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11 Times It's Totally Worth It To Quit Your Job

These are some signs it might be time to change your job

employee carrying personal belongings in a box after being terminated from the office.
Updated Dec. 4, 2024
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Leaving a job isn’t always easy and is a major change, but sometimes quitting can be quite beneficial.

You may feel like you’ve been passed over for promotions, turned down for raises, or experienced mental and emotional struggles because of current workplace dynamics or lack of balance.

In certain situations, leaving your current job could help you get ahead financially while protecting your well-being.

If you’ve thought about leaving your job, here are 11 times you could benefit from quitting.

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Your growth is stagnant

New Africa/Adobe Lazy office worker

If you regularly get passed over for promotions and advancement opportunities, quitting could mean finding new prospects and chances for growth in your career field at a faster rate than if you stick around at your current job.

Look for signs that your job is stagnant, including a lack of new projects, no training, and high employee turnover.

You’re never happy

Andrii/Adobe A frustrated employee

Your mental health is important, and if you’re unhappy because of your job, it may be time to look for something new. You may be bored due to a lack of challenges and repetitive workdays, or you might just dread work.

These aren’t the only reasons you might be unhappy at work, but your unhappiness could indicate you belong elsewhere.

You want to grow your career in a new direction

motortion/Adobe Employee feeling tired listening

You may want to leave your job to pursue a career change, and it could be well worth it while improving your life.

If you want to earn an income based on your passions, you’ll likely find more purpose and fulfillment in what you do, and you may very well experience more productivity and success when you’re following what you want rather than staying at your current job.

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You’ve found a better opportunity

Antonioguillem/Adobe Female worker shaking hands

Quitting your current job is worth it if you’ve found a better opportunity, even if you enjoy your current workplace. Before switching, consider if the new job will cover your monthly expenses and help you feel fulfilled.

Check for things like higher salary, better benefits, improved work environment, advancement opportunities, and anything else that would make it a better long-term fit.

You aren’t compensated fairly

Andrey Popov/Adobe Businessman Opening Envelope With Paycheck

If you’re underpaid compared to others in your industry, it’s fair to want to get a new job. Not getting raises or benefits indicates you can find better work elsewhere instead of wasting more time where you are.

If you haven’t asked for a raise, you may not want to leave without trying that route first, but if you’ve already gotten denied a raise or benefits, it may be time to consider your exit.

You feel unappreciated

Dragana Gordic/Adobe Boss frustrated with employee

Feeling unappreciated for your work often involves experiencing a lack of recognition for your effort and accomplishments, even when you do more than expected. You may also feel this way if you don’t receive feedback on your work, either positive or constructive.

It’s likely worth looking for something new if this situation continues long-term. If it’s a recent occurrence at your job, it might be worth discussing with your boss first.

Your work environment is toxic

Panumas/Adobe scolding male employee

Working in a toxic environment is harmful to your mental health and emotional well-being. You might notice bullying, discrimination, or unethical behavior from co-workers and managers.

A lack of support, dishonesty, poor communication, and harassment can also lead to a negative work environment that often comes home with you. If it becomes a common situation, quitting to go to another job with a healthier environment is well worth it.

You have job-related health concerns

Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe employee having back pain at work

If your job is causing mental, emotional, or physical health problems, leaving may be the best option. You can find a healthier situation elsewhere, improving your life and well-being.

Your health should be a priority, so you don’t want to ignore job-related problems. Before quitting, consider talking to your boss to see if there’s a remedy. If they’re not receptive or don’t offer an option, it’s likely time to move on.

You’re handling burnout

Andrey Popov/Adobe stressed female employee at office

Burnout involves feeling exhausted, stressed, and drained most of the time. A serious lack of work-life balance can directly impact both your physical and mental health.

Leaving your job could be ideal if you’ve felt burned out for a while and there seems to be no end in sight. The demands of your career shouldn’t negatively impact your health, well-being, or relationships, so it’s fair to reevaluate if you’re in the best place for you.

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Your values and goals don’t align

qunica.com/Adobe manager warning employees at work

Honoring your values and goals is essential to your well-being, and you shouldn’t have to compromise them for a job.

When your employer has values and goals that don’t align with yours, it could leave you feeling disconnected and impact your career long-term. When this situation arises, it’s okay to find something new that aligns with your ideals.

You’re not learning

StockPhotoPro/Adobe depressed male employee eating biscuit

Learning new skills or improving existing ones is beneficial and can keep you feeling engaged at your job. Without these opportunities, leaving should be a consideration.

You should not only learn at work but have your skills challenged regularly, otherwise, you’ll not only feel frustrated, but you’ll also be left behind by others in the career field as technology, practices, and industries change.

Bottom line

bongkarn/Adobe office worker quitting a job

If your job leaves you feeling unfulfilled, undervalued, or stuck in an unhealthy environment, quitting could be worthwhile. You can try discussing the situation with your boss first, but you may have to seek new opportunities elsewhere.

As you consider what you want to do next, don’t forget that you can tap into a new source of income through side hustles and entrepreneurship.


Author Details

Sarah Barkley

Sarah Barkley is a writer from Michigan with a bachelor’s degree from Baker College. With a strong interest in saving and financial planning, she enjoys discussing finances through a practical, family-focused lens. She often explores how significant life changes, like having children, impact household budgets and offers creative ideas to help families save money.