Are you wondering if you should quit your job? Everyone wants to have a good time at work, but unfortunately many don't. Dissatisfaction seems to be evenly distributed among managers and employees, industries, public and private, small businesses, large companies. Well-being at work means a lot to the quality of life. You're kidding yourself if you think life begins after work. Whether you're going to leave or stay, you owe it to yourself to take action!
Some people quit as soon as they feel unfulfilled, whether they have a new job to go to or not. Others suffer for years. They hold on to their jobs even though they should let go. Perhaps they think:
- I know what I have.
- At my age, it's important to hold on to your job.
- It's a great company.
Here are 7 situations where people wonder if they should quit their jobs:
- I've been in the same company for so long that I should probably quit now.
Many people believe that a career must include different employers and that they should change jobs regularly to appear ambitious and attractive. This is not the case. In many companies, especially those of a certain size, there are plenty of opportunities for employees to develop and learn, and to change positions and areas of responsibility.
- I feel unfulfilled and lack motivation.
Ask yourself two questions: "What is the reason and what can I do about it?" Do you want development? Do you want to learn something new? Do you need more varied tasks? Do you feel that you are not using your abilities and skills? Managers are not mind readers. Take the initiative to have a conversation with your manager and say why you have lost motivation. Discuss your options with your manager, and feel free to make suggestions yourself. Always try to do something about the situation where you are first. If that does not lead to progress, you can plan to quit.
- The boss is not my supporter.
Here you have a problem. Your boss is your most important determinant of career and job happiness. Can you do something about it? Can you change departments? No career unless your boss likes you . If not, plan to quit. It's not good to say how long your boss will stay in office , no matter how much you want him to quit.
- I should have been promoted.
This could be a sign that you have a problem. Maybe you don't have support and trust from higher up in the organization, maybe you are taken for granted. Ask for a meeting to clarify why. There could be a good reason and part of a bigger plan that management knows about. If you are talented and are not getting the opportunities and promotions you should have, then you should plan to quit.
- The company is at odds with my values.
Some people are unhappy with the company's values and culture. For example, a strong performance culture will not appeal to everyone. Nor will a bureaucratic organization suit everyone. Some companies are part of a larger group and are characterized by extensive reporting requirements. All of these examples are conditions that you should not spend resources on changing . Instead, find a new job and company where you are a better fit.
- I want to follow my dream.
Midlife crises that occur among men and women aged 40+ often contain the question: Was this all? And the solution is often: A new job! Many want to work more “with people”, and coaching is particularly appealing to many. Some want to follow their dream of going to Provence to run a charming hotel. Others want to run an entrepreneurial business based on their own hobby. Elin Ørjasæter writes in “Lederboka”: “Don’t be fooled. For every single newspaper article you read about people traveling to the countryside or abroad to realize themselves and find happiness, you have to ask: Who is financing this? ” Her advice is: Anyone who wants to leave their profession to work with people, do something creative or save the world – the three common ones – should start small. Make a long-term plan, a ten-year plan!
- I'm not up to the job.
It could be that you are in the wrong job. It could be that you simply cannot handle the job because it requires skills that you do not have and that are difficult to acquire. It could be that the job is not compatible with your life situation. Take the initiative to change! Maybe it could be something else internal. Maybe you need to get out. Don't stay until others feel compelled to bring it up with you.
When you plan to quit
- Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of staying and going. Feel free to find a partner to discuss with.
- Make a plan for how you are going to proceed. (Many people find that once they have made a plan, the situation is not so bad after all. A plan can give a sense of control and that in itself is motivating).
- Start with internal action and talk to your manager, or possibly your manager's manager or HR. I assume that you are well-regarded and have done a good job. Then you have good cards in your hand. If not, you are not in a strong position. Take the initiative for the conversation, which can start like this, for example: "I would like to work here in the company, but miss... I would like to talk about the possibilities around this." Far too many people quit because they believe that it is not possible to do anything about the situation, even though it often turns out that it is.
- If internal action does not lead to progress, plan an external career. Talk to people and use a
- Keep a cool head during this process: Don't leave without getting a new job. Then there must be a crisis. It's easier to get a new job when you already have one. Don't burn bridges. You can be sure that you will meet again.
- Apply for jobs where you really want to work. Those who are going to recruit you for a new job want a person who comes to work and doesn't run away from a job.
It's hard to advise others whether to quit or not. Ultimately, it's a decision you have to feel and make for yourself. But I give the following advice easily: Don't let action paralysis ruin the rest of your working life. Take action – whether it's to stay or to go.
