How to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Job
Thinking about quitting your job? If work is draining your energy, affecting your health, or making you feel stuck, it might be time for a change. In this post, we’ll explore the signs that it’s time to leave, how to recognize a toxic workplace, and what steps you can take toward a career that aligns with your values and well-being.
Is It Time to Leave Your Job? Let’s Talk About It.
Have you ever found yourself dreading work every single day? Feeling exhausted, undervalued, or emotionally drained? Maybe you tell yourself:
It’s just a rough patch—I’ll get through it.
I should be grateful to have a job.
I don’t have any other options right now.
I get it. I’ve been there—staying in jobs that drained me emotionally and physically because I convinced myself I had no choice. I told myself this was just how work is or that I had to stay for financial stability, career security, or fear of the unknown.
But here’s the truth: No job is worth sacrificing your health, happiness, or sense of self.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to leave, here are five key signs that it might be time to move on—plus some ideas to help you take that first step forward.
5 Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job
1. Your Job Is Affecting Your Health
Your body often tells you what your mind tries to ignore. If you’re experiencing:
✔ Constant fatigue or burnout
✔ Stress-related headaches, digestive issues, or sleep problems
✔ Anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion
…it’s time to listen.
When I stayed in a high-stress corporate role despite feeling burned out, I ignored every warning sign my body was giving me. I ended up in the ER with a collapsed lung and was later diagnosed with a rare cancer. While I don’t believe my job caused my illness, I do believe that relentless stress broke my body down.
Ask yourself:
Am I ignoring my health to meet my job’s demands?
How would I feel if I could step away from this stress?
2. You’re Miserable More Often Than Not
Every job has hard days, but when misery becomes your normal, that’s a problem. Maybe you:
✔ Dread Mondays before the weekend is even over
✔ Cry in the parking lot before going inside
✔ Feel like you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave
For me, it wasn’t just the stress—it was the feeling that my work didn’t align with who I was. I knew I wanted more, but fear kept me stuck.
Ask yourself:
What percentage of my time at work feels fulfilling versus draining?
If I could design my ideal workday, how would it look and feel different?
3. You’re Undervalued or Mistreated
If your workplace doesn’t respect your boundaries, value your contributions, or treat you with basic decency, that’s a major red flag.
🚩 Signs of a toxic workplace:
✔ Your boss takes credit for your work but blames you when things go wrong
✔ You’re constantly overlooked for promotions or pay raises
✔ You’re expected to be “always on” with no work-life balance
One of my final straws? A boss who humiliated me in front of my team, blaming me for decisions he made. That’s not leadership—it’s workplace abuse.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel respected and supported at work?
If a friend described my experience, would I tell them to stay or leave?
4. You’re Stuck and Disconnected from Your Values
If your job feels stagnant, uninspiring, or misaligned with who you are, that’s a sign it may be time to pursue something new.
I once believed that my career in academia was my lifelong path. But when I realized it no longer fulfilled me, I had to do some deep soul-searching. Leaving wasn’t easy, but stepping away opened the door to work that aligned with my values and passions.
Ask yourself:
What parts of my job energize me? What parts drain me?
Does this role align with who I am and what I care about?
5. Your Intuition Is Telling You Something’s Off
You know that little voice inside you—the one that nudges you when something doesn’t feel right? It’s worth listening to.
For years, I ignored my gut feelings, convincing myself I was being too emotional or overreacting. Looking back, my intuition was right almost every time.
Ask yourself:
What is my intuition telling me about this job?
If fear weren’t a factor, what would I choose?
What to Do If You’re Ready to Leave
Leaving a job is scary—especially if you’ve been there a long time. But staying in a job that’s draining you? Even scarier.
Here are some small steps to help you move forward:
✔ Update your resume and explore roles that align with your values.
✔ Talk to a trusted mentor or friend about your thoughts and get their perspective.
✔ Explore entrepreneurship if you’re interested in building something of your own.
Most importantly? Give yourself permission to choose you.
A Gentle Reminder
If your heart and intuition are telling you it’s time to leave, listen.
Change is uncomfortable—but staying in a job that harms your health, happiness, or sense of self is far worse.
🌿 You deserve a career that supports you—not drains you.
Ready to explore what’s next?
✨ Download my free guide: 40+ Business Ideas for Slow-Living
✨ Need clarity on your strengths? Check out my Own Your Strengths program.
