- If you're stuck in a bad job or have been imagining working elsewhere, it can be hard to know when it's the right time to
quit . - "Don't jump if a couple of issues occur for a short period, but if they continue for months, it may be time to walk," advises Psychology Today.
- We've compiled some signs that should make you seriously consider packing up your desk for good.
Every job has its pros and cons, but if you're unhappy at work, some thoughts, feelings, and situations should make you consider quitting, according to Lynn Taylor, a
Vivian Gang contributed to a previous version of this story.
You're bored all the time
When work starts to feel too much like "work" and you feel like you're a machine, then the job might not be for you. U.S. News says that if you already know everything your coworkers will do before they do it, then it's time to go.
Although boredom is a very standard feeling, prolonged feelings of boredom while at work could lead to psychological and physical issues, such as anxiety and depression.
If you're spending most of your workday on the internet shopping or playing games, it's time to make better use of your time somewhere else.
Your skills aren't being seriously considered
We all know that sometimes you have to take whatever you can get, stick it out for a while, and, hopefully, prove to your boss that you're capable of managing more responsibilities.
But if you've been doing this for a while and you're still stuck in a position that doesn't allow you to utilize your skills per Lynn Taylor in Psychology Today, then it's time to start considering other options.
You don't envy your boss' job
Taylor says that if you can't see yourself doing anything remotely close to what your boss does every day, then there is little meaning in trying to eventually get there. Always ask yourself if you like what you see at the finish line and if you don't, get out of the race.
If it doesn't keep you motivated, then it's not your passion. This will become a cycle — if you're not doing what you love, then you'll never know what your true potential is and that will come back to haunt you later in life.
Your boss has a bad attitude
Your boss's attitude can affect more than just your time at work, it actually affects other important aspects of your life, such as marital and other intimate relationships, Business Insider's Vivian Gang previously noted based on a Forbes article and Robert Sutton's 2010 book "Good Boss, Bad Boss."
And if you've got one that's pushy, overbearing, and plays manipulative games with you, it's time to speed up that two-week process.
You don't like the people running the show
The people who run the show have a huge influence on the culture of your workplace, so if you don't like the management team's style, then you most likely won't enjoy the culture of your job, Sussanah Sneider and Rebecca Koenig noted for U.S. News & World Report.
You worry about money constantly
It's true that most of us worry about money often, but if this worry is constantly on your mind and it's not because you're a shopaholic, then maybe you're not getting paid enough, according to Taylor. If you've been at your current company long enough, request to speak to management about this. Make sure your argument as to why you should be paid more is applicable. Then, ask for an evaluation.
If the company doesn't agree that you need to be paid consistent with your workload, then it might be time to find a company that doesn't make you feel like they're doing you a favor by paying you.
In other words, make sure you're getting paid what you're worth and if you're not, then find out whether the company is open to meeting your financial needs in the near future. If this turns out to be a dead-end, then so is your job.
Your company isn't invested in you
When your company supports you and you know it, it makes a huge difference in the way you approach work and life. You'll feel compelled to give back to them. This is a healthy work relationship because trust and responsibility are involved.
In contrast, when your company isn't invested in you, then there's no room for fostering growth, Sneider and Koenig said.
Your appearance has dramatically changed, and it's not for the better
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If your job has taken a massive toll on you and it doesn't look good, it's time to reconsider some things. When you feel good or proud about something, you'll try to make yourself look your best — appearance and confidence are directly related.
So if you're experiencing significant weight gain or loss, heavier bags under the eyes, or if you've simply stopped caring about your appearance, it's obvious your job has taken a negative turn in your life.
Taylor states in Psychology Today that "stress, fear, or lack of enthusiasm can drain your energy and hurt your performance, creating a lose-lose proposition."
You're becoming an emotional wreck
Here's a sign: You're constantly hiding in the bathroom to avoid people or situations. If you're getting upset by every little thing that's happening at work, then this isn't the right fit for you, according to Tough Nickel.
Bursting into tears in the middle of the office is not a professional sight, so consider your options before even reaching this breaking point.
The company is collapsing
You don't want to leave a company you love during hard times, but if you're already experiencing a couple of signs on this list and the company's tanking, well, you might be part of the next mass exodus, Taylor advises.
Your work goals feel meaningless
It's important to ask yourself if you support the goals you are working towards in your job. If you don't believe in the work you are doing, or the way you are doing it, you won't thrive in that environment, Kathy Caprino wrote for Forbes.
Other jobs excite you
If the idea of working somewhere else makes you think about leaving your current job, it might be time to do so, per Psychology Today. This is especially true if you find yourself getting jealous of your peers working for other companies or in other industries.
You feel like you're experiencing burn out
Burnout is a clinical syndrome that occurs when prolonged stress impacts your physical and mental health, leaving you exhausted. If you feel burnt out, Psychology Today states that it might be time to quit.
You just know
If you've been talking about it for some time and you know it's the right thing to do, but you're scared of the unknown, it's time to listen to that little voice, Snider and Koenig said.
It might be a little hard at first, but at least you're opening yourself up for bigger and better things in the future.