When to Leave Your Job
You are a working woman. You have a lot on your plate. At your job, you handle your business, and you are responsible for your own learning development and career pathing. When making your career plan, staying at a company can be very rewarding. You can develop long term professional relationships and can get promoted. However, not every company is right for you, and unfortunately, sometimes the best decision for you is to leave your company/job.
How do you know when to leave?
1. Dread & Burnout – Exhaustion can take an enormous toll on your health. Chronic stress can zap your energy even if you are sleeping well. If you are dreading your work and feeling miserable at least half of the time, it is time to leave.
2. Lack of Respect – Unfortunately, not all bosses and managers value their employees. Sometimes coworkers are toxic. Being continuously unappreciated, criticized, bullied, or teased is not ok. This will cause chronic stress and health problems. Time to go.
3. No Growth – Are you continuously being overlooked for promotions? Are you left out of meetings? When you give an opinion, are you deflected, ignored, or deflated? These situations signal that your company does not value you. You are not learning and growing. You are not being included on projects that will build your resume and career.
Am I telling you to quit your job today with no back up plan? Am I telling you to flip off your boss and burn bridges? No and No. Just simply encouraging you to think about your future and make the best decision for you.
If you decide you need to leave your current company, start preparing:
· Save some money. It is easier to make a choice when you have options and are not financially strapped. Of course, in today’s economy, saving is a privilege. Even if you can put back $5 or $1, it will help you if something happens. It can take over 6 months to find a great job in the right location with the right salary for you. Do not underestimate the work it takes to find another job.
· Update your resume. I recommend getting a resume writer if you can afford one. If you can’t afford one, trade resumes with your friend and get their feedback.
· Apply for jobs and do the interviews. Even if you don’t want the job, go ahead and do the interview for the practice. It will make you better when the right job comes along. You don’t have to accept the job. Don’t just apply for 1 job. You may have to apply for hundreds of jobs to find the right fit at the right salary in the right location.
· Work on something you are passionate about. You can turn it into a side hustle or not. Either way, your mind will be active and you will feel more alive. This will motivate you to improve your life and give you a glow when others talk to you.
· Tell people you want a new job. Not at your workplace, obviously. But tell all family, friends, acquaintances, baristas, etc. You never know who will have a great connection.
Wishing you much luck no matter what you decide. Transitions are hard, especially changing the one thing that pays all of your bills and takes up the majority of your time. Take some time to think about things and reflect. Reach out if you would like to talk more about your career.
Are you burned out?