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The Great Resignation has been all over the news recently. People are saying no to stress, no to a lack of balance and flexibility, and yes to their mental health and well-being. But if you are considering jumping on the trend train, there are a few things to consider first.
One-third of your life is spent at work. Let that really sink in. Sometimes, it may feel longer if you don't particularly like your career or if your job is a constant source of stress.
There's a difference between continuing in a career that doesn't align with your personal goals or beliefs and staying in a job that causes daily harm to your mental health. You might think you can keep putting off a career change, whether you're in your early or late 30's or late 60's, and think it is not sensible to do. But every day you remain in a stressful job, it's doing more harm than good to your well-being.
But is it the right time to make a move?
Deciding to leave a job can be stressful in its own way, so feeling confident in your decision and having a solid plan are important. If you're worried that your workplace stress is negatively impacting your quality of life, keep the following ideas in mind to determine if it's time to leave.
First, it's essential to understand your work environment's impact on your physical and emotional health. Workplace stress has been linked to issues like
These health concerns can affect you immediately, of course, but they can also cause long-term repercussions that will impact you for years. If you already have an underlying health condition, the effects of a toxic work environment will be even worse, and that's a clear sign that it's time to move on in your career.
Before you decide it's time to leave your job, consider where you are from a financial standpoint. You don't want to quit a job only to experience different stress because you're not bringing in an income. Being financially prepared will make your decision easier and allow for a low-stress transition as you move into a different career.
There are a few financial "to-dos" you can put into place before leaving your job to make sure you're starting on the right track, including:
You might find that you need to tweak your budget for a while, too. It's best to do this before you actually leave your job, so you can determine what you'll be able to afford and where you should cut back while you're on the hunt for something new. If you're not currently financially sound or in a place that will allow you to live without an income for a few months comfortably, it might be better to hold off on quitting until you are.
Even if you're unhappy in your career, quitting is a big decision. One of the best things you can do to feel confident in that decision is to list the pros and cons of leaving.
Your list's biggest "pro" should be your mental and physical well-being. You might even give that a little extra weight since your job shouldn't be so stressful that it causes damage to your well-being.
However, some potential cons might include starting somewhere new, finding a hiring place, or having to learn new skills. If you're thinking about transitioning to a specific career, you should also consider whether it's safe or not. There are many dangerous jobs out there that pay well and can even be fulfilling, but it's worth weighing out the risks before you get involved.
Stress can take a massive toll on your health. If you don't like your job or feel uninspired at work, consider sticking it out a bit longer until you've got something else lined up. But, if you're concerned that the stress of your current career is causing damage to your physical and mental well-being, it's usually time to move on.
