Should I quit my job? How to see if it’s Time to Leave

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Deciding whether to quit your job or choose between multiple job offers can be daunting. With over a decade of work experience, starting from my first job at 16 and working full-time since 19, I’ve identified six key “buckets” to help you evaluate whether a job is right for you. These factors can guide you in deciding whether to stay in your current role or take a new opportunity. Let’s dive into each one.

1. Job Tasks: Are They the Right Fit?

Every job comes with tasks you’ll love and others you won’t. As a UX designer, I enjoy user research but find repetitive tasks like pixel-pushing style guides less exciting after years of doing them. The key is to assess whether the tasks align with your interests and career goals. Ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy the core tasks, or are they too repetitive and unchallenging?

• Are the tasks too complex, leaving you feeling insecure or overwhelmed?

• Do you want more challenging responsibilities, or are you content with tasks you can confidently handle?

The ideal role strikes a balance: you feel competent in most tasks but have room to grow without feeling out of your depth. If you’ve been in a role for months and it still doesn’t “click,” it might not be the right fit. When comparing job offers, consider how tasks might differ. For example, a junior UX designer might take on client-facing roles, or a senior copywriter might move into management. Decide how much task variety or challenge matters to you.

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2. Colleagues: The People You Work With

Colleagues can make or break your work experience. I’ve seen cases where amazing colleagues kept people in jobs despite shortcomings in other areas. Conversely, toxic or unwelcoming colleagues can make you dread going to work. Reflect on:

• Do you enjoy spending time with your colleagues, like sharing lunch or casual chats?

• Do you avoid certain colleagues or dread office interactions?

• If you work remotely, are Zoom interactions tolerable, or do you still feel disconnected?

Colleagues are a bit of a wild card when choosing a new job since you may only meet a few people during interviews. However, their impact is significant. Great colleagues can compensate for other weaknesses, but they shouldn’t be the sole reason to stay in a job that doesn’t meet your needs. Maintain connections with good colleagues even if you leave—they can become valuable parts of your network.

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3. Location and Commute: Does It Work for You?

While remote work has reduced the importance of location, it’s still a factor for many. A long commute, like two hours in traffic or packed public transport, can drain you. I once worked for a company with a branch in the Philippines, requiring occasional 6 a.m. calls due to time zone differences. I could join from bed, which helped, but as a non-morning person, it wasn’t ideal. Consider:

• How long is your commute, and how does it affect your day?

• Does the job offer remote work or flexible hours to offset location challenges?

• Are time zone differences manageable if working across regions?

A flexible or remote setup can make a less-than-ideal location more bearable, but ensure it aligns with your lifestyle.

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4. Reputation: Aligning with Your Values

A company’s reputation can influence how you feel about your role. Working for a well-known company like Google or Apple often carries prestige and looks great on your CV. However, working for a company with questionable ethics, like a tobacco or fossil fuel company, might conflict with your values, even if the pay is high. Ask:

• Are you proud to be associated with the company’s mission and reputation?

• Does the company’s work align with your personal values?

• Would you feel comfortable telling others where you work?

For some, working for a charity might outweigh a lower salary due to the sense of purpose. For others, a high-paying role at a controversial company might be worth it. Decide how much reputation matters to you.

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5. Salary: Meeting Your Financial Needs

Salary is often the top priority, as it’s why most of us work. However, its importance depends on your circumstances. A single parent may prioritize a higher salary to cover bills, while someone with location flexibility might accept a pay cut to work remotely from a dream destination. Key considerations:

• What’s the minimum salary you need to live comfortably?

• Can you negotiate benefits like extra vacation days, a company car, or a training budget if the salary is lower than expected?

• Does the job offer flexibility (e.g., remote work) that saves money on commuting or other costs?

Always aim high when negotiating salary—ask for a number that feels ambitious. If the offer is below your target, request a salary review in three to six months. Changing jobs is often the best time to secure a significant pay increase.

6. Freedom: Control Over Your Work and Life

For me, freedom is the most critical bucket. This includes flexibility in when, where, and how you work. Ask yourself:

• Can you take last-minute time off without faking illness?

• Do you have the freedom to set your own hours or work remotely?

• Are you micromanaged, or can you build your own systems and make decisions independently?

I once knew someone at a major bank who needed approval for simple tasks like downloading a browser, which hindered efficiency and job satisfaction. If freedom is a priority, evaluate whether a job offers the flexibility you need. If it doesn’t, consider freelancing, which allows you to set your own hours, rates, and work style.

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Making Your Decision

Each bucket’s importance varies based on your priorities. If a job ticks at least three of these six buckets, it’s likely a solid choice. However, if a critical bucket—like salary or freedom—isn’t filled, it may be time to look elsewhere. If you’re unhappy, discuss your needs with your employer. It’s costly for companies to replace talent, so they may be willing to negotiate. If not, it’s a sign to move on.

For those prioritizing freedom, freelancing might be the answer. It offers control over your work but requires effort to find clients. The job market can be tough, but opportunities always exist for skilled professionals. If you’re considering freelancing, I’ve created a free checklist to help you get started (link in the description).

Conclusion

Whether you’re debating quitting your job or choosing between offers, these six buckets—tasks, colleagues, location, reputation, salary, and freedom—provide a framework to assess your options. Reflect on what matters most to you, and don’t settle for a role that doesn’t align with your needs and values. Quitting or switching jobs can be scary, but it’s often the first step toward a more fulfilling career. If you’ve decided to make a change, congratulations—things tend to gain momentum from there.

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