Should I quit my job? How to make a decision

Whether it is to get a better job or to start up your establishment, the decision to quit is not an easy one to make. To quit or not to quit is a common dilemma facing most workers. Regardless, this is not a decision to take lightly. It requires a great deal of tactfulness and careful consideration.

It is also necessary to figure out why you want to quit your job. Is it because you are moving on to another better opportunity? or to start up your enterprise? Either way, you need to figure out your reasons for asking, “Should I quit my job”? Before you get to do so.

Why should I quit my job?

Everybody has unpleasant days at their current position from time to time, which can lead them to reconsider their career goals and potentially seek a new opportunity. Do you find the daily tasks of your job becoming monotonous, making you yearn for a dream job that aligns more closely with your ideal role, prompting you to consider the next steps in addressing this toxic work environment and gather few tips on dealing with it in the present?

Or has the company culture shifted in such a way that your current employer no longer supports the lifestyle you envision, pushing you toward the big decision of quitting? If this resonates, you may have already engaged in a serious conversation with yourself about whether to move forward in your career journey or stay put.

The challenge is determining when it is best to stay in your current position and seek answers in the present, versus when it is time to schedule a meeting to discuss the next steps for dealing with a toxic work environment and gather few tips on moving on. This blog looks at some of the main indications to look out for to help you decide when it's time to consider turning in your resignation letter.

Are you one of those wondering, “Should I stay or should I go?” when it comes to your job? And you keep thinking if quitting your job is the right thing for you. The initial step is to critically assess the reasons for wanting to leave your current company, which may involve evaluating the notice period, exit interview requirements, or the toxic environment you're facing.

To do so, engage in a deep conversation with yourself, asking, "What difference would quitting make, and is it necessarily the right decision for my professional growth?"

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable not to feel content in your current role, especially if it no longer feels like a good fit for your personal and career goals. Moreover, finding that ideal position that checks all boxes can be challenging, as companies often evolve, impacting your current role and daily tasks. Unless, of course, your job aligns perfectly with your passions, driving you forward in your career journey with each task.

Nevertheless, making the decision to quit should always be based on valid reasons that lead you towards a more fulfilling career path, present a plan for dealing with a toxic work environment, and determine the next steps in a final meeting, offering few tips for professional growth.

Here are possible reasons you should think about why you might want to quit your job:.

5 possible reasons why people quit their job

They get another job

In the corporate world, every worker is always on the lookout for the next best opportunity. It could be that you are deciding to quit your job in your job search for one job that offers you more free time or a better-paying job with more prospects for your future. Getting another job is the most popular reason why most people quit their jobs. However, it is necessary to be sure of the new job before you decide to say goodbye.

They are moving 

Moving is another popular reason for quitting your job, especially when you cannot telecommute or work remotely. Perhaps you have gotten married and need to move out of town to be with your spouse, prompting a significant next move in your life, requiring you to rethink your career and resume strategies, prompting a significant next move in your life, requiring you to rethink your career and resume strategies.

However, if you are not keen on leaving your job, you can always talk with your boss about the possibility of working remotely. There are several reasons why you would desire to relocate, such as living expenditures or activities. You could decide that you'd prefer to live closer to relatives. Similarly, many city workers may opt for jobs in the suburbs when they are ready to have a family. If your current job does not allow for remote work and you wish to relocate, you may need to hunt for a new one.

Following their dreams to start up a business

Starting up your enterprise is another logical reason to quit your job. However, you should also know that most entrepreneurs do not always hastily quit their jobs. At least not until they are sure that their start-up is up and running. Or, perhaps needs a great deal of their attention. Quitting your job to run a private business takes courage and mental preparedness, and should be a well-supported decision with advice from human resources experts.

Furthering their education

Of course, acquiring new skills through education might mean it is not always possible or comfortable to work a full-time job, highlighting the need to seek support from human resources for a better fit. Therefore, quitting your full-time job to go back to school is another legitimate reason. But if it turns out that you like your job and want to continue working there, talk to your boss about your educational and academic goals. Perhaps, he could create a part-time job for you.

