5 Signals to help you decide when to quit your job
Are you feeling burnt out and stressed at work? Are you constantly working long hours and sacrificing your personal life? Do you feel undervalued and underpaid? If you’re nodding your head to any of these questions, it might be time to consider quitting your job.
I have resigned multiple times in my life (and only the first time was very hard), but after a while you learn that working for a company is mostly contractual and you leaving the company won’t impact them very much.
If you recognise one of the following five signals, it may be time to quit your job:

Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 24, 2023

Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 24, 2023
5 Signals to help you decide when to quit your job
Are you feeling burnt out and stressed at work? Are you constantly working long hours and sacrificing your personal life? Do you feel undervalued and underpaid? If you’re nodding your head to any of these questions, it might be time to consider quitting your job.
I have resigned multiple times in my life (and only the first time was very hard), but after a while you learn that working for a company is mostly contractual and you leaving the company won’t impact them very much.
If you recognise one of the following five signals, it may be time to quit your job:
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Summary to help you decide when to quit your job
- You’re constantly stressed and burnt out
- You’re not fulfilled by your work
- You’re not being paid fairly
- Your work-life balance is non-existent
- Your values are not aligned to your employer’s
1. You’re constantly stressed and burnt out
It’s cliché and your mom potentially told you this already fifty times over the course of the past years: but if your job is impacting your health, it’s time to consider quitting. A demanding job is one thing, but if you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed and unable to keep up with the demands of your job – there might be something wrong with the job or company you work for itself.
2. You’re not fulfilled by your work
You spend the vast majority of your time during the week at work. Doing something you absolutely do not like is a complete waste of time. If you’re not finding meaning or enjoyment in your job, it might be time to quit your job and move on to something that brings you more fulfillment and excitement. It’s important to be engaged and motivated by the work you are doing – spending the vast majority of your life doing something you hate, is a no go.
3. You’re not paid fairly
If you feel like you’re not compensated fairly, you 9/10 are not. Check your worth from time to time. Apply for other jobs, check websites like levels.fyi or Glassdoor and understand how much other companies are offering and/or other individuals are earning in your region in similar positions.
When your compensation is not on the level it should be, your employees might not value your contributions as they should. In that case: they either should pay you more or they should be willing to lose your contributions. It’s important to advocate for yourself and ensure that you’re being fairly compensated for your time and effort. Claim your worth!
4. Your work-life balance is non-existent
If you’re constantly working long hours and sacrificing your personal life for your job – there is something wrong and it is a good signal to determine if your job is worth it or if you should quit your job.
Quitting your job can be daunting, especially when you have nothing else lined up, but sometimes it’s worth taking a career break. Always remember that your personal life is 100% more important than your professional life.
This is one of the reasons I left my first job, I knew jobs at tech companies had a better work-life balance and I allowed myself the time to find a position that allowed for a healthier balance between my professional and personal life. It’s important for your overall well-being.
5. Your values are not aligned with your employer’s
Working in a toxic environment or for a company that is not ‘doing the right thing’ can create tension and conflict. If your values are not aligned with your employer’s values, it’s time to move on. First of all, you will never get intrinsic motivation from your current role. Secondly, you will not progress your career, as people at your company can feel your ‘inner-conflict’.
Never ever compromise on your values. Nothing good will come from it. If you feel the values and policies of your workplace are wrong: move on.
Again, quitting your job is a big decision and it’s important to carefully consider all of your options before making a move. But if you’re feeling unhappy and unfulfilled in your current position, it might be worth considering whether it’s time to quit your job and move on to something that brings you more fulfillment and satisfaction. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first and prioritise your happiness. If quitting your job is the best decision for you, don’t be afraid to make the leap.
By reflecting on your goals and values, networking and seeking out new opportunities, seeking additional training or education, considering a change in industry or job function, and finding a mentor or professional development resources, you can take control of your career and chart a new course for success.
How Preppally can help you make the leap to quit your job
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Written by Jeroen
Founder Preppally
January, 24, 2023