When is it okay to quit my job? Why quitting isn’t always giving up
Growing up, it’s likely that at some point you heard the words, “Don’t be a quitter.” Maybe you had teachers or coaches who warned you about quitting a commitment. Maybe they told you that quitters were lazy, they lacked the ability to persevere, or they were the kind of individuals who just gave up. Naturally, you internalized these messages, continued honoring your commitments, and understood that you wouldn’t be the kind of person who quits.
Now you’re an adult entering the workforce. You can’t believe you landed the job you dreamed of for so long. You’re eager to make a good impression, excited to leave your mark on your new company, and ready to dive in. However, as you get started, you slowly start realizing that the reality of your new job is very different from your expectations. You’re finding that you’re:
Asked to work longer hours than you originally agreed to
Coming home each night completely drained
Not making as much money as you deserve.
You try expressing to your boss how you feel and your feelings are immediately invalidated. You leave the conversation feeling guilty. Then you start to remember the message you received in childhood - don’t quit. Maybe you shouldn’t have even said anything.
Since you were programmed to believe that quitting is wrong, it makes sense that the thought of leaving a commitment can make you feel anxious and guilty. But, what if quitting isn’t always a bad thing? What if:
You found yourself in an unfulfilling situation
You expressed your feelings
You advocated for your needs to be met
You find that nothing is being done
Removing yourself from this situation may actually be the healthiest option. Moving forward, you can look for jobs that prioritize a better work/life balance, employers that care about your wellbeing, and environments that uplift and inspire you.
Learn more by visiting these popular resources:
New York Times Guide to Quitting your Job
Business News Daily Guide to Quitting without Burning Bridges
When is it okay to quit my job? Why quitting isn’t always giving up