Toxicity in the workplace

Most people quit their jobs because the mental and emotional stress they have to deal with in the workplace surpasses their coping resources, signaling a sign it’s time to leave. Problematic situations in the workplace vary for different people. For some people, it is their boss, while for others, it is a set of co-workers. Since mental health is an invaluable asset to creativity and productivity, quitting your job because the work environment is unhealthy is a valid reason.

Every company has a unique work environment, which is a critical sign for employees assessing if their skills and resources match the company culture for long-term success. This might be the actual workplace structure, such as locked offices, an open layout, or cubicles. It may also relate to the culture of the organization, whether it is more informal, sociable, or professional. You may desire a career that provides you with a work atmosphere in which you feel most at ease, ideally one that aligns with your aspirations for a better opportunity.

If you feel constantly constrained or unappreciated, it might be time to consider if your current role still serves your career objectives or if you're simply lining up for a new job lined with opportunities that better suit your skills and personal development goals. Recognizing when to make a career move can drastically improve your mental well-being and career satisfaction.

Should I quit my job? How to make a decision

So you understand why you might want to quit your job but are still having cold feet about the execution. Here are a few ideas to help you hand in that resignation letter and walk away with a smile.

Try to make it work at your job.

Unless your job is your passion or your dream comes true, there is hardly a perfect job. You could have a job that takes all your time. Or have to deal with an uncooperative coworker, an abusive boss, or even very little pay for loads of work. Regardless, it is always better to try and remedy the discomforts you face at your job by trying to make it work. That way, you build your resume and enhance your staying power, which will speak in your favor when you decide on your next move toward that dream job.

Talk to a trusted person.

If you have done all you can to try and make things work at your job and failed, then it might be helpful to talk to a trusted person. It could be your spouse/partner, a member of your family, or a close friend/colleague. The essence of the talk is to help you get out of your head and think aloud. That way, you can get some clarity of thought and finally figure out the answer to the bugging question- should I quit my job?

Approach your boss

Having tried to make it work at your job and talked to a trusted person. And you are sure of taking that walk. Then it is time to discuss with your boss to give a head start or notice. Giving notice will give your boss some time to find a replacement for the position you are leaving behind, ensuring you part on good terms and maintain professional support. It also helps to be able to show your replacement around before leaving. Remember that the goal is to leave your old job without burning bridges. 

How Paystubsnow can help your new business

Perhaps you quit your old job to start up your own business; it's crucial now to present your business model at the upcoming meeting, outline the next steps for growth, and share tips for dealing with early challenges in a potentially toxic work environment. You already know how much start-ups need to cut down on expenses while maximizing output.

That is where Paystubsnow becomes a handy tool for automating your business processes. You can save costs on generating online invoices and easily create paychecks or pay stubs for your employees. Other valuable financial documents like 1099 forms are also available with Paystubsnow. And for speed and accessibility, you get these documents in your email. 

What You Should Know If You've Made the Decision to Quit

Once you've decided to answer yes to the question, "Should I quit my job?" you should aim to do so as easily and politely as possible, ensuring good terms for future reference and success. Here's how to resign properly: present your resignation during a formal meeting, outline the next steps for a smooth transition, and offer tips on dealing effectively with any toxic work environment scenarios before you depart:

Provide Prompt Notice

How much advance warning should you provide? In most situations, two weeks' notice is required. However, you may be reluctant or unable to offer notice in some instances. This is especially true if you operate in a challenging or risky environment.

Formal Resignation Letter

A resignation letter should identify your last day of employment and express your gratitude for the chance. If possible, you might also volunteer to assist in training your successor. Examine example resignation letters to help you write your own.

Examine Unemployment Benefits

You may not be open for unemployment benefits if you quit your job without a significant sign or sufficient reason, a key consideration when deciding your career future. However, there are several scenarios in which employees can obtain unemployment benefits even if they quit. Don't assume you're disqualified unless you've confirmed eligibility with your state's labor department.