One of the most unexpected outcomes of COVID-19 was the “Great Resignation:” a sudden wave of people quitting their jobs driven by the hardships of the ongoing pandemic. Last November alone, a record 4.5 million Americans resigned from their employment, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. All in all, a whopping 38 million workers left their jobs in 2021.
“It’s not just about getting another job or leaving the workforce. It’s about taking control of your work and personal life, and making a big decision – resigning,” said Professor Anthony Klotz in an interview with CNBC Make It. In May of last year, Professor Klotz first coined the term “Great Resignation” during an interview with Bloomberg.
But deciding to leave a job is not always easy. First of all, having a job that pays the bills is crucial, especially in today’s economy. And there may also be other financial considerations, like health insurance benefits and retirement plans. So if you’re planning on joining the Great Resignation, it’s important to make sure you’re mentally (and financially) prepared for this transition, and the best place to start is making sure you know why you want to quit.
7 good reasons to leave your job
Workplace bullying (aka a toxic work culture)
Belligerent bosses, rude co-workers, unqualified managers…workplaces can become quite toxic environments sometimes. A work culture can make even your dream job the stuff of nightmares, and sadly, this is more common than you might think.
Red flags that you may be in a toxic work environment:
• High turnover
• Lack of work-life balance
• Cliques and gossip run rampant
• There’s a pervasive fear of failure (typically because of bullying or harassment)
• Input isn’t welcomed or valued
• Narcissistic leadership
• Unfair policies
• Low morale
Big life changes approaching
Major life events like having a baby, going back to school, or moving overseas are all good reasons to quit your job. You don’t need to discuss your private matters with your employer if you’re leaving your job for personal reasons. However, there may be times when discussing your new constraints may be helpful, particularly if you’d like to arrange a work-from-home situation or negotiate flexible working hours.
You’re woefully underpaid
Money isn’t everything: but it does pay the bills. If you think that you’re not fairly compensated for the work that you do, it may be time to move on to something else. Evidence shows that being underpaid is the top factor motivating workers to leave their jobs.
But before calling it quits, it may be worth it to try and negotiate a higher salary. To do it, research how much your position is worth based on the current market rate for your industry, and be prepared to sell yourself based on your value and contributions. If you’re thinking of quitting anyway, you won’t have a lot to lose if your employer cannot agree to a salary raise.
No career advancement opportunities
If your place of employment doesn’t offer career advancement opportunities, like training and certification programs, you may start feeling stagnant and unmotivated at some point. If you’re open to keeping your job, you can always share your ideas about career development with your boss. But if they say no, it may be time to look for a new job in a place that is willing to invest in your professional growth.
You want to change careers
It’s never too late to change careers, even if you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even 60s. Maybe you found a new passion, or perhaps you’ve grown tired of doing the same job for years or decades.
In any case, it’s important to have a solid transition plan in mind before leaving your current job, since going down a new career path may require you to go back to school or receive additional training. You could also consider doing a couple of small freelancing projects while you’re still employed, if possible, or ask someone in your new industry if you could job shadow for a few weeks.
You want a different work arrangement
Before the pandemic, fewer than 6% of the U.S workforce was working remotely. About 25% work exclusively from home, and another 20% occasionally work remotely. But as remote workers are called back into the office, a number of employees are looking to negotiate permanent work from home arrangements.
If you’re considering leaving your job to seek remote opportunities, be sure to voice your concerns with your employer and HR before quitting. Many companies are now willing to negotiate flexible arrangements that may not require you to commute to the office every day.
Your gut tells you it’s time
Sometimes “I hate my job” is the only reason you need to quit. One of the smartest things you can do is go with your gut, and if your gut is telling you to quit, listen to it! Just make sure you have a well-thought-out action plan and that you have a clear idea of your next steps. In other words, be sure to do your homework before taking the leap — but don’t be afraid to prioritize your personal growth and wellbeing when it comes to finding a job that you love.
To wrap things up
Whether you want to change careers, make more money, or just find a better opportunity for yourself, leaving your job and embarking on a new professional journey can be very exciting. Remember that pursuing your dreams takes thoughtful deliberation and planning. Or, to put it in another way, be ready to work hard and make sacrifices. However, the satisfaction and independence that goes with following your passion make it all worth it – especially when it means quitting a job that’s no longer making you happy.
