When Is It Time to Leave a Job? 21 Signs to Quit Your Job

Are you tired of your job and find yourself constantly asking, "Should I quit?" You're not alone.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national quits rate was 2.2% in early 2024, showing that millions of workers are still voluntarily leaving their jobs each month.

While the reasons for wanting to leave can be different for everyone, the feeling of being stuck in a job that isn't offering what you need or deserve remains the same.

If your mental peace is compromised, your growth has hit a wall, or your physical health is affected—these are clear indicators that it might be time to move on.

This guide will walk you through 21 definitive signs that it's time to quit, and how to prepare for the transition.

How to Know When It's Time to Leave a Job?

You know something is fundamentally wrong with your current role if your main thought during the day is about wanting to leave. Getting comfortable in a new job takes time, but that should never mean crushing yourself under the weight of ‘fitting in’ or putting up with an unhealthy environment.

The decision to leave a job is personal, but these steps can bring clarity:

• Chart out the pros and cons: Reflect honestly on what your current job gives you versus what it takes away. This simple exercise can reveal if the balance is tipped unfavorably.
• Identify the gaps: What is your current job lacking? What would your ideal job provide? Once you have this clarity, consider voicing your needs to management. Sometimes, a direct conversation can improve your situation.
• Trust your instincts: If you've tried to make it work but feel unsupported or that the situation is hopeless, trust your gut. It's probably time to start planning your exit.

Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job

Before you send your resignation, be certain. Here are the key signs that it's time to start looking for a new opportunity.

1. You Feel Chronic Burnout & Exhaustion

If your job consistently leaves you feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained with no energy for your life outside of work, this is a major red flag.

According to a 2025 report by The Interview Guys, a staggering 44% of U.S. employees report feeling currently burned out. Any role that takes more than it gives is not sustainable.

2. You See No Growth

If your organization is not providing any opportunity to hone your skills, you should reconsider continuing your stint in that company. You should work where you are given exposure to work on new projects, and where eventually you see yourself getting a promotion.

It is one of the signs you should quit your job immediately if you are working in an organization that does not support your professional growth. Here's a step-by-step approach that you can follow:

1. Talk to prior colleagues for honest company insights and feedback.

2. If you and predecessors remain in same roles, reflect on potential career stagnation.

3. Prolonged role stagnation prompts introspection and possible need for career adjustments.

Do not hesitate to talk to the management/bosses before you take any concrete action though. It's surprising how the biggest obstacles can sometimes get resolved by a single, honest conversation.

3. Your Workplace Is Toxic

A toxic workplace is one where there is needless stereotyping, harmful gossiping, and discrimination.

Workplace toxicity can surface in multiple forms, such as senior management acting indifferently to your needs, distrust among colleagues, high employee turnover, and lack of leadership in the organization.

American Psychological Association recently reported that employees who reported a toxic workplace were more than 3 times as likely to have experienced harm to their mental health at work than those who report a healthy workplace (52% vs. 15%).

You should know these signs to decide when is it time to leave a toxic job. If you are stuck in such an environment, practice coping mechanisms while you look for a new job.

In case the toxicity stems from a single individual, there's still hope to salvage the situation. But if that toxic environment is rooted in the organization's DNA, it's probably too late.

There's no point in you single-handedly trying to turn the wheel - hoping that relentless attempts will turn the tide - when most probably the wheel is rotten and slated to break apart.

4. Your Company Has No Future

If your company has been underperforming for a long time, you know your future is at stake too. You can review your company's financial reports to get an insight into the potential longevity and future scope.

If you observe that your company is laying off employees from time to time, you might be next in line too. Before the worse hits, you should consider leaving your job and finding a new opportunity.

5. You Are Undercompensated

You might have accepted the job offer with less pay to grab the opportunity, but if you are highly under-compensated, you should consider leaving the job. 41% of U.S. workforce believe they’re currently being underpaid.

When you accept a job with less pay, you hint to the company that you do not value yourself, which can impact the type of tasks and responsibilities you could be asked to perform at work.

Staying in such a job can make you resentful over time. Hence, you should change your job or request a raise if you have spent a substantial amount of time in the company.

Also read: How to ask for a raise in writing in 2023?

6. You Found a Better Opportunity

A better opportunity does not mean more money. You must know that the new opportunity that has surfaced will be able to offer what the previous job couldn’t.

Once you have weighed the pros and cons of the new job and how it is better than the previous one, you can send your resignation.

Do not make hasty decisions or show unprofessional behavior, and for that, you must know how to professionally quit your job.

Also read: How do I professionally resign immediately?

7. You Don’t Have Work-life Balance

If your work is taking up all your time and you do not find the energy to do any other work, it is one of the reasons to leave a job.

