One of the most difficult choices people face is knowing when to quit their job. Quitting employment has a lot of emotion tied to it which can lead people to holding on too long. In the end, their failure to make changes can result in a stagnant career with very little growth.
There was a time when people joined companies and stayed with them until retirement. Investing in the company was a two-way street as the company invested in its employees with benefits and retirement packages. Over time, there was a shift in how companies hired and maintained employment and it became less and less common to spend fifteen to twenty, or more, years with one company.
Should You Consider a Career Move?
If you are trying to manage your career you may be wondering whether or not to change employment from time to time. Is it beneficial for you to quit one position to improve your career? It might be! Sometimes quitting can improve your career. Here are some important things to consider.
Consideration- Is your current position developing the right skills?
If your current employment isn’t expanding on your skill set and increasing your marketability, it may be time to make a shift. Your skills should be consistently improving and broadening throughout your career. If you are in a situation where you can’t or aren’t growing, it may be time to quit for a position where you can.
Consideration- Is your current work culture healthy?
If you love your line of work, but are working in a toxic environment, it may be time to quit. What you do is just as important as who you do it with. Working under dysfunctional management or in a hostile environment can affect your mental and physical health. If you are unable to affect change in the culture of the workplace, it may be best to find a healthier place to work.
Consideration- Do you have room to grow?
If your current workplace doesn’t have anywhere to promote, it could be a problem. Hitting a ceiling of employment can limit your income and your personal satisfaction. As costs rise, your income may stay the same when there’s nowhere to promote. Finding employment where there’s room to grow and encouragement to do it can make growing with a company possible.
Consideration- Would you benefit from a radical change?
Sometimes our goals and interests change. What we started out doing for a career may not hold our interest. Sometimes change is exactly what we need for a new phase of life or change in interests. Quitting to pursue something new could elevate your career and your personal interest in how you earn a living.
Things to Think About BEFORE You Quit
While the idea of quitting may ignite your sense of adventure, there are a few things to consider before handing in your resignation.
Make a plan before you quit
It’s important to know what your next steps are going to be before you quit. Whether it’s going back to school, getting a new certification or joining a new company, have a plan in order to avoid disrupting your lifestyle.
Don’t burn bridges
Leaving should be a positive experience. Even if you are leaving a toxic environment, it’s best to leave on the best terms possible. Avoid quitting with no notice and withhold any negative feelings that could influence future references you may need.
Make certain you’re moving forward
Quitting to advance your career should be a step forward rather than lateral or backward. Be sure that your next steps are going to enhance your skills, income, or your overall career before you make changes.
You may feel badly about wanting to quit your current position for something new. Be confident in your decision to better yourself by making strategic moves that improve your career.