Quitting is just one of the major changes in life. Some rush to change jobs, companies, and teams based solely on an internal state of 'wanting change.' For others, it is a conscious decision and a path to a great career. HR consultant Valeria Rasenko helped clarify how to distinguish a false desire to quit from a true aspiration to change something.
"Hamster in a Wheel" — A Clear Sign of Upcoming Changes
Have you stopped finding time for yourself, your hobbies, and interests? That's a warning sign. We quickly get caught up in the five-day workweek, and returning home is filled with household tasks that need to be completed before sleep. You can work in this mode for a maximum of six months, after which the desire to go on vacation or simply be alone arises. It's worse when you can't relax during vacation, for example, if you have to solve work tasks over the phone. The state of fatigue doesn't go away; you want to break free from the cycle, and your brain sends a signal that "it's time to rest." The first thing that comes to mind is to get rid of the job. However, this is a false belief, and you need to be very careful with it.
"If it seems that quitting your direct work activities will solve your problems, don’t rush to resign. Try to structure your day and write down tasks, breaking them into smaller ones. Just introducing the habit of taking 'breaks' and resting for 10–15 minutes every 2 hours can be enough. If you work in an office, put on headphones, turn on an audiobook to switch your thoughts. After just a week, you will notice an increase in your productivity, and the feeling of fatigue at the end of the workday will disappear," says Valeria.
After work, the expert advises spending time for yourself: be in silence for an hour and a half or engage in a hobby, arrange spa procedures to fill yourself with gratitude and inspiration for the next day.
Making a decision to quit while in a state of fatigue is not advisable; these are signals from our brain, not a true desire.
When It's Time to Grow Further
A new level of relationship between an employee and a company occurs when you have gone through a lot together but understand that it's time to move on. For example, you have been working at a company since its opening. During this time, you have experienced all the ups and downs of business development. But at one point, you realized you are an irreplaceable and valuable employee, and staying here is no longer interesting to you. "In this case, you can congratulate yourself; you are an effective employee and strive for development. Quitting under these circumstances is not an emotional farewell but a sound decision. Thank the company for the experience and move on to growth and new heights," advises the specialist.
If You Feel Pressure from Above
A common reason for quitting is a change in management or conflict within the team. We all get used to and adapt to working conditions, schedules, managers, and colleagues. But as soon as the head of the company or even the department changes, corresponding changes follow, the requirements for employees change, and not everyone finds them comfortable, even if they are effective. Valeria: "Relationships between colleagues change, the team is filled with new faces, or conversely, your friend leaves. All this can exert 'pressure from above,' and you start to feel uncomfortable. It’s good if such changes do not affect you, and you continue your path in the company, but there is another side. When you are unable to cope with moral and psychological difficulties, productivity drops, you become irritable and rude, blame management for mistakes made, and turn into a 'toxic' employee."
Remember that 'toxic' employees are usually let go not amicably, so think ahead. If you dislike your job responsibilities, the team is no longer what it used to be, and you are unhappy with the increased scope of tasks, then decide not to endure but to change jobs.
Lack of Perspective
If you have been working in the same position for a long time and want career growth, first try to express this to your manager or HR. If no offers follow and you see no prospects for promotion, you can confidently start submitting your resume. After all, if you don’t apply your knowledge and accumulated experience in time, you may find yourself sidelined in the future.
Violations by the Employer
This is the very reason that is hidden in the far corner, concealed, and not talked about. Delayed salary, lack of vacation, overtime without compensation, unsatisfactory working conditions — these are "red flags" that indicate you need to leave immediately.
Our expert: "For example, if your salary is delayed for 2–3 months, this is unacceptable treatment of employees. You have been deprived of your means of existence and directly told to sort it out yourself. Salary delays or non-payment are very common reasons for quitting; the question is only about the timing, amounts, and promises made to the employee."
Of course, you can agree to work overtime, but only if there is motivation or financial compensation. If you were asked to do it, and then slowly this report turned into a responsibility, questions arise about exceeding your tasks. You should also be cautious if your vacation request is denied. After a long absence of rest in your life, when your body is working to the limit, a feeling of emptiness arises, and the desire to go to work disappears altogether. This is when emotional burnout occurs. If you do not want to tolerate the lack of vacation, then change companies. Look for one that cares about its employees and understands how important it is to rest and recover.
"Quitting is your starting point. Whatever the reason for leaving, new opportunities open up before you. If your current job brings more negative feelings than positive ones, boldly choose another workplace where you will be valued and respected," recommends the HR specialist.