Your job should be a part of your life rather than your whole life. If you are working on off days, not getting a vacation, and often hear your loved ones complaining about your time, you should know when it is time to leave a job.

Also Read: What is a hostile work environment?

8. You Feel Uninspired and Unengaged

When you start feeling that the current job does not stir you and you often feel boredom, it is the answer to when is it time to leave a job.

You might be good at your job, but if the job does not motivate you to look forward to it or you feel you have reached your limit, you should consider finding a new job.

9. Your Skills Are Not Enhanced

Your job is supposed to enhance your skill set to grow professionally. However, if the job fails to do so, it is time that you find yourself a new one.

Your skill set is your biggest asset in the professional world. Whether you would like to apply to a renowned company or want a better salary, your skill set will take you ahead.

Your employer should support you in developing your talents as an employee by offering you opportunities to visit conferences and attend training. If the organization in which you are currently working does not provide opportunities to upskill, you should consider quitting your job.

Also Read: What are the top skills to put on your resume?

10. You Are Experiencing Abuse

Any physical or mental torture should not happen in the workplace. If you are experiencing abuse or harassment or witness any illegal behavior, it is time to quit your job.

If your office does not offer you a safe space, you should reconsider working for that organization.

11. You Are Finding Ethical Misalignment

Compromises in a job might feel necessary, especially if you want to climb the ladder. However, it would be best if you did not let that thought direct you in your professional life, as it would affect your self-respect and morale in the long run.

Your job should never put you in a situation where you need to compromise on your values. A company run by strong values and ethics will never put you in a position where you feel your ethics are compromised.

Also read: Ho to showcase good work ethic on resume?

12. Your Health is Affected

If working in a place is taking a toll on your physical, mental, or emotional health, you should not think twice before quitting a job.

Workplace stress has become a general mental health concern which eventually leads to physical issues too. Nearly 3 in 5 employees (59%) experience negative impacts of work-related stress.

If you are still in the initial stages, wondering when is it time to leave a job, you can consider carving a boundary at a particular time after which you dedicate time doing things outside work. Observe if the company respects that and make decisions based on it.

13. You Lack the Passion

Your job can become mundane if you do not feel a passion for thriving in it. Passion in the workplace can increase productivity and bring positive results. If you cannot view your job as a career but see it as a job, then chances are you might feel wasted for not utilizing your full potential.

If you lack passion, it is a sign of how to know when it is time to leave a job. You should quit your job if you are stuck in one such position.

Also read: How to find the sweet spot between your passion and job?

14. You Do Not Have the Freedom to Speak

Your job should allow you an open space to voice your opinions. If you have good insights regarding a project and cannot express them due to the fear that you might be criticized, you should consider quitting your job.

Also read: How and why should your company be an equal opportunity employer

15. You Often Receive Negative Criticism

No matter how good of effort you put into your work, you do not receive positive feedback. If that sounds like your situation, consider quitting your job.

Positive feedback can help you upskill and eventually get promotional opportunities. On the contrary, if the senior managers offer too much negative criticism, it can hinder the company's overall growth.

16. You Often Procrastinate

A feeling of procrastination often takes over all of us once in a while, but if you always feel the same for your daily tasks, rethink continuing that job.

Pursuing a job that interests you can help you achieve your goals and bring fruitful results for the company. Procrastination in the workplace can often lead to decreased self-esteem and loss of opportunities.

Also read: How to get out of work without earning the scorn from of bosses?

17. Your Boss is Intolerable

What is a good reason to quit your job?

If your boss cannot tolerate you and vice versa.

It is good if you know how to handle conflict with your seniors, but if you have to exercise conflict management skills on an everyday basis, it is time that you quit your job.

A healthy office environment should inspire you to be on your best behavior. If your boss is unsupportive and incompetent, you should exit from that organization.

18. You Notice High Employee Turnover

If you notice many employees leaving your organization out of the blue, it could be a sign that it is time to leave a job. A high turnover hints that your organization has some major systemic concerns.

High turnover rates can give you an idea about company culture, and you can dig in deep by talking it out with colleagues leaving the job to know the reason.

19. Your Job Doesn't Suit Your Lifestyle

How do you know when it's time to leave your job?

If your job does not go in tandem with your lifestyle, say you have started a family that requires more personal time, then you should reflect on your priorities and decide accordingly.

It might happen that you got married and have kids and cannot offer as much time to your work as earlier. It is completely acceptable and can be a valid reason for quitting your job.

20. Your Self-worth is Compromised

Your self-worth should be above anything else, whether in your personal or professional life. If your employer or colleagues make you question your self-worth, you should consider it one of the signs you should leave your job.

