How To Know If You’re Ready To Leave Your Current Job

• Key signals indicating it might be time to consider changing jobs include dread of going to work, poor relationships with colleagues, health impacts, underutilization of skills, and lacking recognition for increased responsibilities.  
• Before making a job change, evaluate your career path over the next five years, considering potential growth at your current organization versus stepping outside your comfort zone for new experiences.  
• Consider the pros and cons of leaving, such as the impact on personal equity and workplace culture, and assess if launching new ventures as a side hustle might provide a softer transition.

Are you waking up each morning dreading the day ahead, feeling increasingly drained by a stressful job or a toxic work culture? Or maybe you’re just feeling…bored?

It may be time to consider a career change — or at least a company change. 

According to David Morel, CEO of Tiger Recruitment, there are five key indicators that it might be time for a job change:

1. Dreading the day ahead
2. Strained relationships with colleagues
3. Negative impact on physical and mental health
4. Lack of skill utilization and development
5. No financial recognition for increased responsibilities

How to decide if it’s the right time to quit? 

Kathryn Landis, consulting expert and former leader at American Express and Automatic Data Processing, told Allwork.Space that workers should consider where they’d like to be in their careers five years from now before making a decision to change jobs. 

It’s helpful to ask yourself if you see a path towards advancing your career at your current organization, or if it’s the moment to step outside your comfort zone to gain new experiences and bring a different perspective to a new company. 

“Another factor is what you can manage now both at work and life,” she told Allwork.Space. “Starting a new job and building a new brand at a new company takes a lot of time and energy. Don’t overlook the equity you’ve built at your current company and reflect on the ramp needed to successfully hit the ground running in a new job.” 

“When your excitement and readiness level are 1% more than your resistance, you’ll take action. It is completely okay if now is not the right time and commend yourself for knowing it,” she added.

Given these considerations, it’s necessary to weigh your current situation against the potential for growth elsewhere.

Kraig Kleeman, CEO of The New Workforce, has a rather inspirational take on how to evaluate your current opportunity. 

“Growth in a career should feel like climbing a mountain with new vistas at each turn, not circling the same old plateau,” he said. “If you find yourself staring up the career ladder without a foot on the rungs, it might be time to find a new mountain to conquer.”

Recognizing your readiness for change is essential, but let’s not forget the potentially explosive consequences of a hasty decision.

Christina Morrison, manager of HR services for Insperity, explained to Allwork.Space that workers need to put some careful consideration into this monumental decision, such as considering your reputation.

“No matter how valid a reason, quickly leaving after starting a new position can look unprofessional. The short stint may raise red flags with hiring managers when you are searching for a new position since employers know firsthand the time and financial investment involved with onboarding,” Morrison said. 

Signs it’s time to get a new gig

Even if you know it’s the right move at some point, how do you truly know if it’s the time to move on or not?

It might be a new job offer. Quitting for a new job offer that provides you with what you need, such as better benefits, flexibility or career advancement, is understandable, according to Morrison. 

A toxic work environment is another legitimate reason to leave a job. 

Sadly, the culture presented to candidates can differ significantly from reality. Issues like a poor work-life balance or a micromanaging boss may arise. It’s essential to address your concerns before resigning, but if you find that things won’t improve, it might be time to explore new opportunities.

Another valid reason to leave is if you have health concerns. Health issues can arise unexpectedly and may hinder your ability to work effectively. In such cases, it might be best to step away from your job to focus on your own health or that of a family member, making it a legitimate reason to resign.

Public relations expert Mary Beth West says that one of the most essential factors in determining whether it’s time to leave a job hinges on culture; is the workplace culture positive or negative?

Negative workplace cultures can severely impact health and well-being, especially when they become toxic. 

She says these issues often start subtly, growing worse over time, much like the metaphorical frog in slowly boiling water. Toxic environments can quietly consume you, making it crucial to recognize the signs and take action to leave, particularly when power imbalances hinder efforts to create change.

In light of this, it’s important to consider not just what you’re leaving behind, but also what you hope to find in a new opportunity.

Barbara Palmer, founder of Broad Perspective Consulting, says there are two questions to ask yourself: What are you running from? and What are you running to? 

“If what you are looking for can be found where you are, it is important to engage in those conversations with your manager or leadership. It could be that the opportunity to grow or pivot can be found where you are without undergoing a job change,” she told Allwork.Space. 

Consider what changes you can make in your current job — like responsibilities, management, compensation, growth, or title — versus what a new position offers. 

While a new opportunity may seem appealing, it can lose its luster over time. It’s essential to ask the right questions and weigh the trade-offs of leaving your current role, such as tenure and personal equity. 

A higher salary or title alone may not justify a move without thoroughly assessing factors like benefits coverage, culture, job security, and the dynamics of starting anew with a different leadership team.

If you’re considering starting a new venture on your own, Palmer says to think about launching it as a side hustle while keeping your current job. 

This allows you to develop a solid business plan, conduct research, and gather data without sacrificing your income. Going all in without a safety net can lead to prolonged struggles or the need to abandon your idea if it lacks a strong foundation.

As you weigh your options, remember that the future of work is changing, shaped by remote opportunities, flexible arrangements, and changing employee expectations. 

Many organizations are starting to prioritize a positive culture and employee well-being, making this a great time to seek a role that aligns with your values and aspirations.