Time for a Change: 7 Signs it’s Time to Quit Your Job

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We spend approximately a third of our life working. With that kind of investment in time, it’s important that our jobs be something we enjoy doing and truly worth that large chunk of our lives. However, sometimes the job we presently have doesn’t meet our daily expectations, brings us satisfaction, or is devoid of any joy. When the routine and hustle lacks meaning and is unable to create an impact on our purpose, this is when we need to make a change.

So, how do you know it’s the right time? To help you make that important life decision, we share seven signs it’s time to quit your job.

You live for the days that you are off and dread the days you have to work

Sure, we are all working for the weekend, but if you actually dread going into work that is not good. No job is perfect every day and there are always times when going to work is simply not the most fun thing in the world. If you truly hate going to your job to the point of being overwhelmed, it’s time to consider quitting.

There is no opportunity for growth or the only growth opportunities just don’t appeal to you

“Where do you see yourself in five years” is a common interview and review question. If you ask yourself this and think about your job—either there is no where you can advance to, or the only advancement roles for you do not interest you, then it’s time to consider quitting your job. Not having a destination on your work journey will lead to boredom and even resentment, something that is not only bad professionally, but simply isn’t healthy.

You are in a toxic work environment

Your boss is a nightmare, you have awful coworkers, and nothing about your situation is ever getting better. This is a surefire sign that it is time to consider quitting your job. Not only is it difficult to work in a negative environment, but you are spending much of your life in this environment. You don’t need that kind of stress and negativity—so consider the level of toxicity into your decision.

Your income is not keeping up with the amount of work required of you

Have you been expected to work more, harder, or longer hours but haven’t seen your compensation change accordingly? In some situations (such as your company downsizing) this is fairly normal and temporary, but it may also simply be your employer taking advantage of your productivity. If you’re not being paid in accordance to your work, it is time to consider quitting your job for something that will pay you more appropriately.

Disliking your job is having negative impact on your life outside of work

If your job is causing you so much stress that your non-work relationships are being affected or your health is taking a hit that is a clear sign it is time to consider quitting your job. Researchers have discovered that hating your job is not only a major reason to quit, but impacts your health. In a study from Australian National University, associate professor Peter Butterworth stated that people unhappy in their jobs were likely to have mental health issues, compared to those without a job. In addition, previous researched discovered people unhappy also presented elevated blood pressure.

There are obvious signs of trouble with your company

If you are working for a retailer that is downsizing, this might create mental tension and anxiety in your daily life. Has your company been suffering losses for a little while with no turn around? Have there been layoffs? While these aren’t guarantees that your job is circling the drain, these are pretty good indicators that things are in trouble and now would be a good time to look at getting out.

You just aren’t happy

Sometimes the biggest indicator that it’s time to move on isn’t a worst-case scenario. Sometimes the best sign you aren’t doing the right thing for the right company is that you just aren’t happy. If that’s the case, it’s time to move on and find a job that makes you happy. If you are intending for a career that is purposeful and fulfills you, focus on your interests rather than your qualifications. In the end, it’s up to you to find the job of your dreams. Know what makes you happy and do something about it—there’s no telling how far up you will head!