Quit That Job You Hate… Maybe

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Are you finding yourself questioning whether you should stay in your current job? You're not alone. Deciding to leave a job is a major life decision and can be incredibly stressful. Here's a guide to help you evaluate whether it's time to move on and some practical steps to take if you decide to quit.

Here’s why/when you should quit…

Are you getting enough sleep?

If work is affecting your sleep patterns negatively, it might be a sign that the stress and demands are too high.

Dreaming about work?

Is your job invading your dreams? This could be a clear indication that your work-life balance is off.

Are you eating?

If stress from work is impacting your appetite, it's a serious red flag.

Are you thinking about work off the clock?

Constantly thinking about work when you're not working is a sign that you might need to reconsider your job situation.

Are there legal/ethical issues in your workplace?

If your workplace is involved in questionable practices, it's time to assess your role in such an environment.

Does it align with your values?

Your job should align with your personal values. If there's a conflict, it might be time to move on.

Is it throwing a wrench in your relationships?

Work should not interfere with your personal relationships. If it is, it’s worth considering a change.

Thinking, “Is it really that bad?”

Don’t gaslight yourself. If you find yourself constantly questioning your reality, think about how you'd feel if a friend shared these issues with you. What advice would you give them?

Safety & psychological safety

Are you physically safe at work? Have there been instances of verbal or physical violence or threats? Any harassment? If so, get out of there!!

Health

Consider the social determinants of health, stress, trauma, lack of breaks, labor law violations, human rights violations, and/or violations of company policy.

Are you upset more than you are happy?

If you dread going to work regularly, it's a strong signal that something needs to change.

Emotional wellbeing

Are you frequently crying after work or engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking or overeating?

Photo by Luis Villasmil

Practical Questions

Financial Security

Evaluate your financial situation. Can you afford to quit your job without another lined up?

Job Market

How is the job market in your field? Will it be easy or difficult to find a new job?

Structure & free time

Having a daily routine is crucial, especially after leaving a job. How will you structure your days?

How long can you be unemployed before it’s an issue?

Assess how long you can go without a steady income.

Making the decision

Keep a list of boundaries and non-negotiables

Track when these are pushed or violated. Are these reasonable and realistic? Can they be met in another workplace?

Photo by Ron Lach:

Before you quit

Most important: Document everything

This can be helpful for reality checking with yourself and for any issues that may require mediation or litigation.

LinkedIn & Resume & portfolio updates

Optimize your profile and resume. Even if your application isn’t going through an ATS, refrain from using flashy colors and fonts. Focus on action-based language, achievements, and quantitative descriptors.

Cover Letter

Prepare a general cover letter that you can customize for each role you apply to.

Applying for new jobs

Create a goal, a spreadsheet, and a networking plan. Apply for more jobs than you think you should.

Interview Preparation

Use resources like YouTube, TikTok, and role-playing with friends to prepare. Remember: interviews are a two-way process.

Quiet Quitting

Have you tried doing the bare minimum? If you’re unhappy because you’re going above and beyond, consider revisiting your performance and expectations with your supervisor.

Highly Recommended: Talk to your therapist

Keep a pros and cons list and share it with your therapist. Discuss your concerns, wins, and areas for improvement.

Review employment law

Talk to an employment lawyer, especially if you believe your rights or laws were violated.

Reach out to your community outside of work

Do you have friends, peers, mentors, parents, or other loved ones you can talk to?

Making the decision to quit a job is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary for your health, well-being, and overall happiness. Evaluate your situation carefully, seek advice, and make the decision that's best for you.