I think we’ve all had our share of bad days at work. Maybe you commute took hours due to an accident on the freeway, your manager yelled at you because the internet was down, or a colleague refused to pull their weight…again. Perhaps these events led to alone time in your office, contemplating how great life would be without that job.
Though the majority of us have experienced a day like this, at what point is it more than “just another bad day”? At what point should you really considering leaving?
I’ve spent the better part of the last year asking myself this question. After an organizational restructure 16 months ago, management has gone downhill as the owner’s volatility has gone up. Thought I tend to be level-headed and rational, there have been many days where I’ve considered simply walking out.
While quitting a job can be terrifying, especially if you don’t have another gig lined up, it might be the best thing for your long-term wellness and satisfaction. Based on my recent musings, here are four acceptable, yet not-so-obvious signs that it may be time to quit your job.
4 Subtle Signs It’s Time To Quit Your Job
1. Your skills aren’t being utilized
Does management look past you for promotions or high-profile projects? Are your requests for an increased work load regularly ignored?
We all have unique talents waiting to be discovered, utilized, and expanded upon. Unfortunately, many managers won’t realize what they have until it’s too late. Instead of wasting potential on a role which might never pay off, find somewhere you’ll be respected and given the opportunity to prove yourself.
2. You’re bored and uninspired
Leaving a role on a high note is important. If you’re at a point where you’re performance is suffering due to boredom or lack of inspiration, it’s time to go.
Work won’t always fun, but if you’re stressed, anxious, or unhappy even thinking about going in, do yourself a favor and leave. Wisdom holds that “when one door closes, another one opens,” but this is only possible if you allow that first door to close.
3. You have a terrible boss
Sometimes, all it takes is a toxic work environment with a terrible manager to ruin a job. If you report to someone who is incompetent, miserable, unappreciative, selfish, immature, or controlling, it could make your life miserable.
Unless you’re certain this boss is leaving or amends can be made, it might be time to start looking for new options.
4. You keep saying “I’ll quit”
We all experience the “I should quit” days, but how often do they occur? Each time the thought arrives, take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
If the feeling continues day after day, it might be time to look elsewhere. If you spend your evenings, weekends, and vacations stressed out, keep in mind that it’s not the norm and there may be a better job for you out there.
What are your thoughts?
Have you ever worked in a job with bad management, unfair compensation, no room for advancement, and a misalignment of values? Have you been in a position where you were constantly exhausted, actively job searching, and willing to take a major pay cut to escape? If so, what did it take for you to finally leave? If you’re currently in such a position, what are your plans to help improve your situation?
existential ergonomics 
yes to several of the options. It’s very hard to work with poor management. Managers who don’t respect employees and treat the people below them as “less than”. It’s unfortunate. I understand why you can work for a great place and yet because of a manager your experience can turn into a poor one. One “bad apple” and ruin a great company and poison the waters eventually.
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I once read that people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers. In my experience, this is absolutely true. It’s unfortunate because, as you mention, one rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch.
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I completely agree! I experienced all these signs and more just before I quit my job to further pursue my dreams a couple months ago. Great post ♥️ You have a lot of insight
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Congratulations on quitting your job and pursuing something that better aligns with your dreams! I hope it’s going as wonderfully as it sounds. 🙂
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All so true!
I never really expect a raise so I negociate my salary in the beginning. If that can make me happy for the next 2-3 years, it’s OK. Then I will take another fight 😉
But managers being assholes or not communicating impact of changes the make, is what really makes me restless.
I was bullied by management and stayed too long.
Trust me, I learned my lesson! Never again.
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“I was bullied by management and stayed too long.” This is absolutely my experience, and it’s recently been getting worse. I have a promising interview on Friday, so hopefully I’ll soon be free of the toxicity!
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This spoke to me on so many levels. Thank you.
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You’re welcome! I think we sometimes need others to point out that even when something isn’t glaringly wrong, it might still be a bad situation.
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