Is it time to leave your job? This isn’t always an easy question to answer. Some of us leave jobs too easily and some of us stay too long, for a variety of reasons. So, how do we know if the expiry date is really up on our job? Here are a few pointers:
What’s the Real Issue?
You need to find out why what the real issue is about why you want to leave your job. If you dread going to work, is it a general feeling of boredom or ambivalence towards the work you do? Maybe you don’t feel that you gel with your co-workers or boss? Pinpointing exactly what the issue or issues are means you are better equipped to deal with it. Pinpointing the issue could mean that you find a way to deal with it and stay in your current job. A change of perspective on your part or realising that you need to ask for more of a challenge can help you move forward. If you do this work, but you still feel in your heart of hearts, it is time to move, then you are another step closer to your answer; it might be time to quit your job.
Do You Have a Different Passion?
However much you like or dislike your job, you might know that you really dream of doing something else. You might be an aspiring writer working as an office clerk or a personal trainer trapped in a retail job. If you dream of doing something else, don’t ignore those feelings; take your dreams seriously. However, it is then up to you to be honest with yourself about how close you are to that dream and what you need to do to get there. This is vital in knowing when to leave your current job as everyone’s situation is unique. There are no guarantees but if you can assess your situation as best you can, it will help you to leave when the time is right.
I was in an office job a few years ago that I gradually came to despise. At the same time, I had been completing training for a new career in my spare time and I dreamt of doing work utilizing my new skills. It was very tempting at times to tell my boss that I had enough, but I also knew that the time wasn’t right for me to leave. I had bills to pay and though I disliked my day job, I knew I would put too much pressure on myself if I left when I wasn’t in a strong enough position. Eventually the right time came to go and I have thrived in my new career. Though it was tempting to jump ship when things were difficult, I am glad I was patient and put myself in the best position possible before leaving.
If you dream of doing something else, honour those dreams and make sure you are taking steps (even small steps add up to bigger changes) towards them.
Don’t Know What Else You would Like to Do?
If you don’t know what your passion is, don’t despair. You can start asking the questions that will help you get a clearer picture about what else you would like to do. If you are active in asking these questions and looking for opportunities to work out what else you would like to do, answers will come. That’s what I did.
Bio: Jen Smith is a Life Coach, Mentor & Writer. She has tried many career paths herself and now helps people achieve their goals and dreams.
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