Nine Reasons to Leave Your Job

An anonymous Pinterest employee has a great job but experiences trust issues with a manager. Another anonymous employee works at an early stage startup and is burnt out due to unrealistic project timelines. Both people are contemplating leaving their jobs and they reached out to the Blind community for advice.

Work comes with its struggles and challenges, but there are times when it’s best to look for new opportunities. Sometimes it’s unclear whether or not that time has arrived, and we reach out to others for guidance. For those that are looking for direction, we’ve compiled nine situations that tell you it’s probably time to leave your job.

1. Your company’s future seems rocky. Are there rounds of layoffs? Do senior leaders keep meeting behind closed doors? Is the company not making enough money? If the general environment is unstable and employees are constantly fearful of losing their jobs, it’s a good time to start looking for new work.

2. Your values don’t align with the company’s. Maybe you care more about work-life balance whereas the company wants you to make work a priority. Maybe the company’s ethics are out of sync with your own. Maybe the company’s mission isn’t a cause you feel passionately about. Over time, any misalignment in values will make your job unbearable.

3. You’re not getting paid what you’re worth. If you are underpaid and don’t have incentives to stay—benefits, perks, or growth opportunities—then it’s probably best to move on. A company that doesn’t properly compensate or support its employees might be a sign of a bad employer.

4. Your life has changed. Marriage, baby, health issues? If your compensation or hours no longer support your needs, and your current company can’t accommodate any changes, then look for a workplace that fits with your new life.

5. You have conflicts with co-workers. Ongoing disputes with other employees can negatively impact productivity and happiness. If you’ve taken all the necessary steps to mend the relationships but find that they are broken beyond repair, it’s best to find a new and healthy work scene.

6. Your manager doesn’t support you. If you’re not getting along with your direct supervisor, your career growth will be stunted. Take the time to discuss your concerns with your manager. If this person is still unable to help you develop relevant skills and experiences, look for someone who can, even if it means going to a new company.

7. Your stress level is too high. If your work is negatively affecting your health and relationships, it may be time to leave. First, try to figure out what is causing the stress and find solutions to manage the problem. This might involve taking some time off, establishing work-life balance, or delegating work to others to better manage your time.

8. You’re not motivated. You dread going to work every day, fail to meet project deadlines, miss too many days of work, or slack off when you’re in the office. Evaluate what’s causing you to behave or feel this way. If adjustments at your current job do not solve the issue, find a new opportunity that motivates you again. For some, a career change may be the answer.

9. You’re not learning anything anymore. If you’re not being challenged and there is no opportunity for growth at your current company, then it’s definitely time to leave.