When to Move On: Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job
Vaclav Koranda, SHRM-SCP
CHRO of the Year | Influential HR Leader | Adjunct Professor | Professional Speaker | Coach | Trainer | Book Author
Stability has always been a valued trait in the past and still is in some cultures. Employees who change jobs frequently are traditionally seen as "job hoppers," while those who stay with one company for a long time are seen as "loyal." But is this really the case?
Contrary to the usual stereotypes, changing jobs at the right moment can be beneficial, while staying too long in one job can harm your career prospects. In this article, I will explore when it might be the right time for a change.
When to Quit the Job You Don’t Like
It may seem obvious that you should not stay in a job you don’t like because it can take a toll on your mental health. However, sometimes you may accept jobs you don’t really like out of financial necessity, personal circumstances, or as a stepping stone to your dream career (see also here). These jobs can still be valuable and help you achieve your career and life goals. At some point, though, it makes sense to move on. But when is the best time to do so?
The Job Has Fulfilled Its Purpose
Your stepping stone is completed, or personal constraints have disappeared, and you are now ready to pursue your dream job. In any case, I recommend staying for at least two years. You never know what might go wrong in your new job—they may not fulfill their promises, or there could be a sudden change in strategy, leaving you jobless soon. Accumulating several short-term employments can harm your future career prospects.
The Job Is No Longer Beneficial
Sometimes you may not be ready to move on to your dream job. However, something may change, and your current job is no longer fulfilling its role as a stepping stone in your career—for example, you are no longer learning the necessary skills or accumulating relevant experience. Alternatively, the job may become significantly problematic, such as getting a new toxic boss or the company experiencing financial difficulties and delaying salary payments.
When to Quit the Job You Like
Sometimes you find the right job, you love it, and you think it will last forever. However, nothing lasts forever in today’s world, and staying too long in one job might actually do more harm than good. Here are some situations to watch out for:
You Are Stagnating
If you find that you’re stuck in the same role with no opportunities for advancement or skill development, it might be time to move on, even if you like the job. A lack of growth can hamper your future employability, making it difficult to find new employment if you are forced to leave your current company due to financial difficulties, a merger, or other reasons. Therefore, in such a situation, it is better to leave the company before they leave you.
You Feel Burnout
Even the most fulfilling job cannot protect you from burnout. If you're feeling exhausted, unable to maintain a healthy work-life balance, becoming cynical, having trouble focusing and completing tasks, or feeling disconnected from colleagues and work, you may be suffering from burnout. This condition can not only deteriorate your physical health but also decrease your productivity, hinder your ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines, and potentially damage your professional image.
Some people find relief by making changes within their current job, such as negotiating a better workload, seeking additional support, or improving work-life balance. However, it may be necessary to look for a new job or consider a career change to fully address burnout (see also here).
You Need More Money
It has been proven that staying too long in a job can slow your salary progression compared to changing jobs every 2-3 years. Even if you are intrinsically motivated by your dream job rather than by money, financial reward remains an important aspect of any position. Therefore, when deciding whether to stay or move on, it's essential to consider this phenomenon and assess if a new opportunity might better meet your financial needs.
Conclusion
Changing jobs is never an easy decision. It involves adapting to a new environment, proving yourself again, completing a probationary period, building a new internal network, and learning to manage new stakeholders.
Always ensure you have a new job lined up before resigning. This approach will reduce the stress of finding a new job immediately and strengthen your position when negotiating your next salary package. However, under severe circumstances—such as your company facing significant financial trouble or defaulting on salary payments, or discovering that your company is involved in illegal activities—you may need to consider leaving immediately.
Good luck!
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7moYou make a great point, Vaclav! Staying too long in a job can lead to stagnation, like a plant outgrowing its pot. Thanks for sharing your invaluable insights!