Should I Quit My Job? Things to Consider Before You Resign

Quitting your job can be a scary prospect. It’s a big decision to make and it can feel like there are a lot of unknowns.

But sometimes, quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself and for your career advancement.

If you’re thinking about quitting but aren’t sure if it’s the right move, consider the following signs to decide whether or not it’s time to move on to bigger and better things.

Signs it’s time to quit your job

Lack of growth opportunities in the workplace

If you feel like you’re stuck in a dead-end job with no opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge, expertise, or skill sets, this job may not have what you need to continue evolving both personally and professionally.

You’re not being challenged in your role

If you find yourself getting bored at work and feel stuck doing the same thing day in and day out with no challenges, it’s definitely time to talk to your boss about giving you more responsibility — and if that doesn’t work, add this to your list of reasons to quit and find something new.

Lack of fulfillment in your role

If you’re just going through the motions day in and day out without any sense of fulfillment or enjoyment from your work, it may be time to find a job that better suits your interests, values, and passions.

Toxic workplace culture

Though often overlooked, workplace culture is an important factor in job satisfaction. If you don’t feel like you fit in with the company culture or if the culture is toxic, it can make going to work every day extremely stressful and a drain on your mental health.

Not being paid fairly

Keeping up with the latest industry trends and knowing the average salary ranges for someone in your position is a good way to know if you’re being paid fairly. If you’re being paid below the industry average or you’ve been turned down for a salary raise, it may be time to start looking for a new job.

Better job opportunities elsewhere

If you’ve been approached by a recruiter or have been given a job offer from another company, it may be worth hearing them out to see if the new opportunity is a better fit for you than your current job. If making more money is your main priority, changing jobs frequently could be the way to go.

Unmanagable workloads

Unmanageable workloads can be a sign of larger problems within the company, such as understaffing or unrealistic expectations. If you’re constantly working long hours and feel like you’re unable to keep up, it’s time to talk to your boss about changing your workload or finding a new job.

Poor work-life balance

A good work-life balance is important for maintaining your mental health and well-being. If you’re finding that your work is constantly encroaching on the time you spend with family and friends or engaging in activities you enjoy outside of work, it’s a sign that something needs to change.

How to make a graceful exit from your job

Write a letter of resignation

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to quit your job, the next step is to write a letter of resignation. Include the date of your last day, what position you’re resigning from, and a brief explanation of why you’re leaving.

Give notice to your workplace

While two weeks’ notice is standard, giving more notice — even up to a month — is always appreciated. If you have a good relationship with your boss, tell them in person that you’re resigning and why.

Meet with your manager

If you have a meeting with your manager to discuss your resignation, be sure to come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have. This is also a good time to talk about what projects you’re working on and how you can help transition them to someone else.

Wind down your role after you quit

Before leaving your job, make sure to tie up any loose ends and finish any projects you’re working on. You want to leave on good terms, so making sure you finish everything you’re responsible for is key.

Transfer knowledge to others

Before leaving your job, take the time to transfer your knowledge to someone else on your team. This could be anything from teaching them how to use a certain software program to showing them how you complete your daily tasks.

Do an exit interview

If your company offers exit interviews, take the opportunity to give feedback about your time at the company. This is a chance to talk about what you liked and didn’t like about your job, as well as any suggestions you have for improving the workplace.

Don’t burn bridges on your way out

While you may be tempted to vent all your frustration about your job as you’re leaving, it’s important to resist the urge. You never know when you may need a reference from someone at your old job, so it’s best to keep things civil.

Final thoughts on quitting your job

Quitting your job is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. If you’re considering quitting, make sure to ask yourself the tough questions and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. And if you do decide to quit, following the steps above will help you make a graceful exit from your job.

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For a complete breakdown of all the top Tech, Digital Marketing, and Creative salaries, download our 2022 Salary Guide across Tech, Creative & Digital Marketing.

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