Most of us go through times when we don’t love our jobs. Perhaps it is a stressful time at work, or in our personal life, and it just isn’t enjoyable anymore. But what if these periods of time go on and on? How long do you stick it out? It can be tough to know when you are just in a bit of a funk or if you are in the wrong career.

Quitting a job can be scary. In reality, many people stay in jobs they hate just because they like the security and comfort. Starting a new career can be a risk, but it can also be far better than spending your life in a job you hate.

If you feel like you are in a bit of a funk and it has lasted for quite a while, it is time to decide if it is just a phase or if you need to kiss your current job goodbye. Although quitting is frightening, it can have its rewards if you find a new job you can love. Here are a few things to consider before putting in your two weeks.

 

Signs it is Time to Quit

You Don’t Want Your Boss’s Job

Ideally, we should all be working toward a promotion. It’s logical to think that if things went well, someday you could hold your boss’s job. If that sounds like a nightmare, quitting is probably a good idea. If you don’t like the job above you, there may not be a reason to stay. If you aren’t interested in what lies ahead, you may be in the wrong career field.

It Hasn’t Improved Over Time

It is not uncommon to have a bad week at work. People can also find their job boring from time to time. However, the problem comes when your feelings of dislike and frustration haven’t gotten better over time. If you have gone months or even years feeling dissatisfied with your job, it’s time to look around for something new.

You Dread Going to Work

Most people would rather spend their day at the golf course or lounging by the pool than at work. However, you shouldn’t absolutely dread going to work every morning. If you are miserable the entire time you are there and jumping for joy when you leave, something has gone horribly wrong.

There have been Major Changes in the Company

Companies often change policies and management. If there have been major changes that affect your position or the values of the company, you may have a legitimate reason to leave. Before you jump ship because there have been a few changes, give it a little time. Change is always hard. If you try it for a little while and give it your best shot, and things still don’t get better, you can start looking for companies that are more in line with your expectations.

If You Quit, What Next?

Don’t Burn Bridges

So, you’ve decided to bite the bullet and quit. Even if you are fed up with the job and hate your boss, quit with a little dignity. Yelling and telling your boss their every fault isn’t going to help anyone. Don’t burn bridges. You just may need your boss for a letter of recommendation or as a reference. You may even need or want to come back some day.

Have Somewhere to Go

Quitting your job can be a risk to your financial life. If you decide to quit, have a plan. This isn’t the time for rash actions. The plan may not be totally solid, but you should have an idea of what you are doing next. Best case scenario, you will have another job lined up to start immediately. But, if that is not the case, you should have some idea of how you are going to replace the job before your savings run out.

Mike Mann is the founder of numerous successful companies and charities. His focus is on generating profits and channeling them to charitable causes. For more of Mike’s tips on creating successful businesses and using them to make the world a better place, download his book, MakeMillions.Com or tune back in to the blog for new stuff weekly.