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When to Quit Your Job – 12 Signs You Should Resign

quitting my job
Only 54% of Americans are happy in their current position. That means 46% of us are out there, spending 40+ hours a week of our waking lives doing work we don’t want to do. Of course even dream jobs have their ups and downs, and sometimes a dream job on paper turns out to be a nightmare in the home. How can you know whether to stick it out or throw in the towel? Here are 10 signs you need to quit your job.

Your Gut Wants Out

Your body communicates with you through emotions and physical sensations. If you get a knot in your stomach every time you hop in the car to go to work, or you are filled with a sense of doom when you enter the home, it’s time to leave your job. No one should feel daily dread at a position. Same goes for if you’re bored at work. If you find yourself watching the seconds tick by on the clock, scrolling through social media and the kids are driving you crazy, your job is no longer bringing you joy and that means it’s time for a change. Yes, you’re making money and supporting your life financially, but you shouldn’t trade your emotional and physical wellbeing for a job that inherently stresses you out.

If you start experiencing job creep, aren’t being appreciated for your efforts, and are constantly being overlooked or disrespected no matter how hard you work and how much you accomplish, it’s time to leave.

The Family’s Values Don’t Match Your Own

If your morals, ethics or core values are not in alignment with those of the family, it may be time to move on. If you’re working 40+ hours a week, contributing your energy and talents towards something you don’t believe in, that can be detrimental to your mental health. Think about what inspires you, what you want to contribute to the world and start searching for something that you believe in whole heartedly.

The Position Lacks Job Security

At the earliest signs that you may be let go, jump ship and start looking. Some telltale signs of job insecurity are if your hours constantly change, if other employees are being let go or if the family let you leave earlier and ask you to come in later everyday. Usually changes like this mean the family may be gearing up to clean house. It’s imperative that you start looking for new opportunities and keep your options open.

The Culture is Toxic

Toxic workplace environments can be caused by any number of factors; manipulative managers, difficult coworkers, or systemic flaws. Many times a toxic environment can be difficult to explain or even pinpoint the cause as there is usually gaslighting present. Complaints are ignored, voices are suppressed and the family lacks any sense of connection to you. If your work environment makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable for any reason, it’s time to leave. 

There’s No Room to Grow

Besides paying your bills, a huge reason for choosing a specific position is for opportunity for growth both in the job and as an individual. Most people take lower paid positions because they may get something out of it like a skill or experience in certain specific areas that they can take to their next family. Others choose jobs because they offer a clear chance to move up with the family. If you are done learning all you can from a position and there’s no room for promotion, you’re staying stagnant. No one is going to come hand you a raise and promotion from thin air. Add your new skills and experiences to your resume and look for your next family elsewhere.

You’re Being Taken Advantage Of

If you start experiencing job creep, aren’t being appreciated for your efforts, and are constantly being overlooked or disrespected no matter how hard you work and how much you accomplish, it’s time to leave. If your planned reviews keep getting pushed off or you feel like you don’t have a voice, quit sacrificing your integrity for a family that doesn’t care about you and move on to where you are valued and appreciated.

The Cons Outweigh the Pros

If you’re experiencing any of the above but are still thinking “but wait…” practice the oldest trick in the book and make a list of pros and cons. If the cons outweigh the pros, or some of the cons carry more weight than those in the pros list, it’s time to move on. There is no sense in wasting your time, talents and efforts on a negative experience. 

Quitting your job should not be taken likely. However, if you’re reading this, that may be sign enough that it’s time for you to make a change. If you feel comfortable, speak to your employer about the feelings you have regarding your job. Perhaps something can be done to make your position more satisfying. If not, or if your supervisor is one of the toxic ones, it’s time to quit your job. Reach out to us for any transitional assistance you may need.