by Paul Bramson, CEO of The Paul Bramson Companies
With the job market shifting in favor of employers — with more candidates than open positions — workers might find it challenging to decide if now is the right time to leave a job that doesn’t offer enough satisfaction, career growth, pay, or benefits. There are many reasons you might want to leave a job, from dealing with toxic managers to seeking more work/life balance.
However, in a challenging job market, you must consider factors carefully before making a move. I recommend asking yourself five crucial questions before putting in notice. These questions are designed to help you understand why you feel you need to leave and how your current role affects your life.
1. Does your workplace negatively impact your mental and physical well-being due to toxicity or stress?
Life is too short to deal with the stress of a negative or even toxic workplace. Toxic environments can stem from mismatches between employees and their managers, unsupportive teams and leaders, micromanagement, or lack of communication. Additionally, a failing company culture adds to this, taking a huge toll on one’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Working in an unhealthy environment can lead to insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and stomach issues that seem to come free with your job. Take time to understand your overall feelings and mental and physical experiences and pinpoint the causes. Is it the workload, your company, or your leader? Identifying the specific issues can help you address them or decide it’s time to greener (and less stressful) pastures.
2. Are there clear opportunities for career growth and advancement available to you?
While our jobs can be tough, opportunities for career growth or advancement within your organization can make those challenges worthwhile. If those opportunities are lacking, it might be time to explore other companies that support your professional development.
In a recent study, 63% of workers polled said they left their jobs because of a lack of opportunities for advancement. Take a hard look at your current employer and ask yourself: “Do I see myself moving up or staying stuck?”
3. Do your personal values align with the values and culture of your company?
These days, staying in a job that clashes with your values can feel almost impossible. Your overall job satisfaction and comfort are often tied to how well your personal values align with your company’s. Values like integrity, respect, work-life balance, sustainability, and equity can significantly impact how you feel about where you spend most of your time.
When your values align with your workplace, it becomes more than just a job — it becomes a meaningful part of your life. But when they don’t, it can lead to frustration, disengagement, or even anger.
4. Is maintaining a healthy work-life balance feasible in your current role?
There are many roles where a healthy work-life balance can’t — or at least shouldn’t — be expected. For example, ER doctors, lawyers, and chefs work crazy hours and spend a lot of time away from loved ones. If a healthy work-life balance is important to you, it may be time to reevaluate your career choice.
For most of us, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and sustainable productivity. If your chosen field’s workload and time commitment are wearing you down, consider other areas where your skills could translate into a position that offers a stronger, healthier balance. After all, who wants to be glued to their desk 24/7?
5. Are you receiving fair compensation and adequate benefits for your contributions?
Fair compensation and a robust benefits package are important factors in feeling valued and having peace of mind. When your employer recognizes your contributions and rewards them fairly, it boosts your morale and motivation.
Do some digging into what others in your field are earning. If you find a significant gap between your pay and the going rate for your position, it might be time to address this with your leaders or consider looking elsewhere.
Deciding whether it’s time to cut and run from your job takes careful consideration and reflection over several key factors. Asking yourself these questions can help you determine whether your current job is really meeting all of your needs.
Ultimately, prioritizing happiness, balance, and well-being in our lives and our careers is paramount. With the average person spending over 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime, finding a job or role that reflects who you are and what you value is not just a smart choice — it’s a game-changer.
Invest in work that enhances your life and fuels your passion. Your future self will thank you!
Paul Bramson is widely regarded as one of the most impactful and gifted keynote speakers and trainers globally. Recognized as a thought leader in the areas of communication, leadership, and sales, Paul has over 25 years of experience inspiring all levels of professionals, leaders, and teams. Paul’s ability to captivate and entertain audiences stems from his genuine passion, unique talents, and commitment to being better.
