6 Reasons to Quit Your Job Today

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If you dread going to work, you’re not alone. In fact, only 15 percent of workers around the world are engaged at work, according to Gallup.

What gives? Why do so many people suffer through jobs they don’t like all that much instead of jumping ship?

It doesn’t have to be that way. There’s always something better out there. If any of these five things is happening to you, it’s time to quit today.

1. You Are Having Constant Negative, Stressful Thoughts

If you’ve started to have self-destructive thoughts because of your job, it’s time to quit. It will only get worse if you stay in your organization. Be brave.

Make a plan of action. Start by setting out a realistic timeline — for example, “I will have a new job two months from now.” Next, determine the steps you will use to get there. I love using sticky notes, because I can scatter my thoughts all over the office wall and then organized them based on importance and sense of urgency.

2. You Hate Your Boss

As many as one in five workers hates their boss, according to one study. If you’re one of them, you should know your supervisor is not likely to go away anytime soon. That means it’s up to you to change the situation — by finding another job. Hand in your resignation letter today, and you’ll feel a huge sense of relief.

3. You Hate Your Coworkers

You may be cool with your boss, but if you hate your coworkers, you’re still in for trouble. Maybe you’ve tried your best to fit in and even talked to your boss about it, who stepped in but couldn’t fix the problem.

If this sounds like your case, you’re working in a toxic environment. Toxic environments don’t change without serious interventions from company leadership. Instead of waiting around for that to happen, your best bet is to get out today.

Find a better job with a better company culture and work environment. Connect with people who work at your target employers and start meaningful conversations about the environments they work in. Ask if they could see you fitting in and thriving in those environments.

4. Your Manager Ignores You

You’re shouting, but nobody’s listening. Sound familiar?

You should work in an organization where your bosses and coworkers respect you and take your opinions to heart. You should feel valued and respected by your managers and leaders, not neglected.

Before you jump ship, find a company where you will get the kind of validation you seek. Glassdoor is a great resource for learning about company cultures, as the reviews all come from real-life employees.

5. Your Job Is Boring

Thirty-three percent of people are bored at work. Few people enjoy their jobs all the time, but if you find your work to be seriously and consistently boring, it’s time to find a new challenge. Perhaps you’re just too good at what you do and you’ve outgrown your role. Maybe you’re sick of the everyday grind. Whatever the reason, you need a job that will excite you again.

Explore emerging technologies and new products. Find new applications for existing products. Look for anything that seems like it will allow you to be more creative and engaged at work.

6. Your Personal Relationships Are Suffering

If your job is starting to interfere with your personal relationships, know that it’s not worth it. Don’t sacrifice your loved ones for a job. Instead, find another job that allows you more time with your family, whether that means a shorter commute or fewer required business trips. Do whatever it takes.

I know it’s always tough to leave a job, even one you hate, and you can’t always just quit on a whim. You have bills to pay and food to put on the table. Still, have the power to turn things around, and you should use it when you can. Never feel like you have to stay in a job that’s hurting you.

Nader Mowlaee  is an engineering career coach and recruiter who is motivated by building confidence in engineers.

By Nader Mowlaee