To Quit or Not to Quit: 5 Reasons to Consider Before Walking Out of Your Job

We have all had days when going to work feels like a prison sentence. It is a common experience to feel trapped at work, with a boss that is hardly humane, colleagues that behave badly and a pile of work that never stops accumulating on the desk. It is a tempting thought to just walk out and quit a job that weighs heavy on your soul. However, before handing in that letter of resignation, it is wise to consider a few reasons why you should hang in there for a little while longer.

1. Quitting without another job lined up can induce panic mode

Quitting a job without another job lined up can lead to panic and desperation, which is not ideal when you are starting a business or looking for another job. It is essential to be in the right frame of mind, confident and able to take time to find the right next opportunity. Potential clients and employers can easily sense desperation and it will put them off.

Adequate planning and preparation are essential before making a move. Wait until you earn enough money from your side business to pay for your bills or until you have a new job offer. This will put you in a better position to make a decision that is right for you.

2. You might quit for the wrong reasons

Sometimes the reason for our unhappiness at work is not the entire job, but rather one aspect of it, like a particular co-worker. Before making a decision to quit, take time to analyze your reasons. Ask yourself if it is the entire job or a particular aspect that is making you unhappy. Can it be changed? Who can help you change it?

A good tip is to try and isolate yourself or limit interactions with colleagues who make work unbearable. Any small improvement can lead to a happier and more productive work environment.

3. You could miss out on great learning opportunities

There are massive benefits in taking time to think about your next move before leaving your current job. Strategize your departure by thinking about what you would like to do next in your career. What skills and experience does your planned next step require? Can you start building this experience at your current job? Is there a particular company you want to work with? Start creating connections with these companies immediately.

Building the skills and connections required for your next career move while still at your current job can set you up for success in the future.

4. Some of the toughest challenges can become the highlight of your career

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing challenges can be daunting but quitting should not be the first option. When in the middle of a challenging situation, it is natural to feel uncomfortable, want to escape or give up.

However, perseverance can lead to lifelong growth and development. What seemed hard and uncomfortable can become the highlight of your career. It can be beneficial to ask yourself the following questions before making a decision to leave. Are you learning new skills? Are you becoming better at the challenge? Are people you seek help from supportive? Can you get more training to help you cope better?

5. Your current job can develop a key element of success

One of the best predictors of success in life is resilience. How capable you are of rising above tough challenges is key to succeeding in life. Most importantly, resilience tends to work like a muscle, getting stronger with each hurdle that is faced.

It is, therefore, essential to view a challenging period at work as an opportunity to build your emotional resilience muscle. This can help you deal with future challenges in life effectively.

While there are valid reasons to stick to a job, there are as many reasons why one should quit. If the job is making you ill, creating anxiety or if you are in a toxic or abusive situation, it might be time to move on. Trust your gut instinct, and if the situation is unbearable, handwriting that resignation letter in a professional manner might be the best route.

In conclusion, before deciding to sashay out of a structured environment, consider the options available to you. Whether staying or leaving the job, take time to plan strategically and wisely. Create a folder of where you would like to be in the next few years, do not burn bridges, and be patient, the progression will come. Ultimately, remember to take care of yourself, mental health and wellbeing are key to any success in life.