12 Undeniable Ways To Know It’s Time To Leave Your Job

by Lisa Petsinis

Pay attention to the red flags.

How do you know if you should quit your job? It might be a gnawing feeling in your gut on Sunday evening or gradual feelings of doubt about the right fit. Other times the realization hits you between the eyes and you spurt out, “I am done.”

Many of my clients fell into a job after school only to find themselves feeling trapped in golden handcuffs. Others thought their job seemed good when they started, only to have those good reasons unravel over time and with experience.

If the pandemic has also shaken up aspects of your life, you’re not alone. What many employees are going through is a ‘Great Realization,’ that is, an awakening of sorts. They are tuning into what matters most and recognizing that life is short. You shouldn’t have to be stuck in a soul-sucking job – even if you haven’t yet identified your dream job.

If you’re looking for more happiness (and success) in your career -- and your life, here are clear signs that it’s time to walk away and move toward a much better job:

1. You dread Monday morning

The ‘Sunday Scaries’ is real. If you find your mood dropping throughout the weekend and anxiety creeping into Sunday night – maybe to the point of insomnia, you’re fearing Monday morning and you’re ruining your weekend, too.

2. You’ve hit a ceiling

If you’re longing for a promotion, but you’re doing the same things day in and out without any professional growth or you’re at the maximum of your salary range, consider your options. It may be time to move to an organization with a different career ladder and a professional growth strategy.

3. You hate your boss

A boss can make or break your work satisfaction, so if yours is making your life miserable and you don’t see them leaving anytime soon, think about whether there’s enough keeping you going otherwise. If your boss is a narcissist, though, run as far away as you can because you could end up a casualty.

4. You’re spinning your wheels

Bumping up against roadblocks can be frustrating and demoralizing, especially if it happens on a regular basis. You may wonder if it’s worth the effort to go above and beyond to make things happen. Rather than fighting the system or stagnating, find a job that provides more autonomy and an opportunity to shine.

5. You’ve lost self-confidence

Poor job fit, lack of training, or unrealistic expectations can leave you feeling unworthy. Staying in a job that doesn’t feel good is doing yourself (and others) a huge disservice. Reconnect with your strengths and make a decision to find a job that allows you to contribute them, if this is you.

6. You’re working around the clock

If you’re spending all your waking hours working and you’ve become a stranger to the important people in your life, it’s time to reassess your priorities.

Working from home doesn’t automatically solve the work-life balance dilemma, however; you might be working more hours, putting your health at risk according to the UN World Health Organization. Ask yourself if your work is worth the sacrifice to your relationships and your well-being.

7. Your values are under attack

Often when your values are affronted, emotions flare. Are you feeling like your organization is not doing enough, taking advantage, or leaving people behind?

If you find yourself venting more than smiling, it may be time to talk with your feet. Find an employer that walks the talk on its values, diversity, and inclusion strategies, and aims to create a culture in which everyone can flourish.

8. You don’t feel safe

Get in tune with your body and notice when something feels physically or emotionally unsafe. Your organization has a responsibility to provide you with safe working conditions. If you don’t think it’s meeting its baseline obligations, get help internally from a human resource professional, health and safety rep, or union steward. If your concerns aren’t remedied, it’s not worth the risk to stay.

9. Your workplace culture is getting toxic

Some workplaces are negative to the point of being toxic. If communication is restricted, employees are bullied and stressed out, blaming is the name of the game, and nastiness is on the menu, you need an exit plan. Find yourself a friendly, calm, ethical work environment in which you can feel at ease and don’t have to look over your shoulder all day long.

10. You’re undervalued and underpaid

A key engagement driver is believing that your employer cares about you. This might take the form of allowing you to work from home, having a flexible schedule, or paying you what you’re worth.

Feeling underpaid can be compounded when the cost of essential goods is on the rise and affordable housing seems out of reach. If you have a sense that you’re not being paid equitably -- or worse, feeling taken advantage of, other employers may be ready to offer you more.

11. You’re burnt out

Persistent stress and overwork can take a heavy toll physically and emotionally. If your situation is too far gone to solve, you need to put your well-being ahead of everything else.

Get professional help to increase your resilience while you decide if the situation is likely to improve or if you’re better off regrouping and making a job or career change.

12. You’ve quietly quit already

If you’ve checked out of your job, doing only enough to get by, and disconnecting from your colleagues, your body might be keeping the chair warm, but you’re not living.

Some people can work to live, while others live to work. Quiet quitting might feel like a good temporary solution, but it’s detrimental to your overall career success and happiness.

You don’t have to settle or sacrifice your soul for a job you no longer love. If any of the above is true for you – and especially if multiple signs are showing up, it’s time to get a plan together to move on.

What to Do Next Once You Decide to Quit Your Job

Making a decision to leave your work can be daunting, and during a period of economic or life instability, it can be even more nerve-wracking to contemplate. There is never a perfect time for a change, but when the writing is on the wall and the consequences of staying are too stark to ignore, preparing to leave your job is a sensible move.

Doing nothing is a choice.

If you stay, the risk is that you’ll keep on getting what you’re getting now, and if you’re miserable already, your work future could be bleak.

If you decide to leave for good reasons, you can choose to learn from the experience and believe in yourself and better days ahead. It can sometimes take courage to leave, but the hope of greater work joy, meaning, and success can make it worth any lingering doubts. My clients frequently tell me, “I want to move toward something, not just away from my current job.”

You deserve to be happy at work, but I don’t recommend up and quitting a horrible job without a plan. Getting clear about your reasons for leaving – and accepting them with compassion – can be the first step.

From there, take stock of what matters to you, as well as what gives you energy and lights you up. Having a partner on the journey of creating a clear vision of what you want, unleashing your strengths, tapping into your purpose, exploring your options, and building your confidence can then make all the difference in gaining momentum with your career and improving your quality of life.

Lisa Petsinis is a former HR leader turned ICF-credentialed life and career transformation coach who works with individuals who want to ditch their soul-sucking jobs, figure out what to do with their lives, and go after their ideal work so they can live with less stress and more joy, meaning, and success.