You may want to switch careers and jump ship because a new role seems to offer better opportunities and rewards. As tempting as it may be, there is a chance that it might be a bargain you aren’t ready for.
If you don’t want to be caught in a deeper rut, go through the list below to figure out if you’re leaving for the right or wrong reasons before handing in your resignation letter.
It didn’t make you famous or rich
These days, being a popular content creator or a startup founder seems like a glamorous thing to do. It is very easy to look at other people and be envious of their jet setting lifestyle and work perks.
Whether you like it or not, the truth is not everyone will get famous or reach that level of wealth. It’s best to be pragmatic and work on your goals and maybe you’ll get close to that level of comfort. You’ve got to put in the work to reap the benefits.
You’re afraid of the added responsibilities
It’s tempting to flee when you’re afraid of the added responsibilities and feel that you’re not knowledgeable enough to do it.
Leaving the job isn’t the answer because you might face the same issues in another role.
To manage this, you’ll have to fight the impostor syndrome and get to work. If you feel you’re out of your league, take the time to learn new skills and seek help from others such as your colleagues or friends. You’ll be glad that you stuck around and handled it like a champ.
You’re chasing a bigger paycheck
Are you tempted to jump just because the other role offers a bigger paycheck? Before making the jump, make sure it’s a job that you don’t mind doing day in and out.
Stop comparing what you don’t have and focus on what you can do more for yourself. You stand a better chance to succeed if you put in the time to master your skills and the rewards will soon follow.
You want a flexible schedule but...
You have not proven yourself to be a reliable employee, or you have not discussed the situation with your superiors. Before changing jobs, speak to your supervisor to see if the company can accommodate your needs and schedule.
If you haven’t been a reliable employee, your chances of getting a flexible schedule are very slim. Perhaps it’s something that you need to work on and improve too.
You received criticism for your work
It may be disheartening to receive criticism for your work but before you do anything rash, sit and think whether the feedback is constructive.
Getting constructive feedback is an opportunity to fix your mistakes now rather than later. Seeing that you haven’t been fired, you’re given an opportunity to do better.
You were not given a promotion
It can be demotivating to find out you’ve been passed over for a promotion. Before hastily submitting your resignation letter, speak to your supervisor to find out the reasons why and how you can improve to nail the next promotion.
You might find out some key areas that you’ve not done well which can be improved. Only leave if there’s clear evidence of foul play or favouritism.
You want to be your own boss
It’s always better to be your own boss than working for someone else. However, many are often shocked to find out that being their own boss requires way more work on their part, and the responsibilities are can be daunting.
You have to be a disciplined individual if you’re thinking of freelancing. Before leaving your current role, make sure you have a plan for your new business venture and enough savings to see you through the project.
Having a tough time at home
Don’t leave your current job just because you can’t deal with the stress at home whether it’s fighting with your spouse or dealing with unruly children.
To manage, it’s helpful to reframe how you think about work. This is because having a job to go to may actually be the ‘escape’ or respite you need.
Work can offer some time alone and is also a good place to have conversations with other adults if you’re tired of talking about school-related stuff.
Because the grass looks greener on the other side
Things may look sunny and chummy at your friend’s workplace but you don’t know if it’s a toxic work environment filled with gossipy cliques.
People often post the highlight reels on their social media so don’t be too caught up with their fake, curated lives. Everyone gets frustrated with their job but sometimes when it’s managed properly, the hard times will pass.
Don’t leave a stable work environment just because something else looks better in pictures and on paper.
You don’t have work friends
It can be lonely at work if you have not formed meaningful connections with your colleagues. Put in some effort to mingle around before calling it quits.
You might be able to form more professional connections which may or may not lead you to better roles in the future. In short, try to improve your situation first before making the leap. If you’re still unable to make friends at work, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and check yourself.
Sometimes we aren’t aware of our tone of speech and body language. Fortunately, these can be fixed with time.
This article is first published in theSun Buzz Careers edition. Here’s are 10 GOOD reasons to quit your job and what you should do before resigning.
If you’re in need of motivation, here’s entrepreneur Kiru’s story about how he lost everything and built himself from the ground up again.
