether you admire them, learn from them, or simply like their company, your work environment matters. As David Burkus, author of Friend of a Friend, says, “You’re the average of all the people who surround you. So, take a look around and make sure you’re in the right surroundings.”

3. Financial needs:

Your job should meet your basic financial needs.

No job is perfect. There will be days it feels like a grind. But overall, you should enjoy being there.

Ready to take the next step?

Once you’ve decided it’s time to take control of your career, the next step is making it happen. Be strategic about your exit. If you leave, do so with gratitude and grace – don’t burn bridges.

If you need help designing your personal transition plan (including identifying what you want, finding it, and crushing it in your new role) and avoiding common job search mistakes, I’m here for you.