When Is It Time To Quit Your Job?
This question appears somewhere on-line several times a month.
As you might imagine, there are infinite lists, opinions, rants and advice — about how to recognize when it’s time to leave your company…including the most obvious signal: the money isn’t there for you.
For me, the warning signs were typical and maybe even subtle at first — you know — more personal days, poor eating and sleeping habits…and
lordy! the occasional crying fit. (out on the streets of NYC, of course — never in the ladies room:).
Later in my career, the actual message came in the form of a physical and emotional collapse on my way to work one morning.
I got the shakes, I couldn’t breath…the whole nine yards. I simply had to quit that day.
The only reason I was able to make such a dramatic and life-changing move was because already knew what I wanted to do instead.
The Pet Set had already begun to take form — way before I started at this company.
So if I may, that would be my advice to you, if you think you’ve absolutely had enough…before you let the door hit you in the behind…have a PLAN.
If you can’t answer the question, what am I good at or what am I passionate about, it’s not time for you to quit. (unless you’re rich.)
Also, I’ve dealt with career counselors over the years…a really good one can help you put a career or life plan together, help you focus and even help you plan your resignation strategy.
Tags: career-counselors, careerjournal.com, home-business, how-to-resign, the-petset.com, When-to-quit-your-jobRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Fabulous Coffee Break
8 opinions for When Is It Time To Quit Your Job?
Jenny
Jan 17, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Wow. Excellent article. I totally agree with you. I know that when I first started working for someone else, I was passionate about my job and loved the company that I worked for. After 10 years with the company, I just felt empty. I had mastered everything on my job. It was no longer a challenge. I had the opportunity to travel with my previous employer. The money was great. But, I simply did not feel good. Inside that is. I had such a void in my heart.
Kim
Jan 17, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Hi Jenny,
I think you hit the nail on the head…when you feel that strange hole in your heart, it’s time to think about doing something else.
That emptiness is the worst feeling in the world.
But now you’ve got Bathbodyjunky.com!
Jenny
Jan 17, 2007 at 8:17 pm
thanks. it has been a very long struggle. I am thankful for my past experiences. However, I fill so complete with my own business now. I am also thankful and glad that I found a wonderful blog that actually has content.
Kim
Jan 17, 2007 at 8:41 pm
I wish you much success. And please do always feel free to express your feelings here.
Kellys
Jan 26, 2007 at 7:47 pm
For me, it was when I couldn’t give my co-workers a smile in the morning and a positive outlook during the day. I realized that I was no good to anyone anymore because I was so unhappy. The schedule was gruelling and I no longer felt like my patients were at an advantage for having me on their case.
I took a 50% pay cut to change jobs and was so glad I did. 2 1/2 years later, I returned to the cath lab and am still there part time today. I am glad I chose to leave while I still liked what I was doing but couldn’t handle doing it. There is a huge difference.
Kim
Jan 26, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Wow Kelly…I’d forgotten about that part…when someone no longer can provide their co-workers a positive and uplifting daily experience…then it really is time to leave.
Hallie Crawford
Jan 28, 2007 at 6:15 am
Kim, Great post-thanks! I was actually getting physically sick at my old job (flu, minor eye injury, minor surgery). My body was telling me something. I ended up crying in the bathroom :) I quit a few months later with nothing else lined up but-I had found my passion at least: helping others get out of this same situation. Your passion can come from something you went through yourself, or something you didn’t have and want for others. I’m a career coach now and absolutely love it. It’s not a walk in the park to get your own business going. But I am fulfilled and that makes a BIG difference. I can’t imagine going back and I would go through the transition again in a heartbeat to do what I’m doing now. hallie@halliecrawford.com
Kim
Jan 28, 2007 at 8:42 am
Hi Hallie,
Great site! Me too, I felt like I constantly had a fever throughout much of my corporate life. It made me realize that I am not cut out for that kind of career path.
Now I have my own business as well: the-petset.com and it’s not easy…but it is fulfilling.
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