6 Signs That You Should Quit Your Job Immediately

I’m not an advocate of quitting a job without another lined up.

After all, I talk a lot about developing game plans on this channel to maximize your chances of success. But there are some circumstances when you just can’t stay in your job and need to leave. So I’m going to share 6 signs that you should quit your job immediately.

As a recruiter and HR professional with over 20 years of experience in major Fortune 500 companies, I’ve seen my share of poor leaders, bad work cultures, and job candidates who’ve experienced horrifying work conditions.

If you find yourself asking the question of if you should leave, you’re not alone.

Many people face the same issues and need to make hard decisions. And if you feel you need additional guidance on how to find the best career for you, I invite you to visit my site to learn more about how to get noticed by recruiters, interview like a pro, and land the offer you deserve.

Not only that, but I’ll also show you how to set up a lifestyle where you’ll never have to worry about being in a bad job again.

Should you quit a job that you hate?

Nothing is more emotionally (and even physically) draining than tolerating a job you hate. Not only are you affected, but the people closest to you also experience it as well. And I’m a firm believer that being in a steady job isn’t a good excuse for putting up with a toxic workplace.

Now, it doesn’t mean you should bail on every difficult circumstance – in fact, companies like to see candidates who persevere in the face of adversity.

Because recruiters and hiring managers understand the difference between job-hopping and leaving a bad employer. You shouldn’t feel the need to stay with something that truly doesn’t resonate with you, or is causing you harm.

But certain conditions warrant looking for a different opportunity, no matter how much you need the job.

So here’s 6 signs you should quit your job and move on to greener pastures.

You’re suffering mentally or physically

Working in a role where you’re actually affected mentally or physically is a sure-fire sign you need to get out.

Whether you’re in a role that you feel overwhelmed with, in over your head, or overworked, each of these can affect your health. And not only do you suffer but those around you do as well. I’ve personally seen cases where someone is in a role that is causing their health to deteriorate to the point where I actually notice a difference in their demeanor, how they carry themselves, and even how confident they are.

Wondering if you’re overstressed at work? Here’s some symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain
• Loss of sleep or sleepless nights
• Anxiety or anxiousness (worry about a project deadline, an upcoming meeting or email you forgot to send)
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Hair loss
• Hives or other allergic reactions
• Loss of motivation for the job

This, of course, isn’t an all-inclusive list. The point is that if you have mental or physical ailments as a result of your job, you need to make a change and make it fast. Staying in a role that’s just not healthy for you is going to set you back in time, money, and in your relationships. And if you just aren’t passionate about your choice of careers, it’s time to consider making a change there too.

Looking to supercharge your career search? Check out my Ultimate Layoff Bootcamp – Nearly 7 hours of powerful training on how to land your dream job!

Your Boss is terrible

Leaving because of a bad boss is perhaps the most common reason for job dissatisfaction. Maybe you’re in a situation where you’ve been a top performer in the past, but suddenly a new boss makes you feel inadequate or that you’re incapable of meeting their expectations.

It’s also possible a boss can undermine you, whether with opportunities, promotions or compensation. I’ve personally seen leaders bosses who’ve cut earned bonuses for their employees because they just feel they should get one. The same goes for feedback.

Certain bosses lack emotional intelligence, so it’s not uncommon for them to demonstrate poor leadership in the office.

A good leader would never publicly reprimand you in front of your peers and provides feedback in a way that’s constructive and motivating. A poor leader scolds you in front of your coworkers, dismisses your ideas, and demotivates you with criticism.

If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, it may be time to start looking.

The culture is toxic

If your company or department has a “win at all costs” mentality, beware. Because that usually starts at the top and generally doesn’t bode well for turnover. Being in a competitive environment with solid core values is one thing, and in fact, is probably a good thing, but winning at all costs goes beyond that.

Companies that publish core values but don’t live by them tend to have unsatisfied employees. Look around at your department, at other departments…is there a strong culture of inclusion? Or are there whispers at the water cooler?

Even colleagues and coworkers can be toxic. If you’re working with someone who always seems to make your life miserable, spreads rumors, or keeps giving negative feedback to your department leaders, that person is a toxic influence.

Oftentimes these people end up in positions of influence and have a long tenure in their role. An astute leader would recognize this and manage the issue. But if your manager seems to be oblivious, or even worse, aligned with them, it’s time to look elsewhere.

The company is doing something illegal

If you’re with a company and notice someone breaking a law, or worse – asks you to do something illegal, get out now! First, the moral compass of the leadership team is completely directionless, and second, you could be setting yourself up for liability. Whether it’s a financial, environmental, or even HR law, when you see it you need to report it.

So if you notice something, bring it to your HR department’s attention. If they fail to act, then you need to act by updating your resume. No job is worth ruining your career or reputation over.

You’re asked to something unsafe

Another non-negotiable is safety. Being asked to do something unsafe shows that the company isn’t committed to you. Trust your intuition, if you feel what you’re being asked to do is not reasonable, confront your boss and share the concerns. Any decent leader would recognize the concerns and stop the work until it can be further assessed.

But if your company values the bottom line over your life, that’s really all you need to know.

If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, you really need to soul search for what is most important to you. A steady job is not a good excuse for tolerating poor working conditions.

On the flip side, a challenge is something you can overcome. And again, we like to see candidates who can persevere in adversity. Ask yourself what you’ve done to solve your issue. If you’re simply bored or feeling underutilized, have you volunteered to lead a process improvement project? What about developing skills that will help better your career?

There is a fine line between job hopping and leaving a bad job.

And if you find yourself truly dissatisfied and looking for what’s next, I invite you to visit my website and begin putting the pieces in place to become layoff proof.

Be sure to check out my Youtube page for the latest tips and tricks and don’t forget to download a FREE copy of my 6 Ways To Get Noticed By Recruiters.

Let’s land you that dream job!