Over 25% of people quit their job at some point in 2021.
There’s a collective shift happening here in the U.S. and around the world. People are no longer willing to put up with behaviors, or work environments, that don’t serve them.
Admittedly, it’s a privileged place to be. But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also pretty inspiring: Many workers have decided to reevaluate what matters most.
Why Most Employees Quit Their Jobs
A 2019 Workplace Satisfaction Survey asked jobseekers why they were looking for other roles. Conducted by the Addison Group, participants shared the following:
81% were dissatisfied in their current position.
79% were overlooked for a promotion.
43% were unhappy with their career trajectory.
3% cited problems with their manager or direct supervisor.
The survey also claimed that 69% of respondents were optimistic about securing a new position. If this sounds like you, just remember to avoid burning bridges when moving on from a job.
Generally, it’s standard to give two weeks’ notice. And while, in some cases, this might not be possible—especially if you’re in a dangerous situation—you’ll want to try to be flexible. This will help preserve the relationship and increase your chances of getting a positive reference.
So if you too are thinking about resigning, please know that you’re not alone. And consider the 12 following reasons you might consider quitting your job:
1. The company culture doesn’t resonate.
Don’t overlook the importance of your work environment. A mismatched, negative, or even toxic work culture can make a job that sounds great quite difficult to deal with. Since this can take a huge toll on your overall health, you’ll want to look into either working to improve the situation, or leaving the company altogether.
2. Your salary is too low.
Compensation isn’t the only factor to consider, though it’s definitely important. Your salary should reflect your experience, qualifications, location, and years with the company. If that doesn’t seem to be the case—or if you find that people in similar roles are earning significantly more than you—you’ll want to either negotiate or move on entirely.
3. You’ve experienced a life change.
Major life changes like having a baby, or moving across the country, make even the most longstanding employees reconsider their work situation. If the circumstances demand you take time off, find a remote position, or search for a role in your new city, then don’t feel bad about quitting your job. Instead, make the most of this new chapter, and look for an opportunity that aligns with your new life.
4. You want to change industries.
So you went to school for criminal justice, or maybe fashion design, but now you want to work in law, agriculture, or another new yet enticing industry. This is perfectly valid. And if you feel compelled to follow those new career goals, then go ahead and do so (with a solid plan in place, of course). Whether you’re going back to school or simply looking for another position, you’re well within your rights to quit.
5. You feel unappreciated.
Workers can’t expect constant praise. They should expect some praise, though. After all, if you feel nothing you do is ever good enough, then you may start to question your job performance. This is a challenging place to be—so start by having a discussion with your supervisor. And if you feel that doesn’t go anywhere, then by all means, start searching for your next role.
6. There’s no room for growth.
Frustrated that you were passed up for a promotion (yet again)? Feel as though you’re rushing through every project, despite your better judgment, to meet deadlines that just aren’t realistic? Situations like these may indicate there’s no room for growth in your current role. And while you don’t need to storm out in a huff, it won’t hurt to start exploring what else is out there.
7. You dread coming to work each day.
Our bodies don’t lie. If you struggle to sleep at night, experience chronic stress, and actually dread coming to work each day, then you’re probably on to something. Clearly, your work environment isn’t quite right for you, and you’d be better off in a different position—or at a different company entirely. Staying in a job you hate isn’t worth harming your physical or mental health.
8. Your reputation is in limbo.
Whether you’re fighting with your boss, constantly calling in sick out of apathy, or struggling to meet deadlines, you know where this road ends—and it’s not good. Rather than letting the quality of your work suffer, and risking getting fired, take the high road and put in notice. You don’t want to let your reputation slip, and hurt your chances of finding a better role.
9. You feel your morals are being compromised.
If you find your ethics are at complete odds with your superior’s—or your company’s, for that matter—run. Your integrity matters, and you don’t want to sit back and participate in someone else’s shoddy values or full-on dishonesty. Start by having a conversation, and then move quickly if you feel you’re still participating in a breach of ethics.
10. You don’t get along with your boss.
We’ve all had bad bosses. Fortunately, there are plenty of good ones out there too—which is all the more reason to quit if you just can’t get along with your supervisor. Whether your superior is a micromanager or simply untrusting, plan to leave promptly if you can’t solve the problem. If the issue is specific to your department, you might consider a lateral move to another team for an easier transition.
11. You’re dealing with illness.
Personal or family medical issues are legitimate reasons to take a leave of absence or quit your job. In the event of chronic illness, be transparent about what’s going on, try to give notice (when possible), and make sure you have health insurance coverage after your departure. If you like your current job, check and see whether you are eligible for Family and Medical Leave before throwing in the towel.
12. A new opportunity fell into your lap.
Sometimes we’re going about our daily tasks, and a new opportunity comes up seemingly out of nowhere. If you’re offered your dream position, or recruited for a role that sounds enticing, don’t let it pass you by. Similarly, if you’re only working part-time and receive an offer for a permanent full-time position, this is also a super-understandable reason to quit.
So, what do you think? While only you can decide what’s next in your professional path, leaving a job that doesn’t align with your goals or values is perfectly valid. And with the above reasons to quit top-of-mind, you can make an informed decision about your future.
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