Maybe it is time to quit your job?

You've been in your job for three years. Your co-workers are OK, the company is a bit scattered and doesn't seem to have a clear vision, your boss takes credit for your work, of which you do far more than your share, and it seems like you are on the path to nowhere and fast. Is it time to move on to greener pastures?

Good question.

The decision to leave a job is huge and ranks up there with buying a house, getting married, and having a baby. It is a very big decision, and affects other aspects of your life, including how you feel about yourself personally. Suddenly you begin to undervalue your worth and worry about what friends and family might think if you were among the unemployed. Quit and you might suffer from seller’s remorse. Stay and continue to despise your position, and wish you were somewhere –anywhere else.

Sometimes it is important to take stock of a situation and just move on. You might be surprised how liberating it can be. Beyond that, it will give you the opportunity to identify a position that is much more fulfilling and provides you with the personal and professional development that you need and want.

Staying too long can present other problems that can affect your self-worth and personal relationships. It’s important to evaluate your situation and make a decision that will facilitate your happiness. If that means leaving, then so be it. No doubt you will make a plan and something even better will present itself. You don’t need to stay in a bad situation. Leaving sooner rather than later will allow you to maintain motivated and positive to pursue something else.

Should I stay or should I go?

So, how do you know if it’s time to go? Well, I know it sounds odd, but generally you get a “feeling”. The fact is that you might think to yourself “I really don’t want to go there anymore!” Or, “I hate my job!” (That’s always a big one) or you just dread getting out of bed every morning. Listen to yourself before you stay too long and it becomes apparent to all around you that you are miserable. At that point, when you do leave, whether it is on your own or the decision is made for you, it is likely that positive feelings between you and the company will no longer exist.

If it is possible to leave on a positive note without sacrificing your welfare or your family’s welfare, then absolutely get out of Dodge. No good can come of staying in a bad job. In fact, the sooner you leave the sooner you can move on to a situation that will allow you to be happy and productive.

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Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.

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