Should I quit my job (Signs it’s time and what to do next)

“If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘Should I quit my job?’ more than once a week… that’s your nervous system trying to tell you something. You’re now in a safe space to talk about it so let’s dive in.”

Let me guess, you’ve been playing tug-of-war in your head for weeks (maybe even months). One day you’re convinced it’s the right time to walk away. The next, you’re wondering if you’re just being too sensitive, overthinking things, or too ungrateful. The question still remains, “should I quit my job.”

I see you. I’ve been there. And I’ve coached hundreds of professionals from new graduates to seasoned managers and even industry leaders through this exact decision.

This isn’t just about a job. It’s about your mental health, your personal growth, and the overall quality of your work life. You deserve to be in a role that challenges you, aligns with your values, and supports your well-being. And let me break it to you… that could mean a new job, a career change, or even building your own business.

Let me be clear, I’m not here to push you into quitting or staying. I’m here to help you unpack the noise, check in with your truth, and figure out your next step with clarity, courage, and confidence (because that’s how we roll around here)!

What to Expect in This Article

I want this to be your go-to article where you get everything you need and walk (or click) away feeling like “I got this.” I’m going to walk you through four key sections:

1. Clear signs it might be time to quit your job
2. Reflective questions to help you decide what’s next
3. What to do when you’re ready to quit
4. Steps to take when you can’t quit yet

I want to remind you that at the end of the day, you are the CEO of your career journey. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to choose peace, growth, or a better opportunity. Whether you’re in a full-time job, a contract role, or running your own business, this is your path to shape.

Ready to take action? Grab The Career Escape Plan, a step-by-step guide that helps you plan your next move with intention and courage.

Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Let’s start with what you might already feel deep down. These are the signs that your current role might be doing more harm than good. Get out a pen and notepad and keep track of which ones resonate most with you.

1. You’re burnt out

You’re not just tired, you’re emotionally drained and mentally depleted. Even basic daily tasks feel heavy. And that’s a problem, why? It’s because burnout affects your mental health, physical health, and personal life. If you’re relying on Sunday evenings and alarm clock snoozes just to make it through the work week, it may be time for a shift. From experience, I can tell you that burnout can quickly lead to depression and if you feel yourself on the edge, I strongly encourage you to seek additional support. I’d also recommend checking out my article, Signs your job is affecting your mental health

2. You no longer care

If you’re feeling like “blah” when it comes to your job and you’re not invested in outcomes, projects, or even pay rises anymore, this is a sign that you really no longer care. Job dissatisfaction has crept in, and the lack of motivation is undeniable. It’s a clear sign your energy is needed elsewhere. When the best thing about your day is logging off and walking away, it’s worth exploring what’s changed.

3. The job isn’t what you signed up for

I’ve been here personally (that’s a different story for a different day). What do I mean? The responsibilities shifted. The workload increased. The culture turned toxic. If you’re nodding along in agreement because the role feels completely different than the one you accepted, this isn’t your fault, and it may no longer be the best option. This bait-and-switch happens more than we realize, especially in companies with high turnover or unclear leadership.

4. You work for a toxic or abusive boss

Micromanagement, disrespect, gaslighting… none of these behaviors are acceptable. If you’ve tried having direct conversations and nothing changes, protecting your mental energy needs to become the priority. A toxic boss can turn even a dream job into a daily nightmare, and you don’t deserve to live through that each day.

If you’re wondering how to handle working with a difficult boss, check out this article, How to deal with a difficult female boss

5. The work environment is toxic

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you already know that I wildly passionate about helping talented professionals leave toxic work environments. The truth is, toxic work environments are more common than we want to admit. If your team members gossip, leadership breeds fear, and there’s no room for psychological safety, it’s going to take a significant toll. A negative work culture can have long-term effects on your confidence, mental health, and even your physical health.

If you’re wondering if you work in a toxic environment, check out this article, Toxic Workplace Signs

6. You don’t get along with your colleagues

If you know that you’re spending most of your day around people you can’t trust or connect with, this can feel defeating and draining. Positive relationships matter do matter, especially in a company culture where collaboration and inclusion are key to job satisfaction. Lack of connection or emotional safety at work can contribute to isolation and reduced performance.

7. You’ve outgrown the role

You’ve stopped learning. Your professional development has stalled. You crave new challenges and new skills, but the current company doesn’t support that kind of growth. When the only reason you’re still there is loyalty or fear of change, that’s a signal.

8. There’s no room for advancement

A lack of growth opportunities is one of the top reasons (behind toxic environments) that cause people to leave. If you’ve asked about upward mobility or new responsibilities and received nothing but vague answers, that’s a red flag. You deserve space for professional growth, no matter the size of your company or your industry.

9. You don’t feel valued

You work hard, but your contributions go unnoticed. Or maybe you’ve received negative feedback with no constructive support. No matter how much you try to convince yourself that “you don’t want the spotlight,” deep down, you know that recognition matters, even if you’re not someone who needs constant praise. When you’re doing admin work well beyond your title with zero acknowledgement, it’s frustrating.

10. You don’t feel seen

You feel invisible in meetings. Decisions are made without your input. Even though you’re committed, it feels like you don’t exist in the eyes of leadership. Feeling unseen is not a small thing, it’s a serious indicator that the current situation doesn’t honor your voice.

11. You don’t feel appreciated

When hard work becomes expected and thank-you’s disappear, the emotional toll can become too much. Appreciation isn’t a luxury, it’s an important contribution to workplace mental health and retention. Without it, you start questioning your value.

