The Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating and changed our lives in many ways. One good thing that has emerged since 2020, however, is now employees have the power, not employers. Wages have gone up almost everywhere as companies compete to hire. The country is short staffed, one could almost walk into any store or company, ask for a job, and get it. The dynamic has shifted from “you’re lucky I hired you” to “you’re lucky I work for you’. People can leave jobs for basically any reason… and that’s okay.
It’s okay to leave your job regardless of how long you’ve been there, what they pay you, benefits, etc. It’s okay to leave if you want to leave. Whatever your reason, whether it’s because you found something better, closer to home, less stressful, or just something that interests you, you are not obligated to stay anywhere. You always should do what you feel is best for you.
If you’re unsure about quitting your current job, here are some signs to consider. Is your professional life stagnant? Have you been passed over for promotions, or just not being challenged anymore? Do you dread going into work, and just feel really stressed more often than not? Are you not being paid enough? Are newer, better opportunities being offered to you? Consider these questions, and consider whether it may be time for you to move on.
Once you decide to make the move, there’s a couple steps to take. The first is, make sure you have a game plan. While it’s absolutely okay to walk away from your job, it’s important to remember that you still have bills and responsibilities, and you want to make sure you either have a new job in place, or savings to last at least three months. The second step is to know that you may disappoint your employer, and coworkers, and that’s also okay. They will survive, and so will you. The third is to make sure you give proper notice, and leave on good terms. You want to keep your professional reputation as blemish free as possible.
At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you. If you feel it’s time to quit your job, know that it’s okay.