Many factors have to be weighed when reaching a decision to quit a job. Here are 5 signs that will give you direction.
Job
stability seems a rare promise these days. Downsizing and resizing companies
continues to be a predominant sign
of our economically-challenged times, and there is plenty of worry about the
axe falling when you least expect it. However, on the other side of the coin,
you may be hanging onto a job that is actually doing you more harm than good.
Leaving
a job because you're at the breaking point is not easy, especially when others
like your spouse and/or children rely on your income. It can be a catch-22. Not a fun place to be, but getting out of a job
that's negatively affecting your health is better in the long run for everyone
concerned.
Here are five telltale signs that it's time to consider quitting:
1. There’s a lot of animosity
in the workplace. Maybe when you
first started your job, there was a pretty good group of people working there.
Typically, however, there are one or two people who can make our lives hell at
work. Most of the time, we can deal with them if they are in the minority (of
course, it gets sticky if one of them is your boss!) but if, over time, more of these kinds of trouble-makers
get hired, it's a given that before long, you will feel oppressed and discouraged. Who needs an atmosphere like
that?
2. The corporate culture doesn't fit
anymore. Sometimes the corporate structure of a company that once enticed you takes on a different feel. Thenwe
start feeling at odds. As in any relationship, people, companies, and their
procedures can change over time, which can become problematic if the same
values and principles are no longer shared. Take a good look at what works and
what doesn't work for you. If the latter tops the former, there is no use
sticking around because you'll feel like salt is continuously being poured into
open wound.
3. You can't get ahead. Most of us don't want to stay in the same job
year after year. We want to be promoted and have more challenging duties and
responsibilities. That's the natural order for those who are ambitious. If you
feel you've reached your glass ceiling and you can't see any opportunities for
advancement, then move on.
4. The joy has gone out of it. Most likely, when you were hired, you came to the
company bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and full of ideas for what you would
accomplish. You worked hard and paid your dues but the dreams you had didn't
materialize. The job has become monotonous.
If you've ended up going through the motions on auto-pilot, where's the
pleasure and satisfaction in that?
5. The stress is too much. Burn
out is a huge problem in the corporate world today. Long hours on high alert,
tedious, repetitive work, too much travel, and contentious co-workers all add up to high levels of
stress. When work becomes all there is,
and your home life starts to suffer, that is reason to check your state of
health and ability to keep up with all the demands. Is your blood pressure on
the rise? Are you always eating fast foods on the
run? Is your boss always criticizing you? No job that constantly overwhelms
and/or demoralizes you is ever worth having. Check out of the job before you
check out because of it!
Deciding to leave your job should not be a sudden decision by any means,
especially given all the factors you have to weigh in the process. When you
first start noticing signs of stress with co-workers or being uncomfortable
with the direction the company is taking, or if you’re wondering if you’ll get
to that next rung on the ladder, it’s a good idea to get an objective second
opinion from someone outside the organization, and preferably someone who isn‘t
too familiar with you. That person could be a counsellor, mentor or
professional business coach who can help you sort through your feelings and
make the decision that feels right to you. After all, it’s your life, and if
your job is frustrating, overwhelming, and energy-draining, calling it quits
may be exactly what you need to do.
Influence
and persuasion expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and
Master Certified Coach with over 25 years of experience. She focuses on women's
leadership and empowerment as well as executive, personal, relationship and
life coaching. She is also a successful entrepreneur and author. Her other
areas of specialization include mentoring, sales techniques, success skills,
intuition, body language, management development training, motivational
speaking, and corporate training. Discover Influence It! Real POWER for Women
now! For your free subscription visit http://www.karen-keller.com.
