A few months ago I started a new job. That’s right, I quit my job of ten years…the job I called my “dream job” for nearly a decade. Although I may have known it was time to quit for the better part of a year, it was hard to actually pull the trigger. After all, what if the grass wasn’t greener?! But now that I can sit back and reflect on it, I knew. Here’s how you know it’s time to quit…
Your Priorities Have Changed
Early in my career, I defined myself by my job and my title. I loved putting everything I had into it, even if that meant long hours at the office and little time on the life side of that work/life balance scale. The same is not true for me today. My priorities have shifted to put my loved ones and quality of life before work. I no longer live to work; I work to live. And unfortunately, just because I changed didn’t mean my workload did. While I attempted for a while to re-align my life and create certain boundaries within my work-life, I ultimately decided it would be best to find a company that would allow for the work/life balance I need today.
The Company’s Priorities Have Changed, Too
Just like we evolve and grow, companies do too. While I was a part of that evolution for a while, it was clear we were both growing apart in those final months. There were some things I knew were happening — new executive leadership, for example — that made it easy to schedule my departure around, but there were other changes I never could have predicted. In fact, the office I moved to Arizona for was recently shut down by the company. Although this isn’t why I left specifically, it’s a great example of how the company’s priorities changed too. And luckily, I got out in time.
The Work has Lost its Luster
In years past, I felt so energized by the work I was doing, it didn’t even feel like work. I would get excited about every project and spend even the little “free time” I had brainstorming ideas for the company and my clients. But in the months before I left, I dreaded going into the office every day. I dreaded every call, every meeting with a client. I was just over it, and I had no motivation on a day-to-day basis. The work had truly lost its luster to me, and even the most exciting projects became a burden.
You’re Burnt Out
In addition to the lack of motivation and overall frustration with my day-to-day, I also experienced burn out. I have always had a ton of energy, and it became hard to get out of bed in the morning. I got a stomach ulcer from stress. Even my naturopath told me it was time to make a change. Even when your mind doesn’t want to admit it’s time to leave, your body knows. Listen to it.
In Conclusion
Leaving a job is stressful, especially one you’ve been comfortable at for years. But sometimes, it’s actually less stressful in the long run to take the leap and make the change. When it comes to knowing what to do, trust your gut. Even if you once loved something, it doesn’t mean you have to do that something forever. I quit my job in June, and I haven’t looked back. You can do it too!
Anyone else leave a job recently? What other tips do you have to share?
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