In the past year, millions of Americans left their jobs in the search of higher salaries, flexible hours, and other benefits. While some took this step by taking a chance on new job opportunities, others took a leap of faith and quit their jobs without having anything lined up. This trend came to be known as the Great Resignation, and it just broke record with 4.5 million Americans quitting their jobs in the month of November. Now more than ever you might be contemplating quitting your job, but how do you know that it truly is time to do so? Here are our top 5 signs that it is time to quit your job.
- You can no longer reach your career goals
Your career is an important aspect of your life. After all, you contribute at least 40 hours a week to it. Its success should be high on your list of priorities. If your job no longer gives you opportunities for advancement, learn new skills, or increase your portfolio, then it is time to start looking for roles that can help you take the next step in your career. Extreme boredom, lack of interest, and apathy are also signs that a job is no longer challenging and does not contribute to your career journey.
- You are being underpaid
Have you been working for a company and have not received a raise in many years? Then you could be underpaid. Your salary should increase every couple of years to meet your professional experience and the worth of your role in the market. Go to websites like Salary.com, Indeed.com, or Glassdoor.com and investigate what the average salary is for your role and general area. Take into consideration your years of experience and calculate where you fit in the average salary range. If your research shows that your salary is too low, then you are being underpaid. Before you quit your job, bring this argument to your employer, and if your proof gets ignored then it is time to move on.
If you decide that it is time to quit your job, use this research to measure your future offers. Be aware of both; jobs that offer too low or high salaries. This might sound counterintuitive since a high-paying job does not sound bad at all, but it could affect your career goals and job security. As mentioned before, the Great Resignation is real, and many professionals are quitting their jobs looking for better opportunities. As a result, employers are trying to attract workers away from competitors by offering higher salaries and better benefits. Before accepting a position that offers a salary that seems “too good to be true” make sure that the employer is not just reacting to the new labor demand, but instead will be able to meet the benefits and salaries that it offers long-term (even past this labor movement).
- The organization’s values no longer align with yours
The culture and values of an organization play a role in your commitment, happiness, and productivity in your role. A disconnect between you and the organization will eventually burn you out. This is the main reason some employees get into arguments with their employers and “rage quit.” If you find yourself in this situation you should bring the problem to your employer’s attention, and if a solution is not being offered you should quit before you become a victim of extreme mental, physical, or emotional burnout.
- Your ethical professionalism is being challenged
As professionals, we are held to high ethical standards. Writers do not plagiarize, designers do not steal copyrighted material, and accountants do not cook the books, just to name a few. If you are being forced to break your ethical code, then you should definitely start looking for a new position elsewhere. If you care for your career, you should avoid becoming an accomplice of criminal activity at all costs.
- Your health is being negatively affected
Your health should be number one on your list of priorities. Your career, hobbies, and way of life all depend on your ability to perform and stay healthy. Beware of extreme levels of stress. It has been proven that stress does not only affect you mentally but also has physical effects, and in extreme cases, it can lead to heart attacks. If you feel that your current job is affecting your mental, emotional, or physical health bring your concerns to your employer, if a solution is not offered then it is time to look for new opportunities.
Your career success depends on your ability to reach your goals, grow your professional worth, keep healthy, and keep your values and ethics intact. A job that does not allow you to grow professionally or affects your well-being negatively is a call for concern. It is always a good idea to first bring the problem to your employer to try to fix it from the roots, but if no solution is offered, then it is time to quit your job and look for new opportunities.
If you have decided that it is time to look for new opportunities, then read or blog “Quitting Your Job Gracefully” to learn how to quit your job in the best way possible.
Written by
Jose Caceres
Marketing Manager
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