Quit Your Job If It's Time To Go
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Some people are way past their expiration date of joy in their job.
When it’s time to go, go.
Obviously, not everyone loves their job, or enjoys it every minute of every day. Every job has ups and downs, hopefully many more ups than downs.
That being said, if you're miserable, and *especially* if you're making others miserable as a result, then give yourself and your coworkers the gift of a good goodbye.
In the work I do with teams, I come across people who are way past the expiration date of any joy in their position. In some cases, people who truly hate their jobs, the company, and everything in sight. People who are on the payroll actively ruining the company and it’s culture from the inside and poisoning the well for other employees, customers, and the organization.
If you fit that description, go.
The truth is that in that situation, leaving is the best option for everyone involved — you get to find and enjoy a new opportunity and place to be. The organization and your coworkers get the opportunity to have someone new come in with fresh energy who is more excited to be there.
Of course, there is nuance to this.
I am fully aware of and acknowledge that not everyone can just up and quit their job one day and get a new one like snapping their fingers. There are a million different circumstances, elements, situations, and dynamics that are unique to each person and their own situation. I am simply advocating that if your job is sucking the life from your soul and it’s truly time to go, and you have the means and opportunity and are able to, then do everything you can to move on.
Your well-being over time is at stake.
Don’t stick around until you’re so miserable that you hate your company, coworkers, leaders, etc. If you’re ranting to your family every night at dinner, or it’s all you talk about with your friends then take that as a sign. That may be something that doesn’t have much impact for a week or some weeks, but for months and months, or years, it will take a heavy toll on your peace of mind, personal relationships, and overall health.
Really, the best thing that can happen for all parties involved is for you to continue your journey and make proactive moves to try to score yourself new employment.
Here’s a bonus level that may be great to unlock…
Before I share this piece of advice I need to say: proceed with caution around this.
Depending on your unique situation and your relationship with the company and your boss, it may be a great move to bring your boss on board (even though this isn’t done traditionally). I emphasize the word may because there is discretion involved here and in some situations and companies this suggestion may backfire and be a terrible idea. That being the case, if you’re definitely going to leave anyway, you don’t have that much to lose.
If you are able to be vulnerable with your boss and you have a good relationship with them, it could be beneficial to have the conversation that you’re thinking that it’s time to move on from your job. If your boss and company are not reactionary and have the ability to be receptive to this conversation, it could be great for everyone to work on an amicable timeline and transition plan together.
Maybe that looks like determining an official end date, spending the remaining time (weeks or months) helping to find and possibly train your replacement, although if you’re truly miserable then someone else training them is probably a much better start for them in their new role. Metaphorically, If the only water left in your well about the company is poison, don’t let them drink any of it for everyone’s sake.
If you need to go, go.
It’s okay to move on. Onward and upward. Your friends, family, and people who care about you will probably really love to stop hearing about how miserable you and everyone at work are and be able to just eat their dinner in peace. Go find some joy instead.
Related Blogs:
How to Quit Your Job Like a Pro
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This article was created by Galen Emanuele for the #culturedrop. Free leadership and team culture content in less than 5 minutes a week. Check out the rest of this month's content and subscribe to the Culture Drop at https://bit.ly/culturedrop