Should I Quit My Job? 5 Signs You May Be Ready to Resign

At some point in all our lives, we have most likely asked ourselves, "Should I quit my job?" If you're experiencing the challenging decision to let go of a career that once held purpose, you're not alone. Millions of U.S. workers resigned from their jobs since 2020 under a trend otherwise known as the "Great Resignation."

So why do people leave their jobs? Research shows that common reasons for quitting include low pay, no opportunities for advancement, and feeling disrespected at work. Maybe you're looking for a better salary or benefits, a healthier work-life balance, or a more rewarding career. While these may be valid reasons to quit your job, you should approach your decision with careful thought and strategy.

Before exiting your current employment, it's helpful to weigh up the pros and cons and look at what's influencing your decision. Consider these points before rushing down the road to resignation:

• What is motivating you to leave, and is it within your control to change?
• Write down the pros and cons of staying in your job. Are you being realistic with your decision?
• Are there ways you can create more flexibility in your current job? Have you talked with your boss about negotiating a better schedule?
• Have you asked for a raise or promotion?
• Have you discussed your situation with friends and family?
• Do you have another job lined up? If not, are you financially stable enough to be without work until you find a new job?

After reflecting on these points, are you still questioning, "Should I quit my job?" If leaving your current position makes you feel happier and more aligned with your greater purpose, this may be the right time to strike out on a new career path. Here are some common reasons you may be ready to quit your job, along with ways to improve your situation:

1. You're Not Getting Paid What You're Worth

Earning a lower salary than you deserve is understandably a good reason to leave a job. Even though money isn't everything, it does pay the bills. You also deserve to feel valued in the work that you do. However, before writing your resignation letter, have you taken the time to research all your options? Here are a few things you can do to try and resolve your dilemma:

• Carefully research the pay rate for your position and the location where you work. Use this information and compare it to your current pay to determine if it's time to move on.
• Take into consideration your benefits, such as vacation or sick pay, insurance, and retirement plan, as these all contribute to your total compensation.
• Try to negotiate a higher salary with your boss based on your research. You can also show how your contributions and performance add value to the company.

2. You Don't Feel Supported

If you're feeling unappreciated or under-supported in your current role, the question of "Should I quit my job?" is justifiable for many reasons. When you receive positive feedback and praise from your peers and managers, it increases your motivation and productivity, which leads to better job satisfaction.

If you feel as though your workplace undervalues your dedication and passion for your job, you may begin to take on a negative outlook. Maybe you're getting frequent criticism, or your co-workers won't listen to your opinions or ideas. This can make you worry about your job security or ability to get a promotion and ultimately lead to you wanting to quit. The good news is that there are ways for you to address this situation before throwing in the towel. Try the following:

• Ask for feedback from a trusted colleague to gain a different perspective. Maybe you can develop some strategies together to address your challenges.
• Learn how to use your emotional intelligence in the workplace to manage your situation more effectively.
• Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor to discuss your feelings. You can request a performance assessment and talk about your progress and any areas in which you can improve.
• If the above options bear no fruit, consider whether the lack of support is a result of the company’s culture and therefore, what kind of culture you would like to move to in a new job.

3. Your Role Changes Unreasonably

It's not uncommon for businesses to completely restructure their team for reasons such as cutbacks, mergers, or acquisitions. However, if you find yourself in a position where your employer has acted unfairly or unreasonably in their changes to your role and salary, you may be asking, "Should I quit my job?" This situation can easily throw you off your groove at work, causing you to feel overwhelmed and anxious. But before you let the panic set in, consider the following:

• If you signed a work contract, look this over to see the terms and agreements. You can also refer to the employment laws in your state to see if your employer’s actions were reasonable from this perspective.
• Give yourself time to really think about the change. Compile a list of questions and discuss the matter with an HR manager or your supervisor. You can also ask yourself if the changes are beneficial to your career goals or if they misalign with what you want professionally.
• Reach out to co-workers that you trust. They may be in a similar position and could offer support to help plan your next steps.

4. The Workplace Culture is Toxic or Misaligned with Your Values

This is one of the most common reasons to quit a job. When you find yourself in a toxic work environment or your company's leadership style doesn't align with your values or purpose, it can have a negative impact on both your mental and physical health. It can also lead to fatigue, lack of motivation, and stifled professional growth. While it may seem very tempting to resign, explore some of these options first:

• Have a conversation with your leadership or human resources manager. You may discover problems or issues that you were not aware of before.
• If rude or abusive colleagues surround you, consider if relocating to another department or team is realistic.
• Talk to a trusted, neutral third-party or support group to gain a different perspective. This can help identify blind spots and improve your ability to problem-solve.

However, as we mentioned, a toxic workplace culture can have many negative effects so, we certainly don’t recommend staying in one if you cannot find a way to improve your experience. If you decide that the culture is not for you, be sure to take the time to get clear on what you’re looking for in your next work environment.

5. You're Burnt Out

Is burnout and stress on your list of good reasons to quit a job? If your job has lost its luster and you feel like the long hours, pressure and anxiety aren't worth it anymore; you're not alone. Every day, people quit their jobs due to the emotional exhaustion and chronic stress of demanding roles. However, if burnout is causing you to ask, "Should I quit my job?" there are ways to improve your situation through self-awareness and self-discipline. Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Try working more efficiently by prioritizing your responsibilities and projects. Also, do your best to minimize distractions to concentrate on the more essential tasks.
• Ask for help when you need it. If your duties seem overwhelming or excessive, write them down and discuss them with your supervisor. This way, you may be able to delegate tasks or request assistance.
• Take time for self-care and rest. Taking care of your mental health and engaging in activities that allow you to regain balance can offset the feeling of burnout. Try a new hobby, meditation, or sit down and read a book.
• Find out what, if any, services and resources your company offers to help you with your mental health at work. Maybe your benefits include therapy sessions or occupational health assessments.

Again, we urge you to take your mental health seriously and never stay in a work environment that you feel you are unable to cope with any longer. If you are experiencing signs of burnout, please talk to a trusted professional such as your medical provider or a therapist. If you decide that your burnout is specific to you current job, start exploring other options for roles in which you can thrive.

Find Your New Calling on Monster

If you're still asking, "Should I quit my job?" it may be time to start looking for a new opportunity. Monster is here to help you with that. Start by creating a free profile and peruse our job listings. When you upload your resume, we help connect you with recruiters looking for candidates with your skills. We can also send you job alerts and expert career advice to help you find a new position that you’ll love.