12. Your goals have changed

If you’re anything like me, maybe you used to dream of climbing the corporate ladder, but now you want more free time, passive income, or work-life balance. Maybe you want to start your own business or pivot to a different type of business altogether. It’s okay if your priorities have shifted. That doesn’t make your current job wrong, it doesn’t mean you made a mistake, it just means it’s no longer the right thing for where you’re going. Life is a journey and we each have a unique one!

13. You’re ready for a change

Sometimes, it’s not a specific incident. It’s a feeling that your time here is up. You’ve done what you needed to do, and now your career path is pointing in a new direction. That’s not quitting, it’s growing. Every new job starts with a decision to move on from an old job.

Ask Yourself These 4 Career-Clarity Questions

I’m a big fan of reflection and career growth and exploration requires a lot of it. If you’re still unsure, use these questions to guide your next move:

1. Why do I want to quit?

Be honest. Are you seeking a higher salary? A healthier work schedule? Is the current position taking a negative toll on your physical health or mental well-being? Clarifying your why makes the next step easier. Don’t rush this step. Write it out. Let it marinate. Understanding your motivation is the foundation for your next job search or career change.

2. What am I giving up if I do quit?

You may be walking away from good benefits, a new boss you liked, or a dream job that just didn’t pan out. Weigh the trade-offs. Think long term…are you sacrificing something important, or is it just the fear of change? In some cases, it’s about leaving a full-time job that offers financial security in a tough job market. That’s valid and solvable with the right backup plan.

3. What do I want to do next?

Do you want a new role in your current industry? A new career entirely? A better place to live or a company that offers remote work? You don’t need the final destination, but you do need a compass. Think about what lights you up. What would give you purpose again? Is it professional development? Personal growth? A position that allows you to use your voice and lead?

4. Have I tried to make my current situation better?

Have you set boundaries, asked for a pay rise, explored internal transfers, or taken a personal day to gain perspective? Have you used all your tools, effective communication, clear expectations, and coaching? If you’ve exhausted your options, staying might no longer be the right move.

What to do Before You Quit Your Job

Quitting your job is a big decision, and you deserve to do it on YOUR TERMS…not out of panic, pressure, or burnout. If you’re close to your breaking point but not quite ready to hand in your resignation letter, here are a few things to consider first:

1. Clarify what you want instead

Don’t just run from something, get clear on what you’re running toward. Do you want more flexibility? A higher salary? A different work schedule? Are you craving creativity, stability, or more meaningful work? Knowing what you want is the first step in making a change that lasts.

2. Update your professional documents

Revise your resume, refresh your LinkedIn profile, and clean up your digital presence. If you’ve learned new skills or led new projects, now’s the time to highlight those wins.

If you’re new to LinkedIn, check out my LinkedIn Branding Blueprint to quickly 5Xs your results and have recruiters in your inbox!

3. Reconnect with your network

Start having quiet conversations with trusted peers, mentors, or previous colleagues. Let people know you’re exploring new opportunities. You never know what doors they might open—or what referrals they might offer.

4. Create a financial cushion

Whether you’re a single or supporting a family, finances matter. Start setting aside money now so you have breathing room if you need to take time between roles or pivot to something new. A financial cushion gives you options…and options reduce panic.

5. Start applying (even before you’re ready)

You don’t have to be 100% confident to hit “submit.” Start small. Look for roles that align with your values, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. Even one application a week can build momentum.

6. Give yourself permission to change your mind

Sometimes, when you start preparing to leave, things start to shift. You might see your current role in a new light or realize that you’ve truly outgrown it. Either way, you’re taking your power back. That’s what matters.

What if you can’t quit right now?

I get it, sometimes quitting just isn’t feasible in the moment. Maybe it’s the current economy, financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities, or you’re still figuring out your next move. If you’re not in a position to leave your job just yet, here’s how to meet yourself where you currently are without burning out:

1. Set better boundaries (even if they’re small)

You don’t have to overhaul everything. You can start by protecting your lunch break, logging off on time, or silencing notifications after hours. Small boundaries add up to big shifts in mental energy.

2. Take mini breaks for your mental health

A 10-minute walk. Deep breaths between meetings. Saying no to non-urgent tasks. These aren’t luxury acts of self-care, they’re necessary resets in a stressful work environment.

3. Use your job to fund your escape

If your current role is stable but unfulfilling, let it serve a purpose: fueling your next opportunity. Use your paycheck to build a cushion, pay off debt, or invest in personal development so you’re ready when the right opportunity comes along.

4. Document your wins

Even if your job isn’t the right fit anymore, you’re still growing. Keep track of your accomplishments, new skills, and leadership moments. This will boost your confidence and help you in future interviews.

5. Reminder yourself: this is temporary

It’s all about mindset. Remember, you’re not stuck, you’re transitioning. You’re doing the best you can in a tough situation, and that deserves respect. Keep moving, keep planning, and keep believing that you’re capable of so much more than surviving.

“At the end of the day, you are in charge. You get to write your career story.”

– Chelsea Jay

This is your life, not just your job. You don’t owe any company your peace, your mental energy, or your long-term happiness. Whether you’re a single in a small town or a parent navigating financial pressures in a big city, your well-being matters.

If you’re asking, “Should I quit my job?” it’s probably time to pause and listen to your gut. You already know what the next right thing is. You just need the plan (and the backup plan) to make it happen.

Download The Career Escape Plan now to take the first step toward a career that fits who you are now. Whether you’re prepping a resignation letter or just testing the waters, this guide will help you get clear, confident, and in control of your next move.

There’s no such thing as the perfect job, but there is a better fit for you. Let’s find it together.

Take care of yourself and cheers to your success my friend!

– Chelsea Jay