Life is full of difficult decisions, and perhaps one of the weightiest decisions you can make is quitting your job. Deciding to leave a job, even if it brings you security and a steady paycheck, can impact your well-being, career trajectory, and happiness.
But remember, it doesn’t have to be a negative change. Often, leaving a job — especially a toxic one — can be a positive move toward better opportunities and an improved quality of life.
Before making such a major decision, ask yourself these five essential questions to pinpoint what truly matters to you, what your current job is lacking, and what your next move should be.
1. Does your workplace negatively impact your mental and physical well-being due to toxicity or stress?
The past few years have shown us that life’s too short to stick around in a toxic work environment. While relentless negativity can wreak havoc on your mind and body, a supportive workplace can spark creativity, positivity, and productivity.
When you feel valued and supported, you’re more likely to bring your A-game to work with innovation, teamwork, and effectiveness. Take a good look at your current job for any toxic vibes and how it impacts you mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you’re constantly stressed, feeling sick, or dreading work, it might be time to swipe right on a new job.
2. Are there clear opportunities for career growth and advancement available to you?
If your job never offers opportunities to learn new skills or earn more money, you’ll eventually feel stuck. That’s why career growth is such a crucial part of our overall happiness. Without it, frustration and dissatisfaction are inevitable.
Ask yourself if there are paths for advancement with your current employer. Do they offer opportunities to learn new skills and gain industry certifications, promotions, or mentorships? If the answer is a big “no,” it might be time to find a company that values growth and advancement to help you achieve your long-term goals — and maybe even score that much-needed raise!
3. Do your personal values align with the values and culture of the company?
Working for a company that shares your values is key to feeling happy, secure, and productive. When your values align with your job, you’re more motivated and likely to stick around for the long haul.
But if your values clash with your employer’s, it’s easy to feel like a fish out of water. Feeling out of place at work can be emotionally draining and zap your passion and drive.
Think about whether your current company’s values and purpose align with your own. Do their ethics align with what you consider important? If there is a conflict in values, ethics, or culture, you need to ask yourself if those are deal-breakers.
4. Is maintaining a healthy work-life balance feasible in your current role?
Keeping a healthy work-life balance is essential if you intend to have long-term satisfaction and productivity. Burnout at work helps no one, and overworking can strain our personal relationships outside of the workplace.
Are you constantly working long hours and saying yes to work on your days off? Does your current job allow flexibility and time for personal needs? If not, it might be time to think about making some changes or even searching for a new gig that respects your downtime.
5. Are you receiving fair compensation and adequate benefits for your contributions?
All of the good vibes, great culture, and work-life balance in the world cannot make up for inadequate pay or a lack of benefits. As the cost of living rises, you need to find a career that fairly compensates you for your work to ensure your peace of mind and security.
Only you know if your salary and benefits are cutting it. If you’re constantly struggling, it might be time to look for opportunities that offer better pay, and perks may be necessary.
Deciding to quit your job requires careful consideration and evaluation of multiple factors. By asking yourself these five questions, you can more closely examine the most crucial aspects of a job — pay, benefits, job satisfaction, and your own well-being — and find a company and career path that aligns with your goals and future aspirations. Empower yourself to make each day a step towards the life and career you’ve dreamed of and deserve!
