What To Ask Yourself Before You Quit Your Job

It’s Wednesday afternoon. You’re exhausted, you miss your family and if you never see another email from your boss again it would be too soon. Suddenly you’re wearing your Quitting Goggles and everything seems unbearable; your coworkers, your lackluster job description, even the carpeting in your office building strikes a bad chord with you.

If the grass is always greener on the other side, Quitting Goggles manage to make it even greener. You may not be sure how you got here, but here you are wanting to quit; wanting to find something better, more challenging, with a better office environment and a more inspirational boss.  Your dream job is out there, you just know it.

Before you start contemplating your exciting and bold exit strategy, lower those goggles for just a second and ask yourself these questions.

Can I effectively address these issues with my boss first?

If you feel your skills aren’t being utilized to their full potential, speak up. It’s very possible your boss will happily find something more challenging for you to contribute to the team. Be sure you chose the right time to speak up and offer to take on a specific task.

Can I see myself as the boss?

If you revel in the idea of taking over for your boss someday, or filling another advanced role within the company, you can lessen your haste to leave. If your current job title isn’t fulfilling but there’s room to grow, this is good news. Take your newfound desire for something better and apply it toward landing an internal position that will better suit your needs.  Start building a relationship with HR and others of influence in the company.

Do I have a financial backup plan?

Job hunting is exhausting. Yes, more exhausting than your Wednesday afternoon in the office. It’s also challenging and could take some time. If you don’t have a financial plan or adequate savings to support yourself in the interim, don’t be so quick to pack up your desk.

What are my other options?

In addition to financial planning, you should have a plan of action for finding your next job. Do you want to do the same job just for someone else? Do you want an entirely new position? Do you want to start over in a new industry? Find out where your anxiety is coming from and that will help lead you in the right direction; either back to your desk or out the door.

If your job is causing you debilitating stress, not meeting your financial needs or making you feel undervalued, you should consider taking action. The action could be as simple as assessing the causes of your career anxiety, asking for a raise or taking on more challenging responsibilities. Or it could mean it’s time to move on to greener pastures. Either way the process requires some thought and planning, so don’t make a hasty decision.

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Do you need help assessing your career anxiety or improving your relationship with your boss? My executive coaching services can help you hone your communication skills and clearly define your goals and objectives.