7 Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Had an off day at work? Thinking of changing your job? Check out these 7 signs you should quit your job and see if you should be packing your stuff or not.

We all have off days at work when we don’t like our job and wish we were some other place. But how do you really know when it’s time to ‘jack-in’ your current daily grind and find a better position?

Here are my top 7 ‘alarm bell’ indicators that, if you experience on a regular basis, might mean you should be updating your resume and contacting your nearest recruitment agency.

#1 You Dread Sunday Nights

Beautiful caucasian female sitting at table with glass of water

“I like to call in sick to work at places where I’ve never held a job. Then when the manager tells me I don’t work there, I tell them I’d like to. But not today, as I’m sick.” – Jarod Kintz

This is top of the list and in theory can only be beaten if you actually dread Fridays too because you have to go back to work after the weekend. Life is too short to be having sleepless nights and panic attacks every Sunday just because you hate your job.

#2 You Feel Undervalued and Unappreciated

“He that undervalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them.” – Samuel Johnson

If, no matter how hard you try, you still feel undervalued and unappreciated, then this is a definite red flag. It sounds crazy, but when people feel underappreciated it really gets them down. And I mean really down!

A big problem with many modern day jobs is they are so compartmentalized that no matter how good you are at your job, you never get the credit you feel you might deserve. What’s even more frustrating is that you may end up just having your production figures increased and forced to work even harder!

#3 Your Core Values and Beliefs are Completely Opposite to Your Employers

Portrait of successful businesswoman and business team at office meeting

“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” – Roy E. Disney

Sure, most raw food vegans don’t go looking for jobs at the local abattoir, but there are plenty of unscrupulous companies out there prepared to fleece people (or worse) at the expense of corporate profits.

If you are an honest, decent and hard working person unfortunate enough to find yourself working for one of these immoral outfits then you might just find your conscience so racked with guilt that you simply have no choice but to take the ‘long walk to freedom.’ Trust me you’ll know if this rule applies to you very quickly!

#4 Your Relationship with Your Line Manager is Beyond Saving

“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives.”- Theodore Roosevelt

There are few things worse at work than a nightmare line manager. This type of manager cancels your leave at the last minute, demands a conference call just before you are about to catch a flight for your much needed vacation, or drops an urgent deadline on you at 5pm on a Friday night.

If you find yourself in this situation, sometimes it’s better just to leave the company. Trust me: Unless you are incredibly lucky and they go before you do, they will make your life hell. The chances are that this is actually their plan and they want you out of the way so they can employ a friend or relative.

Believe me, nepotism and cronyism are alive and well in some firms.

#5 Your Overall Health is Seriously Affected by Your Stress

“The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.”- Ellen Glasgow

It seems insane that people sacrifice their health just to stay in a crummy job they hate that barely covers their monthly rent bill, but sometimes this happens. If you find yourself working some place where your adrenaline gland is switched on to full and about to burn itself out, the best thing to do is leave and find somewhere better. After all, if you don’t have your health, what do you have?

#6 You are Universally Ignored or Disliked by Your Colleagues

Young businesswoman arguing with female colleague at office railing

“I hate feeling left out. I’d rather sit in the corner with no friends than sit with a group of people who exclude me.” –  Unknown

Humans are sociable creatures and the majority of us spend a large percentage of our time at work, so surely it’s not too much to ask that we spend it with people we get on with or actually even like. If you are currently working in an environment where the people ignore you, are passively aggressive, or even hostile, then you need to find another job. No question about it.

#7 You Have Damaged Your Reputation

“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”- Napoleon Bonaparte

We all make mistakes; nobody’s perfect! But sometimes we really screw up. You know, drink way too much at the Christmas party and embarrass ourselves in a stunningly spectacular fashion. Or maybe fall out horribly with the wrong person, or simply have a run of appallingly bad luck and find ourselves with a tarnished reputation; a social pariah with no chance of ever getting ahead.

If this happens then sadly, no matter how great the job is, the chances of being forgiven or trusted again are remote and it might be best for everyone if you leave and start afresh.

This is my list of top 7 signs you should quit your job and find something better. Of course, there are plenty more to choose from, and maybe you have your own completely different set. But whatever the reason that you feel you might want to leave your job and do something different, I suggest that you think it over carefully, seek guidance, and follow your inner voice.

Changing jobs, especially in these challenging times, should not be taken lightly – even by the boldest of YouQueens.

About the author

Eleanor Goold

As well as being an avid reader, Eleanor is also a big time animal lover; especially of dogs. If you have a tail, four legs and you bark…. you’re in! In her spare time she enjoys swimming, and vegetable gardening… but not at the same time (it can get a bit messy).

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