Stuck or Just Stressed? A Psychologist’s Guide to Figuring Out if It’s Time to Leave Your Job

When you’re stuck in the same office building for years, anything can make you just get up and leave without returning, whether it’s your salary coming late or a toxic boss, the relationship with whom doesn’t improve no matter what you try. However, quitting your job like this isn’t a good option either, since many things are to be considered before you decide that it’s finally time.

Make a List of Pros and Cons Before Leaving Your Job

This is probably the best way to see whether you really can’t do this anymore or just exaggerate, especially if you have no specific plan for your career immediately after quitting the current job. Make sure you provide the list with real arguments and not with phrases like “I want to quit because I’m tired”.

Another important thing is to not follow your emotional state that often misleads and results in impulsive decisions; you should be certain about this due to objective reasons and real understanding of what you’re trying to walk away from.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Quitting

To check whether it’s in fact the decision you have to make in the near future, try answering several simple questions to see if you’re ready to move on:

Do you constantly feel stressed while at work? Is it likely you have a burnout?

When did the thought of quitting emerge? Is it something you started feeling out of nowhere or you saw it coming for a long time?

What exactly makes you feel like you want to quit this job? What can potentially be changed?

Does the company have the same values as you do? Have you ever had a feeling that you don’t share its rules?

Do you have a specific career plan after quitting this job? Are you sure you’re ready to start over with possible worse working or salary conditions?

Have you considered discussing the situation with your boss or a psychologist? Do you feel like they can make a change?

Do you separate your personal issues from work troubles? Is there a risk of feeling just the same at a new workplace?

Where do you see yourself in six months? What would you like your surrounding and work life to be?

Bonus hack: don’t rush your decision and give yourself up to three days to think it all over and make up your mind. When that time is over, check how you feel about the entire situation again and allow yourself to finally decide.