Should I Quit My Job? Here’s How To Evaluate Your Options

According to iHire’s 2021 Talent Retention Report, 31.4% of survey respondents voluntarily quit their jobs in the past year. If you’re also considering leaving your organization, you might be wondering how to determine if it’s the best career move for you.

Every job comes with ups and downs, and the key is deciding which challenges are worth it and which ones are not. Through careful deliberation, you’ll be able to assess whether quitting your job is right for you, and when to quit your job if resigning is in your future.

Should I Quit My Job?

It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of quitting your job before giving two weeks’ notice and handing over your resignation letter. Review the following guidance on when to quit your job prior to making your big decision.

When to Quit Your Job

You Can't Grow Professionally

Working toward your employee development goals and acquiring new skills are critical to job satisfaction. Most employees want to know there is room for career advancement and growth within their company. If there is little to no opportunity for achieving your employee development goals or advancing your career in your current position, then it’s time to start looking for another job.

Your Culture and Values Differ from the Organization's

Cultural fit leads to your success at work. If you’re unhappy with the workplace culture or the organization’s values don’t align with yours, then it might be a sign that it’s time to move on.

You See Lots of Turnover

Employers that appreciate the benefits of employee retention will embrace practices to recruit and retain top talent. So, if there is a revolving door of people coming and going, it’s rarely a good sign. Try to figure out why people are leaving. Is it because of a toxic culture? Are they unhappy with management? Are they unhappy with their pay or benefits? Understanding why people are leaving will help guide your decision.

You're Seeking a Career Change

You might be looking for a career change that cannot occur in your work environment. If so, it’s a valid reason to apply for jobs that fit the change you desire to make.

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

Reasons Not to Quit Your Job

You Aren't "Always" Happy

No job is perfect, and no one is happy at work all the time. If you’re fulfilled at work more days than not, you might want to stick around. If you’re going through a rough patch, allow some time for it to pass and identify whether there are ways to improve your circumstances, such as speaking with your manager about your concerns. If the dissatisfaction goes on for weeks or months at a time, then quitting your job makes sense.

You Don't Get Along with Someone

Yes, having positive working relationships makes going to work more enjoyable. However, you’re not going to love your coworkers all of the time. If you enjoy working with them (your manager, coworkers, clients, etc.), consider it a positive aspect of your work environment.

You're Feeling Burned Out

When you’re feeling burned out, check to ensure it’s the work and not the fact that you need to be taking better care of yourself. Take some vacation or paid time off to assess your situation and gain some clarity. You may even choose to speak with a career counselor, mental health professional, or career advisor for guidance.

You Might be Able to Get What You Want

If you’re considering leaving for reasons that might be “fixable,” it could be worth it to stay. In other words, work with your employer to see if they can meet your needs (more pay, more time off, flexible schedule, team building, career development, etc.) before jumping ship.

Your Tenure is Less Than a Year

When job seekers submit resumes that highlight a lot of short-tenured positions, it raises a red flag for recruiters. How long to stay at a job is ultimately up to you, though it’s generally best to avoid leaving a job after six months or less. If a future hiring manager sees long periods of time spent at a company on your resume, they'll be less concerned that you're a frequent "job-hopper."

Exit on a Positive Note

If you’ve concluded that the answer is “Yes” to the question, “Should I quit my job?” your next move is to plan how and when to quit your job. Provide your two weeks’ notice (whenever possible) to resign verbally and in a formal resignation letter. Play it cool before your departure and offer to support the transition before your last day of work. Taking these steps will help you avoid burning bridges so you can leave on a positive note.

For additional career advice regarding questions like, “Should I quit my job?” and similar topics, refer to iHire’s Job Seeker Resource Center.