Is it Time to Quit Your Job?

Working in IT, I’ve seen a LOT of resignations over the past twelve months. Certainly from my point of view, The Great Resignation is alive and well. 

And being a career coach in that environment, means I’ve had a lot of conversations about do I stay or do I go?

So I felt like it was about time I summarised those conversations for you.

Whether you’re considering quitting or not, I do think it’s a good idea to check in on whether your job is still working for you. 

Meaning even if you’re not thinking about leaving, this blog is still worth a read. 

The main thing to keep in mind is only you can know what feels like the right move for you. What that gut instinct is telling you.

By asking yourself these questions, you can tap into that intuition.

Maybe all of your answers indicate you should stay but that idea makes you want to burst out of your skin.

Or even though logic says it’s time to go, you really want to stay and be a part of the next chapter. Recognising it might be a rough ride for awhile but there are opportunities within the turmoil. 

So use the questions to guide your reflection. To dig in to your decision. And equally watch out for your emotional reaction and add that information into your choice.

Why did you take the job in the first place?

Think back to when you accepted the role, what made you say yes?

With my current job (which I love), the main things that attracted me to it were the role being team based, project focused and I could imagine myself being friends with the people that interviewed me.

When things have been rocky with the resignations, I’ve reflected on whether those things still exist.

Do I still like the work? Do I enjoy the people? Am I growing? Do I have the support I want in place?

The reasons you said yes to your role, is the foundation that your job is built on. And even if you’ve never thought too hard about your career before, you at least based that decision on something. 

Which makes it an easy place to start with your reflection. 

So why did you say yes?

When considering if the reason you joined is still there, also consider the timeframe.

Is it temporarily absent? Or is it likely to stay that way? Are you ok with how long you might need to ride the wave before things improve? Do you have control over bringing it back?

Also think about whether it’s still important to you. Maybe now, you prioritise other things (more on that soon).

What are you staying for?

To be balanced in your reflection, you need to consider what are the positives to your current position.

We’re getting beyond the reasons you joined the company originally. It’s about what you’ve uncovered and experienced about being there now you’re on the inside.

Maybe it’s the way they invest in people. The opportunity to have certifications paid for.

You could love the camaraderie of the people. Or be excited by the possibility of a promotion.

The values the company upholds. The way they interact with the community. 

This is where your shifted priorities come into your thought process. If you’ve been somewhere for awhile, it might not be the company that you first joined. Or you might not have the same team or responsibilities anymore.

Some things will have changed for the better, some things maybe for the worse. So consider all of that evaluation and identify what is still working for you.

It’s important to recognise what you might be leaving behind. Partly so you don’t get hit with instant regret when you hand in your resignation letter and partly because it’s really useful information on what to look for if you do go.

Why are you considering quitting? 

Because everyone else is. Because you’re bored. Because you feel like you could make more money elsewhere.

Understanding WHY you’re thinking about leaving is essential for two reasons:

1. Recognising what needs to change if you choose to stay where you are
2. Knowing what you need to look for in a new job if you choose to leave

So either way you go, this is something you need to identify.

More importantly it helps you sense check if your reason for wanting to quit is valid.

When it’s out in the open, you can interrogate your thinking.

Is it true? Does that matter? Is this a story I’m telling myself? What have I tried to try and change the situation? Am I leaving to escape something or to move toward something else?

No right or wrong answers here, simply understanding your underlying motivations and whether you’re being true to yourself.

What is your hesitation?

Sometimes the only reason we don’t quit is fear.

We’re avoiding the job searching process.

We worry that another job will be even worse than the situation we’re in.

Subconsciously we don’t think we’re good enough for something better. 

Changing jobs is a move into the unknown and our brain’s default is to avoid the unknown at all costs.

So it comes up with all sorts of creative thought patterns to help us stay in the familiar. It helps us to not acknowledge just how bad a situation is just to cope.

I had a job in London where I was sick to my stomach going to work everyday for months. And it was only when I quit that I actually clicked that work was causing that anxiety. Our brains are that powerful.

Not saying you’re in denial about your situation, but it’s worth considering if fear is causing you to not evaluate clearly. 

If you can acknowledge what you’re afraid of, then you are empowering yourself to deal with it.

Is it time to quit your job?

Once you’ve made your decision, it’s unlikely to feel clear cut.

You’re going to still experience doubts. 

Someone else will resign and you’ll question your decision to stay.

You’ll work on something super fun and fulfilling and wonder why you’re spending your evenings applying for jobs.

This is particularly true once you decide to start looking but having actually resigned from your current role. There’s still time to turn back.

Flip flopping back and forth is a killer. The indecision is a major energy suck. 

Once you decide, stay DECIDED. 

Sometimes it can take exploring an option, having a conversation, taking the interview to really know what you want to do.

But once you’re at the point, be all in.

Put everything you’ve got into your job search. Or focus your energy on maximising your current role.

This is where career coaching comes in. Someone is giving your accountability to your decision. Helping you set actions towards your chosen outcome. Reminding to refocus when you start to doubt your path. And even helping you recognise when you’ve changed your mind.

Book a consult call to chat about where you’re at in considering moving on and how coaching can move you forward.

Are you ready to quit your job but not sure what you’re looking for?

Define Your Dream Job is my completely FREE three part training designed guide you to getting clarity on what you want in your career. Start your job search with confidence, knowing exactly what you’re looking for. Get the training here.