Anyone would love to stay in a job they love doing. But there are times that reality strikes and you find yourself dreading to go to work or secretly complaining that you hate your job. When this situation comes, it’s so easy to say, “Just leave!” But then, know that leaving your current workplace comes with a price. Before you decide to resign from your work and look for something else, better ask yourself these questions.
1. What is the current situation at work?
Before you jump to a final conclusion that you want to leave your work, you should first analyse the reasons behind your feelings of being dissatisfied at your workplace. Do you feel like you’re stuck in your position and have no other way to go up the ladder? Do you feel abused by your boss or co-workers? Is your pay not really worth the tiresome task of working too much and not feeling well compensated? Or is your company doing some lay-offs and you get that uneasy feeling about it? Whatever reason you’ve got, you should have a good picture of your work situation before you say to yourself, “I want out of here!”
2. How am I feeling about this?
Of course, it’s understandable that you feel everything negative regarding about not-so-pretty work circumstances. If the negative feelings of uneasiness and dread had remained with you for so long to the point that it affects even your physical health, then that’s a serious tell-tale sign that you should make plans and then go. One reason for leaving a job you now hate is your physiological reactions to it, like headaches, chronic fatigue, and feelings of sadness and anxiety.
3. What is my action plan?
One major way to change your work situation is to create an action plan that you will proactively follow. Identify options for other kinds of work, assess your own work performance, and better start the search for a new job that will be a good fit for you. You just can’t leave immediately just because of how you feel. Let your mind take over and help you get clear solutions to your work problems.
4. What are the possible consequences?
In the workplace, you just can’t jump ship because you don’t like there anymore. There has to be a fallback that will help you somehow. Remember, you still have to pay your bills, put food on the table, and help you get by from day to day. Think of the consequences before you decide to turn in a resignation letter. If, for example, you want to go now but still haven’t found a new job that will replace the old one, better think things over. It’s better to remain stuck with the current problems while doing something to solve them rather than solving your work problems with another set of problems.
5. What are my strengths and weaknesses?
If you’re already working for a considerable period, that will help you figure out your skills and aptitude when it comes to your career field. Think of past situations at work wherein you excelled in something and became an asset to your department. That can give you a clue on what you can do and can’t do.
Meanwhile, if you want to replace your job with something unrelated but you really want to do, take the risk and make a go for it. We also learn by trying out new things and that can help us improve as persons.
7. Am I ready?
You should prepare yourself for everything that might happen if you decide to leave your job, plus other uncalled-for situations. As it was said, don’t just stick to Plan A or Plan B. Make all sorts of plans if you can, even up to Plan Z. When it comes to your career, it’s all about striking the balance between leaving and finding something that you love doing.
It’s better to rock your own boat and do something about your work situation, rather than whining about it and not really doing anything. Your work doesn’t have to rule your life. Work, so you can live and enjoy life. It’s not just about the monetary rewards, but also, a matter of what you love doing and how it can affect your life positively. Remember, you should do something you love so you will succeed at it.
Tamie Thomas is a student about to graduate. She once tried a part-time job and realized it didn’t fit her, so she resigned and concentrated instead on writing at best essay for this chapter in her life.