When Is the Best Time to Quit Your Job?

We’re currently in the midst of what’s been dubbed “The Great Resignation.” After all the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic brought, millions of workers throughout the U.S. are quitting their jobs. In June 2021, 2.7% of people left their jobs in the U.S., almost the same as the record level of leavers in April 2021, at 2.8%.

Like “The Wall Street Journal” reported in August 2021, many employees who are leaving their jobs don’t have anything else lined up, but they’re willing to leave so they can reskill or upskill and move on to a more fulfilling and/or higher-paying role.

Millennials in particular are eager to make a change. A 2021 Prudential Financial survey of 2,000 American workers found 34% of workers ages 25 to 40 years old plan to search for a new position with a different employer post-pandemic. Overall, 26% of workers plan to job-hop.

As we’ve written before, it’s never too late to change careers. But how do you know when it’s the best time to leave a job? Consider these factors.

1. You Have Some Leads

Maybe you’ve been contacted by recruiters on LinkedIn. Or a friend has told you there’s an opening at their company you’d be perfect for.

Despite the chaos the pandemic caused in the job market in 2020, now we’re seeing more candidates than ever getting job offers without even having to interview for a position. In June 2021, there were 8.1 million job vacancies, the largest number recorded in history.

It’s currently an employee’s job market. Many employers are struggling to find talent for open positions.

If you’ve received job leads, you have opportunities available. Even if you’re not interested in those particular jobs, there may be something out there that’s the right fit.

2. Your Health Is Suffering

As we’ve covered, there are various warning signs your job could literally be killing you. We don’t mean to alarm you and suggest you’re in immediate danger, but if you’re experiencing a racing heart before or during work, or you’re using substances like drugs and alcohol to cope with work stress, your current position could be negatively impacting your health and well-being.

Look at the following signs to see if your job may be taking a toll on your health.

1. You’ve started using illegal substances due to work.
2. You’ve experienced increased anger or depression.
3. You have poor-quality sleep.
4. You’ve gained or lost a significant amount of weight due to job-related factors.
5. You’ve experienced work-related injuries.

Your job is a significant part of your life and affects all other spheres, including family, relationships and self-esteem. As we’ve seen in our 2021 workforce trends round-up, employers are making work-life balance a bigger priority to attract and retain employees. If your current employer doesn’t prioritize your well-being, it may be time to move on.

3. You Want to Change Careers

One effect of the pandemic is that it put work’s role in life into perspective for many professionals. Today, work means more than a paycheck. More employees want to feel fulfilled and engaged at work.

For some, that means learning a new skill and moving into a different field. The good news is, learning is available via more channels than ever before. Sites like Coursera offer free college classes taught by real university professors. Technology bootcamps immerse students in weeks- or months-long programs so they can begin careers in in-demand industries like information technology. Some colleges, like various nursing programs and technical schools, will even provide education compensation and guarantee a job after graduation.

You only have one life. If you want to move into a new field, you may be interested in focusing on your education full-time so you can get there more quickly.

4. You’ve Positioned Yourself Professionally

Even if you haven’t received any job leads yet, you may be in a good position to quit and make a job search your new full-time, in the meantime job. If you’ve checked off the following tasks, now may be a good time to leave a job you’re unhappy with and find an employer who’s looking for your talent.

• You’ve updated your resume.
• Your LinkedIn profile is current. LinkedIn Recommendations are an added benefit.
• You know your elevator pitch.
• You have a strong professional network.

While you search for a job, you can also plan to continue your career development. Maybe that means watching an industry webinar, having a virtual coffee date with a former colleague or taking an online course to get a certificate you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

If you’ve built up your savings and feel comfortable you can thrive without a job for up to a few months, you may benefit from taking the leap and devoting all your energy to finding your dream job.

Want to Move On & Find a Better Job?

There’s never a “perfect” time to quit your job when you don’t have a job offer waiting on the other side. But one thing that’s certain is that your time is valuable. You could continue to work in a job that’s not a fit, or you could use your time to upskill, reskill and look for something new.

If you’re contemplating a career change, you might benefit from career coaching. A career coach can help you identify career paths you’re a fit for, determine the skills and knowledge you need to get there, and find open positions that can lead to a more meaningful career. If you’re interested in career coaching, contact HiConsulting Services for a free consultation[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]