It happens to everyone: eventually, you begin to consider your desire or need to leave your current employer. Regardless of the reason or reasons, that uncomfortable restless feeling is present and bothersome. When that feeling is consistent, you have arrived at the point where it may actually be the time to quit your job. Here are some suggestions on what to do next.
Getting Used to the Idea that it is Time to Quit Your Job
Eventually, everyone quits a job because they actually want to. Considering most of us have left a position in the past due to a logistical issue (moving to a new area, for example), the comfort of a more objective reason isn't there. Loyalty, gratitude for the job one has, a strong work ethic, or a vision of future possibilities can bring about confusion and hesitation. The practice of recognizing and deciding to quit isn’t something that most people consider to be necessary, but it is extremely helpful.
Are You in a Toxic Environment?
Working within a toxic environment is not worth the damage that can affect your mental and physical health. What constitutes a toxic environment is not the same for everyone. Here are some things that are considered toxic. Do you feel any or a combination of these things?
constant feelings of agitation
fear of a specific person or persons
fear of arriving at the workplace
experiencing inappropriate conversations or touch
witnessing or anxiety over the company's financial issues
a negative work/life balance shift
an employer’s lack of interest in your goals
anxiety every day when commuting to the workplace
the lack of a team mentality
consistent and frequent turnover of staff or recent departure of several staff member
If you are in a toxic environment, consider a mindset of protecting your current self and investing in your future self. A coach can be crucial to help navigate the personal and professional obstacles of leaving such an employer.
If the issues are more localized to your specific supervisor-employee situation or team dynamic,
some red flags to watch out for include the following:
consistent issues with management or your boss
not feeling as if you belong on a team
no motivation left in the tank
feeling undervalued (issue with salary and lack of benefits such as paid time off, etc.)
A coach will work with you to gather more information as to what might be fueling the issue with management, issues within a team dynamic, and the lack of motivation (Is there a lack of balance with your team? Is your lack of motivation a result of issues at home?), and can help you assess your feelings of being undervalued.
It is important to note that some factors that go into the decision to leave a job/career are not necessarily negative. Positive reasons include factors such as seeking an environment that nurtures growth opportunities or perhaps deciding to change what you are doing for a living—to a similar position or something totally new.
Continuing the Path to Quit
Navigating the path to a new job involves understanding what you desire.
Step One: Write down the aspects of an ideal job. The options are up to you and need to be driven by your personal and professional needs and preferences. Not sure where to start? To gather your momentum, consider some of the following: the work environment, the job description itself, the level of responsibility, seniority, and the compensation package. Then add on anything else you would want in an ideal job. BE CURIOUS!
Step Two: Compare your ideal description to your current role, compensation, and environment.
Step Three: What would you really like to achieve? Write it all down. Try not to judge yourself because that can limit what you write. Look at job descriptions for roles you think might be a fit for you. Try to find good examples on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn and see what is appealing.
Step Four: Narrow it down. Note that what you want can change throughout your life. List what you need to get there. If new skills are needed, start building them immediately. Update your resume. If you need help, hire a resume expert and view that as an investment.
Note: Should you acquire a new position before honing your new skills, your building familiarity will help avoid overwhelm during the learning curve of a new job.
Step Five: Go for it. Remind yourself of all that you have accomplished in your life and try to internalize how very capable you are. Some folks make a list of all types of accomplishments. Include hurdles overcome as a child or young person in addition to work and life obstacles overcome as an adult. Use this list of accomplishments as the basis of the courage you need to make this change.
At this point, prepare for an offer after a thorough job search and vetting process. Once the new position has been secured, keep a professional and thoughtful mindset for the announcement of your departure and for the exit interview.
A transition from one employer to another is a milestone in a professional career. An Executive Coach can help as an objective advisor and help to serve as a source of positive accountability. Want to get to the executive level? All the more reason to have an Executive Coach.
To see what it is like to have an Executive Coach in your corner, start with an initial consultation. Schedule one by sending an email to info@siegertandassociates.com.
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