I am lying face-down on my day-timer, its tiny rings pressing into my forehead. There are still four items left on my task list for the day, three of which I was supposed to handle yesterday, and they are nowhere closer to getting done. But I am done. I’m the only one here at 9:00pm, and in twelve hours, I have to be back here. I sigh heavily, wondering what the point is of all this?
This little episode happened some ten years ago, during a period of life I called my “quarter-life crisis”. I had achieved everything I had hoped for – a university degree, a manager job title, and a happy marriage. And yet, I was drained and unhappy. It wasn’t that I was in a dead-end job, but the job that I was supposed to love had become the job I hated.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, consider the following:
Is it you or the job?
You may be re-enacting scenes of quitting, but before you take the leap, make sure it’s really the job, and not just you that’s causing your dissatisfaction. Otherwise, you’ll take yourself with you to the next job and might cause the same issues to reoccur.
In my situation, while there were issues with the job, part of my discontent had to do with my idea that a job could fulfill me. When I found myself in a similar reality during my next position, I realized I had to shift my thinking and find meaning outside of work to balance my life.
Is moving on the next step?
There are many signs that indicate it might be time to move on:
- You dread going into work
- You get sick more often than usual or other health issues flare up
- You’re not learning anymore, or not getting the chance to grow professionally
- You’re not contributing the way you expected, perhaps being left out of projects or meetings
- You find that people can’t see you doing anything beyond your current role, perhaps getting passed over for promotions
- You have started getting bitter, feeling like you know more than anyone
- You realize your values don’t align with your organization’s and can’t make peace with it
Making some last ditch efforts
Before throwing in the towel and throwing yourself into a competitive job market, it’s worth trying to see if you can make any changes that will make staying worthwhile. It won’t hurt to speak to your colleagues and boss and see what’s possible. Try approaching work differently - set boundaries or become bolder - and see how others respond. It may also help to develop some interests and commitments outside of work to restore your balance.
Making an Exit
If you’ve made your decision, consider your exit strategy. Though you might want to dramatically storm out the door, there is something to be said for leaving gracefully. For one, you’ll likely want to use your employer as a reference for future positions. As well, you want to maintain your reputation as a professional especially if you’re seeking work in the same field. Research your organization’s policy for giving notice, write a letter, and meet with your boss. Regardless of their reaction, try and stay committed until your last day, so you leave looking as good as possible.
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