Quitting Your Job: How to Know When It's the Right Time

One of the hardest decisions in your professional life is knowing how long to wait when it comes to your job. Should I stay in a job I no longer love? Should I stay working for this boss, hoping our relationship improves? Should I wait for a new opportunity to come my way? How long do I wait?

While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are key factors that can help you discover the right choice for you.

First, assess whether it is the job/company/situation that you are struggling with, or if it is you. When we become disheartened with something, our performance can start to decline. This, in turn, leads to unpleasant consequences and further dissatisfaction with your role. Before you decide to leave, think about the part you may have played in the situation. Your best action is to change yourself, so regardless of whether you stay or go, you will be bringing your best to the table.

Second, pause and make sure that what you go toward isn't repeating what you don't like about your current role. Too often, we think that anything new has to be better than our current job, only to discover it isn't. There are things you like about your current job and areas where you excel. When you consider your next role - whether it's with a company, in the community, on a board, or with family/friends - make sure you are considering what brings you joy, and what you'd prefer not to do again. Being mindful of this will help ensure that your next season brings you fulfillment and allows you to use your best skills.

Finally, remember that you can either change jobs or change yourself, or do both. Put your best foot forward to influence your situation positively. If the situation does not improve with your change, waiting may not be enough. You may need to change the job and find something with a higher chance of success.

Waiting and hoping are rarely enough. Take control of what you can control. Bring your best to bear. Ensure that, if you decide to change, you have already changed the most powerful part of the equation: you. So, if you're asking yourself "Should I quit my job?", this is the time to pause, assess, and make a decision that's right for you.

Originally published in Smart Business Journal. For more advice on quitting your job or starting a new role, reach out to ProjectYou. Find out how our career coaching can help you find and advance in a career you love. Our assessments, 1:1 career advising, consultation, and professional resume and LinkedIn reviews can take your career to the next level.