Is It Time to Quit Your Job?
Most people can probably recall a job they had in their past where they simply couldn’t wait to be done. They fantasized about that moment of resignation and counted down the hours until they could walk out the door. In those scenarios, the question, “is it time to quit your job?” was a no-brainer.
But what about when that question simmers on the back burner? There are jobs where the situation isn’t as cut and dry. There’s no big show down with the boss, there’s no confrontational anger from co-workers, and you’re plowing through each day just fine. But the questions and doubt are still there in the back of your head. Is it time to quit your job?
The Work-Life Line is Getting Fuzzy
A great work ethic can make it somewhat unclear just where that line is between your work and your personal life. Sometimes it’s not as obvious as making a frequent habit out of coming in earlier or leaving later. The occasional workday that turns into a long work night to get a project finished isn’t by itself an outright sign that the line has been pushed too far.
Instead, you may have to really tune into self-awareness. Are you thinking about work all the time even outside the office? Is it causing a general sense of anxiety even in your home life? Do you find yourself getting sick, even with common colds, more often than you used to? Is “work-life balance” even a term you can relate to?
If you get honest with yourself and can admit that the work-life line is getting overly fuzzy, it may be worth considering what your career options are. Understandably, the answer is unique to your specific job role, industry, seniority, and more. But you can’t get around the fact that satisfaction both in work and in life are inextricably linked.
You’ve Lost All Sense of Direction
It’s one thing to be in an entry level position with big dreams about the path your career will take you. It’s quite another to be more established in your career with little sense of direction for your professional development. While some may be satisfied with that, many others feel stuck in a rut. This is especially true if your company or department offer little guidance for the future of your role with them.
If annual raises are the only changes you have to look forward to, this most likely won’t be enough to fulfill you as the years pass by. Do you have unrealized career goals and aspirations? Have your interests changed? Do the roles of your more senior colleagues excite you or leave you feeling unhopeful? What skills would you like to develop? Is your company or department staying up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
If these questions leave you uncomfortable about what your current job has to offer you in future years, it’s probably worth asking if it’s time to quit your job. And the answer quite possibly might be yes.
The Only Thing You Look Forward to Is the Paycheck
As a staffing and recruiting firm, we work with jobseekers to determine just what their motivations are in finding a new job. Not surprisingly, those who are motivated only by the paycheck are not necessarily the best fit for many of our clients. Companies want people who are passionate about their jobs, who can take initiative to help the business grow and contribute to the overall purpose and mission of the company.
However, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a position where all motivation to work has slowly dissolved with time, and the only thing left keeping you productive is financial security. At this point, it’s worth taking a look at what truly motivates you and searching out new opportunities that can actually fulfill those desires. A paycheck is nice, but it’s not the whole story.
Your Priorities Have Changed
What if, on the surface, your current position looks great? Your work-life balance is satisfactory, there’s room to grow, and each day provides a sense of accomplishment? What if that question, is it time to quit your job, is still lingering in your mind?
It’s time to get honest with yourself. When your job fills up at least a third of your day, at least five days a week, addressing your doubts are important if you want to avoid risking your long term happiness. Have you settled into a comfort zone? Have your personal life priorities changed since you started in this position? Has your life evolved significantly since you began the job so that it no longer fits? Are certain aspects of your career no longer merging well with your personality, core values, or life perspective?
Is It Time to Quit Your Job?
At the end of the day, if you’re even remotely close to approaching the thought of searching for a new job, your current situation probably needs some reevaluation. At JDP Search, we partner with jobseekers to meet their career goals and find great opportunities that fit. Contact us today to find out how we can help you find something new.
