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We’ve all had moments where we’ve realized that a career change may be the best thing for us. The only issue is that it can be difficult to tell if quitting your job is the best long-term decision or if you’re caught up in the stress of the moment. Quitting your job might be the answer, but changing how you approach your job may be a better solution.
Hero Journey Club is here to gently support you through rough moments. Our gaming-based social support groups can help you manage stress, socialize productively, and find a sense of inner calm. It’s best to make big decisions when you’re at peace.
There are plenty of reasons someone might contemplate quitting a job. Most of us will experience at least a few of these scenarios in our lifetime, and some of us may have previously left a job for a similar reason.
Aside from a toxic work environment, poor management, and job insecurity, almost all of these concerns can be resolved. You’ll have to consider if they’re worth resolving, if the situation is only temporary, or if the situation is really significant enough to warrant a change of job.
Talking yourself out of quitting your job isn’t always the right decision. There are plenty of circumstances where quitting your job can be the best decision you’ve ever made. The key is learning to separate factors like a tough project or general burnout from circumstances in your career that are legitimately bad for your well-being.
Having a frustrating week does not mean a frustrating year is ahead of you. You may feel differently when this project is over or when the busy season comes to an end. Negative feelings don’t always mean something is seriously wrong; they may just be a signal that things are temporarily stressful.
Try making a pros and cons list that focuses on every aspect of your job over the past year. You may find you recall plenty of positive experiences. Your overall job satisfaction comes from the way the pros and cons come together.
Are the pros enough to help you experience personal fulfillment in your career? Are you really unhappy, or do you want to aspire to greater levels of achievement and responsibility? Would a move up the ladder solve your concerns better than quitting? Asking yourself important questions can help you evaluate what you really want.
Many workplace issues can be resolved through better communication. If you’re having trouble with your coworkers, aren’t getting enough time off, aren’t receiving adequate support from your superiors, or are long overdue for a raise, it’s time to take your concerns to your boss.
It may be uncomfortable to have these conversations with your superiors, but consider the difference between asking and quitting. There’s absolutely no chance that you’ll get the things you need if you don’t ask. If your requests are granted, you may feel less inclined to look for a new job.
Most importantly, it may be time to reexamine your relationship with your job. Some people have a tendency to put a lot of emphasis on work (perhaps too much) when they’re avoiding other aspects of their lives that are causing them to feel unhappy.
You may be misdirecting your frustration if you feel compelled to work a lot. You may be avoiding dealing with issues at home or in your personal life. Your career is important, especially if you’re passionate about what you do. Even if you love your work, it may not always be helpful to assign such high personal fulfillment expectations for what you do when you’re on the clock.
Before you make a decision you can’t take back, it helps to spend some time productively exploring other career opportunities. As you do, be mindful of separating what you enjoy doing each day from the external trappings that go along with many positions. Making more money in a role that also makes you miserable may not be a net gain for you.
Networking and researching other job opportunities can give you an idea of what a more satisfying career future would look like. Many companies offer informational interviews and job shadowing opportunities to people interested in working with them. These explorative opportunities can be an immersive way to explore the possibility of a career transition.
Whenever you feel unsure at your current job, spend a little while updating your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Professional betterment and keeping track of your achievements can remind you of your strengths in the workplace while also helping you identify any weaknesses that may be contributing to your career dissatisfaction.
Quitting your job can have some unintended consequences that may ultimately make you feel worse. How will you receive an income, and how will you know when you can expect to receive a steady income again? Swapping career stress for financial stress isn’t the most productive move. It’s important to have a plan before you provide your two-week notice.
Make sure you’re confident in your reasoning when making the decision to quit. If you’re changing your life for the right reasons, you’re always making a good decision. If you’re running away from an issue you can fix, pause for a moment and contemplate your choice.
Consider the long-term implications of quitting your job. You don’t want to burn a bridge with your employer or people you’ve networked with unless you’re sure there’s a better opportunity with your name on it. Your decision to switch jobs should be focused on improving your career trajectory and the overall quality of your life, not a quick fix that may limit your potential for future growth.
Hero Journey Club hosts group gaming sessions with an emphasis on social support. Every session is led by a mental health expert to facilitate productive conversations and healthy exploration. We also offer referrals and psychoeducation to help you prioritize your mental health.
Hero Journey Club is a relaxed environment. It’s easy to set aside work-related stress and communicate with like-minded people in a safe space.
Our research shows that the majority of Hero Journey Club members experience fewer markers for depression and anxiety after a therapeutic gaming session. Calm down, game with us for a while, and think about it before you make any big career decisions.
Quitting your job is a big decision. It’s not always the wrong decision, but it’s important to thoroughly evaluate the situation before you make any big moves. If your work-related issues could be solved by prioritizing self-care, speaking with your higher-ups, and strengthening your boundaries, it may be worth giving your job another chance.
If your decision to quit your job is based on the availability of opportunities that will allow you to thrive and reach your full professional potential, it may be worth pursuing higher aspirations. Take a self-inventory and explore your options before you come to a conclusion.
It may be worth speaking to a career counselor or a mental health professional if you’re having difficulty thriving in the workplace. It’s possible that an issue could exist across the spectrum — you may need a new job, but you may also need to talk a few things out with someone qualified to provide you with tailored mental health support.
Hero Journey Club is here to help you find some comfort while you’re working toward a solution. Join Hero Journey Club now to enjoy the social support you need while you’re working to become the best version of yourself.
Sources:
Job burnout: How to spot it and take action | Mayo Clinic
Don’t Ask for a Raise — Negotiate It | Harvard Business Review
Switching Careers? Here’s How to Write a Strong Resume. | Harvard Business Review
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