Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it. – Buddha
Do you feel like you’re working a job that’s not right for you?
We’ve all been in a job that doesn’t quite bring our talents and skills to life, and sometimes that’s just a part of life. On average a person will spend 13 solid years and two months of their lifetime at work. Therefore, if you’re in a job that isn’t fulfilling, then spending a significant part of your life and time to this job could eventually affect the quality of your mental and physical health. [1]
Many of us may know what we want to do with our lives at an early age, and for others, it takes a little time, trial, error, and experience to put us in the right direction. Some people have different ambitions, while some are happy at a “mediocre” job that supports their ideal security and lifestyle.
Whether we like the job we are in or not, there is something always to be learned, whether it’s emotional skills, technical skills, human interactions, or simply learning, that the job you are in isn’t right for you!
So the question is, when is enough, enough?
How can you know it’s time to quit a job that isn’t right for you?
1. You’re not excited to go to work
Not all work is meant to be exciting daily, but if you dread going to work most mornings and think about quitting all the time, then it could be a clear sign this job isn’t right for you. [2]
2. You feel embarrassed about your job
Do you find yourself avoiding the question “what do you do for a living“? If so, you may feel embarrassed about your job.
Answer the following:
- Do your values align with your company’s values?
- Do you feel you are working a job that is far below your skillset?
- Do you feel you are settling for less than you deserve?
- Does this job incorporate your passions and interests?
- Do you see yourself as better than this?
- Are there aspects of the job you like?
Write everything you can about what makes you feel embarrassed, and be honest with yourself.[3]
3. You feel undervalued in your job
Feeling undervalued at work can be experienced in many ways. Do you feel underpaid? Unappreciated for all the hard work you do? Do you feel like your contribution doesn’t matter, or are you still put on the same duties you were put on when you started?
- If you’re feeling undervalued and still want to work for this company, set up a time to talk to your boss to resolve these issues.
- Alternatively, if you feel you can’t talk to your boss, you can pay a visit to your HR department to discuss these matters.
Ultimately if you have done everything you can, and you’re still feeling undervalued, then it may be time to value yourself and quit your job.
4. Anxiety and stress cross over into your personal life
At times work can naturally cross over into your personal life which will cause stress. But if you find yourself losing sleep, and you’re stressing overwork constantly then it could be time to weigh up the pros and cons to see if this job is right for you.
Answer the following:
- Is the money worth this extra stress in my life?
- Is my physical and mental health in jeopardy?
- Is my personal life and relationships suffering?
If you find your health and personal life at a disadvantage, consider ways to reduce the stress that will help you achieve a balanced lifestyle. Your health should always be a priority.
5. Do you see a future in your current job?
Do you see yourself in this job for the next five years? If the answer is no then it may be time to start thinking of planting your seeds where you want them to grow.
Answer the following question:
- “Is my current position setting me up for the position I eventually want to be in?”.
If the answer is no, it’s very likely your current job isn’t right for you.
6. There’s no career development
In a job, we exchange our time and skills for money. However, it’s important that we are also getting some career development and/or personal growth along the way that in return can increase our value and opportunity for a promotion. (if that’s what you desire).
If you aren’t growing in a workplace and stretching your skillset, it’s easy to become complacent. This complacency can cause boredom and a lack of motivation to do the best job you can do. (which isn’t helpful to you or your employer). If we aren’t growing our experiences in a workplace that stretches our skill set, then it just becomes a dead-end job that will go nowhere.
This dead-end job will give you an income, but the time you’ve invested in it, won’t be worth it in the long run. In return, it will leave you vulnerable when you decide to seek alternative employment and/or a career path.
7. Your job has a toxic workplace environment
In a workplace environment, not everyone is going to get along and in this case, we must try to leave our differences at the door and remember we have a job to do. However, if your work environment seems like a playground for drama, gossip, and work politics, that don’t align with your morals and integrity, then this could be a sign that’s telling you you’re not in the right job, and it’s time to move on!
8. You’re only in it for the money
Yes, money is important in our world, and I’m sure we have all done jobs we don’t like just to survive. There are also many situations that life brings that we have to take responsibility for like providing for a family or paying off a huge debt.
However, don’t wait until you’re on your death bed wishing you’d fulfilled one of your dreams and had taken more risks with what you actually wanted to do with your precious life. We can’t take money with us when we leave this world, and sometimes being able to do what you truly feel you were put on this earth to do, is something that money can’t buy!
9. You’re not using your unique talents
We all have unique talents to offer the world, delivered in a way only you can deliver. Whether it’s creative skills, labour skills, domestic skills or more analytical and technical skills. If your instincts are telling you there’s something more suited out there for you then guess what? There is! All you have to do now is get clear on what it is you have to offer and what it is you want.
- Write down a list of things you are good at. This can be anything from how well you communicate, to how well you can bake a cake. The sky’s the limit!
- Write down a list of what interests you and think about what you have always wanted to do. A good way to get an idea is to take note of what books you have read, and what you have searched most for in search engines such as Google and youtube.
- Write down a list of at least 10 things you have accomplished in your life.
- Write down your short and long-term goals.
Upon completing this self-evaluation, it’s time to ask yourself if your current job aligns with these interests and goals. If they don’t, then it’s confirmation your current job is not right for you.
Final thoughts
Quitting a job that’s not right for you might be easier said than done. After all, it can all depend on your personal situation, skillsets and the opportunities on offer where you reside.
(side note: if there are no opportunities you desire where you reside, you can always make them!)
But If you have any of these signs that tell you the job you are in isn’t right for you, then take a good look at your situation and create an exit plan!
When I quit a job I wasn’t happy in, I was worried about my financial situation as the next job I went to had fewer hours and less pay. Although I didn’t transfer into my dream job right away, my limiting beliefs started to fade, and my state of mind was healthier and happier. In return, I could now see a clearer vision with many possibilities for my future that perhaps I couldn’t have seen if I had stayed in that job I quit. Sometimes all it takes is a little courage and faith in yourself! When one door shuts, more WILL open! (even if it does take time).
Life’s too short to be stuck in a job that you’re not happy in. But before you leave this job, think about some of these things:
- Consider other career paths by brainstorming career ideas around your desires and skillsets.
- Don’t tell your colleagues that you are considering leaving until you have given the correct notice time to your boss.
- Don’t quit until you have secured another job, or you know you can support yourself financially until you get one.
- Resign in good faith.
- Don’t post any negativity about your company or colleagues on social media.
- Value yourself and don’t be discouraged by the fear of rejection. You’ve got this!
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney
Relevant Reading: 12 Signs You’re On The Wrong Path In Life
Thanks for reading the 10 signs it’s time to quit your job! Share your thoughts and comments below.
Emmy is the founder and content writer at woopdedo. With a background in the performing arts, she then had a career working on cruise ships, until she decided to return to NZ where she spends most of her time storytelling and freelance writing. You can contact her on the social media links below or visit the work with us page.
