Five Reasons to Quit Your Job

You’ve been working for your employer for a number of years – or maybe even for just a couple of weeks – and you start to notice a few things that put you on edge. When doubts begin to cloud your vision, and you can’t figure out why you are working for a company, then sometimes it’s better just to quit and find work elsewhere. When you are looking forward to a fast-moving career with several promotions and the utmost job security, you have to know when your luck has run out. Here are a few subtle – but important! – red flags that might indicate that it’s time to move on.

1. High Turn-Over Rates

If you start to notice that several employees are getting out, there has to be a reason why people are dropping like flies. Usually, in cases of mass-quitting hysteria, there is an underlying factor that has simply escaped your attention. This might mean that it’s time to quit your job. Talk with other people in your section of the company and see if they know why so many people are jumping ship. Keep an eye out for changes in policy or environment which might mean that it’s time for you to quit, too.

2. Passed Up for a Promotion

You’ve been biding your time, going the extra mile for you boss, racking up overtime, and turning out excellent work. You know that you deserve a big promotion soon, and your boss has even dropped hints during meetings. Then, when that fateful day finally arrives, the guy in the cubicle next to you gets the promotion instead. You’re furious – as well, you should be. You storm into your boss’s office and demand an explanation. You might be fed a line: “He was just more qualified.” Or maybe you aren’t issued any explanation at all. Whatever the case, getting passed up for a promotion might be a red flag that it’s time to quit your job. If you can’t move up, what’s the sense in staying?

3. Loss of Responsibilities

Typically, employees receive steadily increasing lists of responsibility the longer their tenure in a particular position. If, however, you begin to be relieved of several duties, this should be a strong indication that it’s time to quit your job. Before you do that, however, talk to your boss. Ask if he is happy with your performance. Is there anything you could be doing to improve? Have you done something wrong to put your superiors on edge? If not, evaluate your position in the company. Have you received steady pay raises? Are your co-workers happy? This should be a time when you honestly decide whether or not you are comfortable and going places.

4. Downsizing

If you pay attention to the news involving your company, and if you keep tabs on the current industry standards, you should be able to spot downsizing a mile away. If you’re concerned that your company might be laying people off in the near future, it might be time to consider quitting your job. And if the entire industry’s in trouble – you might want to look outside of it.

5. Your Boss Resigns

Your immediate boss – or even the boss a couple of tiers above you – should be a good indication of your standing in the company. When he or she decides to throw in the towel, it may be an indication that something more serious is up. Upper-level management rarely leaves the company with no warning unless they have a great reason, so pull on your detective hat and try to find out what it is. If you think that something that concerns you is wrong, then you might want to consider quitting your job.