“When Do I Know It’s Time To Quit?”

I hope you’re benefiting from our conversations around work and life. As I reflect on the questions you’ve shared, it’s clear we all need support as we figure out how to move up (or out!) and strive to make sense of work within the larger context of our lives. There were several questions that I think would resonate with?a larger audience this week, so I’ll answer one here, and in the interest of experimenting and learning, I’ll do one via a video later in the week. I hope that you continue to be inspired to share your advice and point of view with the community too – because your experiences and wisdom are equally valuable!

Dear Can We Connect? What are the signs that a job situation has become untenable? We’ve all been through difficult work situations, co-workers, organizational changes, bosses, work load, etc. I’m curious what you look for as signs that it’s not changing or that it’s just too much?

Dear When Do I know it’s Time to Quit, My gut is that if you’re asking this question, you already have your answer. That said it’s never easy to leave a role – because change is unsettling, there’s always risk and looking for another job while you're currently working full time is basically a second job.?

So how do I know when it’s time to move on? For everyone this is a little different. I need a sense of purpose at work. I also evaluate jobs based on the following: can I learn, can I have impact, do I believe in the company & product, and will I work with others who I respect & will respect me.

When one of those things is no longer true, I begin to feel off balance, and if I try and can’t solve it, then I know it’s time to go. My family or friends are often the first to pick up on something being awry because I begin to carry stress home. When my work lacks a sense of purpose, I become anxious. While work is work, I believe it should also give you some joy.

It’s worth asking yourself what are the things that matter to YOU at a job? This can be a combination of things – your work community, feeling respected, work/life balance, your boss, the compensation etc. Is your job meeting these needs? If not, that’s a signal. It’s worth reading Jelena Kecmanovic's article on the six questions to consider if you’re thinking of quitting.

There are times where we decide or need to prioritize parts of our lives outside of work. When my daughter was in middle school, she went through a very hard time and I seriously considered quitting my job to focus on her. But my team and boss made it clear that they would have my back and make room for me to take care of what was needed at home so I could stay in my role. Later in my career, I took a break to be present for my son’s last year of high school. The timing made sense and I was in a financial position to do this, so I did. I have friends who chose to leave a job and downsize to make room to pursue a passion or to prioritize their own well being. I’m fond of saying, life is a series of choices and chapters and we prioritize different things in different windows. Covid has obviously been a unique chapter for all of us so it may mean that you are ready to prioritize different things as so many others have.?So list out your priorities. Then ask yourself, is the role you’re in making room for them?

Remember taking a new role means time looking and time ramping up. Be sure that your decision allows you actual space to do what you need versus just moving and finding yourself essentially back where you started.?If we’ve learned anything from these past two years – it’s that life is short.

Make the time to really think through this, set yourself a timeline, consider finding an accountability partner and, most importantly, trust yourself. Only you know when you are no longer being served by your current role. Don’t let this go for too long. Prioritize yourself because you only get one shot at your?life! Don’t waste it!

Thanks for engaging in the conversation. Questions can be submitted here.

Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone you think would benefit from the conversation or who you think might have a question they’d like answered.?