7 Good Reasons to Leave a Job

You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are. You’ve secured a position you’re sure you should feel incredibly grateful to be in. But what if you’re not happy? What if you’re not where you’re supposed to be? Is it time to leave? While there are a number of risks associated with cutting your losses, particularly if you’re more established in your career and job hopping remains a stigma in your field, there are a number of good reasons why you should push through and make a change.

1. You’re not getting paid what you are worth.

If you find out that you’re making less than the market rate and then find out that your boss won’t budge with your salary. Money isn’t the only factor in keeping a job. It’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to career fulfillment, but sometimes it should be taken into serious consideration. Especially if it means you aren’t being valued as you should.

2. Your health is suffering.

If your job is causing so much stress that it’s affecting your health, then it’s almost certainly time to back away. The connection between stress and physical health is a real one and risking your body is not worth the risk.

3. There’s nowhere to grow.

You’ve been in the same place for a long time, jobwise. Other people have been promoted around you or have moved onto better things. You really love your job, but you have to think about your future. If you’ve been stuck in your position for years and there’s no room above you to grow? Go somewhere else.

4. It’s shady.

If you’re being treated unfairly or can see someone being treated unfairly, or perhaps you’ve noticed unethical or illegal dealings… any one of these things should be grounds for your red flags to fly.

5. Your boss doesn’t have your back.

You’re not supported. You’re not encouraged. And when the stuff hits the fan, your boss is just not in your corner. It’s important to have a boss who challenges and nurtures you, who helps you to grow your skills and achieve more. If you don’t have that, it might be worth looking around until you find it.

6. You have no security.

You feel like you’re always waiting for the axe to fall or the other shoe to drop. There are layoffs or changes all the time. Your position continues to morph in ways that don’t make sense or fulfill you. And whenever you ask for answers, none are forthcoming. If you feel insecure or in the dark, it might be time to move on.

7. You just don’t care.

You know when you’ve mentally checked out and are no longer trying or caring. If you’ve gotten to that point it’s time to do some serious soul-searching. Either figure out how to get your head back in the game or figure out how to get out of your dead end job.