How to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Job

Amidst the ‘Great Resignation’ over the past year, it may feel like almost everyone around you has changed jobs (perhaps multiple times)! I know personally, that the majority of my friends have switched companies in search of better pay, better work-life balance, and better opportunity in the past year. I myself have switched roles too, going from a role in which I had to work about half of my weekends for sub-optimal pay, to a role in which I’m better compensated, not working weekends, and feel like I can develop my career.

However, the decision to leave a job is not always black and white. For some, there may be obvious red flags. Perhaps you work for a toxic boss, or with unethical coworkers. Or perhaps like I was, you are working long hours for low pay. But for many, the decision can be agonizingly hard. Perhaps you feel stable in your current role and don’t want to take a risk. We’ve all heard how brutal the job search process can be, and how it can take months, sometimes even a year to find a new role. It’s intimidating to decide to willingly subject yourself to that. However, many times, it can pay off. If you’re struggling to know whether to leave a job, this article is for you.

1. You’re Bored

Perhaps the worst thing you can be in your career is bored, particularly if you’re just starting out. It can feel like torture sitting at a desk all day, doing the same mundane tasks over and over again. When you’ve gotten to the point that your work has become mind-numbing, it’s time to start looking for greener pastures.

2. You’re Not Challenged

This one is harder to accept. Perhaps you excel in your current role, you get your work done in a matter of hours far ahead of deadlines, and feel like you’re nailing it every day. Sounds perfect, right? While you might feel comfortable in this role, long term you’re not setting yourself up to move up in your career. While it sounds scary, you always want to be a little uncomfortable in your role. You always want to feel like there is something new to learn and someone new to learn from. When you cease to be challenged for a long period of time, you begin to plateau.

3. Your Priorities Change