It’s Time To Quit: How to Know When it is Time to Give up That Job!

Have you ever walked into your place of employment and asked yourself why am I here?

Of course, you know it’s because you’re trying to pay your bills. But what about those times when the money isn’t even worth it anymore? 

The boss is bossing! The work is piling up! And the environment is becoming toxic beyond words!

Sis, what do you do?

Do you automatically quit? Do you make a list of pros and cons? Do you call a friend to vent? 

Do you keep showing up to the job? Or do you automatically start looking for a new position on LinkedIn? 

I don’t know about you all, but I immediately reflect. 

One of the most complex decisions I have ever made was walking away from a job I thought I wanted. 

And I will admit it wasn’t because I was scared of what others would think of me; I was afraid of failing. 

I didn’t want to be unemployed and hopeless. But I knew staying in that position a day longer was going to cause my mental, physical, and emotional health to plummet. 

Ladies, we don’t talk enough about recovering from a toxic or no longer doable job. 

We often fixate on the excitement and enjoyment of finding a new role, not addressing the elephant in the room: We may not like it. 

And, because we don’t address this topic, I think it’s harder for Black women to feel comfortable walking away from something that no longer fulfills them as human beings. 

But, instead, we sit in silence, hoping it will get better, knowing well enough it will not! 

Therefore, today, I want to address that elephant. How do you move on from a job that no longer works for you?

Building the Confidence to Let Go:

It first starts with our mindset. Before you quit a job physically, you leave a job mentally. 

Therefore, it’s essential to feel confident in your decision before you can send the resignation letter, which they should prepare for the others. 

Step #1: List why it’s time to hit the road!

Is it a toxic work environment?

Is the work too stressful?

Are you no longer happy in the position?

Does the job drain you?

Are you BORED?

The more you know why you desire to leave, the more comfortable you are with acting on your feelings. 

Write out your reasons, list all of them, and then proceed to step #2.

#Step #2: Ask yourself what you can do alternatively.

List all the things you can do if you were not at the job. 

Search the internet for other opportunities. 

Check out your resources and networks to see if there are other things out there. 

Ask yourself, “Do you need a break? Or can you hop into another position instantly?

Step #3: Talk it Out with Someone

Go to your right hand and be fully transparent about your feelings. 

Don’t sugarcoat or worry about being judged; tell your story the best way you know how. 

Hear them out! But don’t take their word as the end all be all. 

Consider what their thoughts are and then process when the call is over. 

And, once you’ve decided you’re quitting that job, get ready to draft that letter. 

#Step #4: Draft the Exit Strategy

After you have drafted the letter, sit on it briefly. 

Ask yourself, “Where do I go when this letter is sent?”

Once you’ve decided, proceed with what you know best and leave the rest to the life journey. 

I would be lying if I didn’t say there will be many thoughts running through your mind after you hit send. 

You may have regrets, worries, or even panic. It’s all very typical. 

And it doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision. It comes with the adjustment after making a life-changing decision. 

Now, I am simplifying this process for this post, but I hope you will consider everything I have said above. 

Quitting a job takes work, but sitting at a job no longer conducive to one’s well-being isn’t helpful either. 

Therefore, don’t panic if it doesn’t work out. Weigh the pros and cons, make an exit plan, and proceed as best you can. 

Life will continue, I promise!

You will be okay!

All things work out in the end. It will be a journey but be confident that you made the best decision. 

And, girl, quit that JOB!

I will see you all in our next post! 

Check out our Instagram page this weekend; I am releasing a new reel!

Peace and Prosperity as always,

Jadis DeShong-Venay