After working at a corporate job for a while, you may be wondering if it’s time to move on. Maybe you’re not feeling challenged anymore or you feel you’re not a good fit for the company. Perhaps you’re feeling unfulfilled.
You may be thinking about starting your own business, moving into a new industry, or retiring from the workforce altogether. Whatever the reason, if you know that it’s time to go, there are things you should consider before you quit.
Reasons You Might Consider Leaving Your Job
Family Planning
You may be considering leaving your corporate job because of family planning. Perhaps you’re expecting a baby or you’re taking on a caregiver role to another family member. Carefully consider if your current position is compatible with your family’s needs or if you need to make some changes.
Health Issues
If you’re facing physical or mental health challenges, you might find that your current job is adding to your difficulties. This could indicate that it’s time to leave your corporate job and find something else that will require less of you physically and mentally.
Values
After working in your position for a while, you may have discovered that the company you’re working for doesn’t align with your values or beliefs. This is always a good indicator that it’s time to move on.
Lack of Appreciation
If you’re working too many hours for too little pay, you’ll quickly find yourself in a state of misery. And being in a position where you feel unappreciated or undervalued can make you dread going to work every day. It can be hard to make the decision to leave if you’re doing work you love, but if your environment is sucking you dry, it’s probably time to look at other options.
Lack of Motivation
A company can’t move forward without talented employees who are passionate about their jobs. If you feel like there are too many obstacles preventing your success at your corporate job, it’s probably better for both you and your company if you search elsewhere for a more suitable fit.
Lack of Contentment
If you’re struggling to find meaning in your work, and you dread coming into the office each day, this may be another sign that you’re ready to go.
Reasons You Might Consider Staying at Your Job
Before leaving your corporate job, you should first evaluate if there are any benefits to staying.
Health Care Benefits
Does your current job offer benefits you might not receive elsewhere? Would walking away from these benefits cause financial difficulties for you or your family? This might be a reason to consider staying where you are.
Positive Work Environment
It might be that you’re feeling unsatisfied with your work, but you enjoy the people you work for and with. If this is the case, you’ll have to decide what’s more important to you in the long run.
Finances
If you’re making good money where you are, it can be hard to consider leaving and starting over in a new position that might not pay as well. However, staying in a place you’re unhappy just because it pays well can lead to further misery. You’ll need to carefully evaluate your priorities and decide if you can make it without the income you’re accustomed to.
What Should You Do if You’re Undecided?
If you’re still not sure whether you’re ready to leave your corporate job or not, there are some steps you can take to help you decide.
Consult With Friends or Family
Try speaking with others who have been in the same position as you and ask what they did. See if they have any suggestions for you before you make a final decision.
Make Some Changes at Work
Trying leaving the office on lunch breaks and going for a walk or a drive. Getting fresh air can help change your perspective and interacting with people who weren’t in your office every day can be refreshing.
If it’s an option at your workplace, you can try working from home — either full-time or part-time. This can provide some balance and allow you to try new things outside of work. After making these changes, you may find yourself feeling better about your job and decide to stick it out.
What if It’s Time To Leave?
If you’ve considered your options and tried to make changes but still find yourself unsatisfied at your job, it’s probably time to say goodbye. However, this doesn’t have to be done immediately.
Side Work
As more and more people are turning from office jobs to freelancing, this may be an option worth considering before you take any steps toward quitting your corporate job.
Maybe you want to leave, but you can’t make the leap without some form of backup plan. Consider whether your skills and experience can be used outside your office. There are many online platforms that support freelancers and match them to clients, and you can begin freelancing in your free time before you hand in your two weeks’ notice.
The internet has a wide variety of tools available for freelancers — and some are free, such as invoice generators. It’s also easy to track your own finances and manage reports with the help of simple tools like paystub creators.
Give Proper Notice
Once you’re sure you’re ready to leave, don’t go out with a bang; give your two weeks’ notice. The two weeks will help your company with succession planning and also give you time to tie up loose ends and archive any company materials that may contain personal information.
Leave on Good Terms
Always be mindful of the impact quitting will have on your coworkers. Clean out anything personal so that it doesn’t become clutter in someone else’s office space and pack up all company materials so nothing gets lost after you leave. This will help those who take over your position get set up quickly.
To a Better Future
Whatever decision you make, be sure to take your time and consider every option. Once you leave, it’s unlikely you will ever be able to return. So, do your research, try branching out with a side gig, and get plenty of feedback from people you trust.
And if you’re sure it’s time to go, make sure to do it on the best terms possible!
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