How to Know It's Time to Quit Your Job
I knew that I had to make a change when I started feeling emotionally detached from my work and realised that I’m just waiting for someone to come and tell me that I’m ready to make a change.
Realizing that it's time for a career change is a process, and so is figuring out what that "different" reality outside of the known construct actually means. As social beings, we look around, compare, and gather information to try out for ourselves. You might think, “My friend is an entrepreneur; maybe that would be something for me?” This process consists of different stages, and identifying where you are at in your process, can help create the right strategy for you.
The 5 Stages of Realizing It's Time for a Change:
1. Unconscious:
At this stage, you might feel a general sense of dissatisfaction without understanding why. You go through the motions at work, but there's a lingering feeling that something is off.
2. Denial:
Here, you start looking for reasons to stay, finding the best logical arguments to make the case against change. You might think, “The benefits are good,” or “I’ve been here for so long; starting over seems scary.”
3. Conflicting Stage:
This stage is marked by internal conflict. One day, you accept the need to make a change; the next, you resist it. This back-and-forth can be mentally exhausting.
4. Awareness:
You become more conscious of your dissatisfaction and start exploring other possibilities. At this stage you start seeing opportunities and dream about a different life. You might research new career paths or take up side projects to test the waters.
5. Decision-Making:
Finally, you reach a point where you decide whether to stay or go. This stage involves planning your exit strategy and preparing for the transition. In this stage you “just“ know, it’s not even an intellectual reasoning, it is an integrated feeling of being ready for a new phase. So exciting!
The duration of each stage can last from weeks to years. The process requires time and reflection. Here are some questions to help you reflect:
How satisfied are you with your job on a scale between 0 (I’m suffering) and 10 (I couldn’t feel better about what I do)?
What makes you stay at your current job?
What would it mean for your private, social and work life?
Who would you be if you made a change?
What qualities will this change bring to your life? Maybe for freedom or fun?
Is It Time to Make a Change?
If you resonate with any of the stages mentioned above or if you frequently find yourself daydreaming about a different career, it might be time to consider a change. Reflect on your answers to the questions provided, assess your current job satisfaction, and explore your options. Many of my clients come in a phase where they are not sure yet about next move feeling trapped, stuck and overwhelmed by the possibilities. If you feel so, it is a great timing to explore this further together with a coach on how to navigate this situation.
Making a career change is a significant decision, but with careful consideration and planning, you can move toward a career that aligns with your true self and brings you greater satisfaction.