Time to Hit the Exit: 13 Signs You Should Leave Before You're Pushed Out

Deciding when to leave a job due to an overbearing boss is a critical career decision. Recognizing the signs and knowing the right steps can help you make an informed choice, preserving your professional integrity and well-being. Here are 13 steps to help you determine when it's time to move on:

1. Identify Persistent Conflict: If your interactions with your boss are consistently negative and conflict-ridden, it's a red flag.
2. Evaluate Job Satisfaction: Regularly assess your overall job satisfaction. A significant and sustained decline indicates it's time to reconsider your position.
3. Monitor Health Impacts: Notice any changes in your physical or mental health due to work-related stress.
4. Assess Career Growth: Determine if the job offers opportunities for professional growth or if your development is being stifled.
5. Check Company Alignment: Reflect on whether your values align with the company's culture and your boss's leadership style.
6. Observe Morale Shifts: Pay attention to shifts in workplace morale and how they affect your motivation and engagement.
7. Seek External Feedback: Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors to gain perspective on your situation.
8. Document Issues: Keep a record of incidents that highlight unprofessional or toxic behavior from your boss.
9. Review Financial Stability: Ensure you have a financial safety net in place before making any hasty decisions.
10. Explore Opportunities: Begin exploring new job opportunities discreetly to understand the job market.
11. Request Transfers: If possible, consider transferring to a different department within the same company.
12. Plan an Exit Strategy: Develop a clear and strategic plan for resigning, including timing and how you'll communicate your decision.
13. Consult HR: If appropriate, discuss your concerns with HR to seek a resolution before deciding to leave.

Knowing when to leave a job before you're forced out is crucial for maintaining your professional trajectory and personal well-being. By recognizing the signs of a detrimental work environment and taking proactive steps, you can transition smoothly to a more fulfilling and supportive role.

Identify Persistent Conflict

Real World Example: Susan Fowler at Uber In 2017, Susan Fowler published a blog post detailing her experiences of persistent conflict and harassment at Uber. She faced continuous negative interactions with her superiors and HR’s failure to address her complaints properly. This led to significant public scrutiny and changes in Uber’s leadership and HR policies.

Evaluate Job Satisfaction

Real World Example: Marissa Mayer at Google Marissa Mayer, once a high-ranking executive at Google, experienced a decline in job satisfaction due to a lack of opportunities to move beyond her existing role. Despite her significant contributions, she felt her career growth was stifled, leading her to eventually leave Google and become the CEO of Yahoo.

Monitor Health Impacts

Real World Example: Ariana Huffington at The Huffington Post Ariana Huffington collapsed from exhaustion and lack of sleep while working as the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post. This incident highlighted the severe health impacts of overwork and stress, prompting her to advocate for healthier work environments and eventually step back from her role to focus on wellness initiatives.

Assess Career Growth

Real World Example: Sheryl Sandberg at Google Sheryl Sandberg left Google for Facebook because she saw limited opportunities for advancement within her current role. At Facebook, she found a better fit for her career aspirations, becoming the COO and significantly impacting the company’s growth and development.

Check Company Alignment

Real World Example: Barry-Wehmiller Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, found that many employees felt a misalignment with the company's previous focus solely on financial success. He shifted the company culture to prioritize employee well-being and engagement, aligning corporate values with those of the workforce and significantly improving morale and productivity.

Observe Morale Shifts

Real World Example: Wells Fargo Scandal The Wells Fargo fake accounts scandal caused a significant shift in workplace morale. Employees were pressured to meet unrealistic sales targets, leading to unethical behavior and widespread dissatisfaction. Many employees either left the company or were terminated, leading to a major overhaul of the company’s practices and leadership.

Seek External Feedback

Real World Example: General Electric (GE) Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, often sought feedback from his managers and external advisors. This helped him gain perspective on internal issues and make informed decisions that shaped GE’s strategic direction and growth during his tenure.

Document Issues

Real World Example: Ellen Pao at Kleiner Perkins Ellen Pao documented incidents of discrimination and bias during her time at Kleiner Perkins. Her detailed records were pivotal in her lawsuit against the firm, bringing significant attention to issues of gender discrimination in the tech industry.

Review Financial Stability

Real World Example: Kodak Employees When Kodak faced bankruptcy, many employees had to evaluate their financial stability before making decisions about their future. Ensuring they had a financial safety net allowed them to transition to new opportunities with greater security.

Explore Opportunities

Real World Example: Engineers at Google Many engineers at Google discreetly explore opportunities at startups or other tech giants. This proactive approach helps them understand the job market and make informed decisions about their career moves without jeopardizing their current positions.

Request Transfers

Real World Example: Microsoft Employees At Microsoft, employees often transfer between departments to find roles that better match their skills and career goals. For instance, engineers might move from Windows development to the Azure cloud team to align with their professional aspirations and interests.

Plan an Exit Strategy

Real World Example: Executives Leaving IBM Executives at IBM, like Ginni Rometty, plan their exit strategies meticulously, ensuring a smooth transition and clear communication of their decisions. This strategic planning helps maintain stability within the company and sets a positive example for other employees.

Consult HR

Real World Example: Sexual Harassment Cases at Fox News Employees at Fox News, like Gretchen Carlson, consulted HR regarding concerns about sexual harassment. Although initially met with resistance, these actions eventually led to significant changes within the organization and highlighted the importance of addressing workplace issues through proper channels.