Doing a job that questions your self-worth will only disturb your mental peace, and you should strive to grow in a company that adds to your worth, not diminish it.

21. Your Confidence is Affected

There can be many situations in the workplace that are not easy to handle. It can be negative feedback from your senior or some argument with colleagues over a trivial issue. You need to know how to manage them.

However, if the comments or arguments are affecting your confidence in any way, it is time that you should consider it as one of the significant reasons to quit a job.

Your workplace environment should make you feel more capable than otherwise. If your achievements do not sync with how you are being treated, feel free to leave that job.

Also Read: What to do if you hate your job?

Steps to Take If You Decide to Leave Your Job

Once you reflect on all reasons to leave your job and finally decide to do so, here are the next steps you need to take care of:

Update Your Resume

It is time to update your resume with your recent job experience and skills. Make sure to personalize it to the specific job you will be applying for.

With Hiration Resume Builder, you can create immaculate resumes from scratch or update your existing resume to modify and save time.

Creating the perfect resume within minutes will be a piece of cake for you with features such as AI-Review, Job Match, etc.

Also Read: How to rewrite your resume as per current industry standards?

Prepare a Cover Letter

A cover letter shows that you went the extra mile, it is simply impressive (if done right). Tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for.

You can research the company and the position and accordingly include industry-specific keywords and your career highlights that align with the position.

By the way, we can take care of that too. Check out Hiration Cover Letter Builder, where you will find pre-written cover letter templates that you can quickly customize - and you are all set!

Also Read: How long should a cover letter be?

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

An almighty job search tool will be your LinkedIn profile. It is often the first thing hiring managers skim when they search for potential candidates. Make sure it is up-to-date and professional.

Updating LinkedIn can be a daunting task, and how to know whether you have done it right or not? We have got you covered.

Visit Hiration LinkedIn Review, upload your profile and receive a complete assessment of your profile with suggestions based on the latest industry standards.

Also Read: How to optimize your LinkedIn profile during a job change?

Prepare for Job Interviews

Make sure to research the position and the company, and practice your answers to commonly asked interview questions in your chosen field.

Also, a good initiative is to think about important and relevant questions you want to ask the interviewer.

Last, but not the least, we have Hiration Interview Prep to help you get ready with a diverse and rich interview questions bank, and as well as AI-powered mock interview sessions to judge your body language, time to answer, etc.

Also Read: What are some questions you can ask your interviewer?

Prepare a Financial Checklist

1. Determine your essential monthly expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, insurance, debt payments). The common rule of thumb is to have 3-6 months' worth of these essential expenses saved in an easily accessible account. This is your cushion while you search for a new role.

2. Create a Transition Budget: For a few months before you quit, start living on a tighter budget. Cut non-essential spending (like dining out, subscriptions, and impulse buys) and aggressively add that money to your Freedom Fund. This not only builds your savings faster but also gets you used to a leaner lifestyle.

3. Understand Your Final Paycheck: Check your company's policy on paying out unused vacation or paid time off (PTO). This could add a significant amount to your final paycheck. Also, confirm when you will receive it.

4. Review Your Benefits: Health Insurance: In the US, you are typically eligible for COBRA, which allows you to continue your health coverage, but you'll have to pay the full premium. Research costs and alternatives like the Healthcare Marketplace.

5. Retirement Accounts: Understand your options for your 401(k) or other workplace retirement plans. You can usually leave it, roll it over into an IRA, or roll it into your new employer's plan.

What to Do Next Once You Decide to Quit Your Job?

Once you know when is it time to leave a job, the next step would be to inform the employer about the same. You can follow the points mentioned below that can help you navigate through the process easily:

• Convey to your management that you no longer want to continue the job. The sooner you inform about quitting your job, the better it is.
• Give at least a two weeks notice period before quitting the job so that your organization can find a replacement with sufficient time on their hand.
• Never lose decorum, no matter how bad an experience you had at your workplace. Even in your resignation, try to politely convey the reason for quitting your job.
• Train your substitute well, so you leave your responsibilities in good hands. You can offer your contact to colleagues so that they can reach out to you after the last working day.
• If HR asks the reason for leaving, try to give positive feedback as it might help them improve their working conditions.

FAQs on Signs to Quit Your Job

What are good reasons for leaving a job?

Valid reasons for leaving a job include seeking better growth opportunities, a mismatch between job role and skills, toxic work environment, or pursuing a new career direction.

How do I quit my job gracefully?

Resign from your job gracefully by providing ample notice, expressing gratitude for the experience, and offering to assist with the transition. Maintain professionalism and leave on a positive note to uphold relationships and your professional reputation.

How much time do you need before leaving a job?

Typically, providing two weeks' notice is standard when leaving a job. However, the exact timing may vary depending on your role, company policies, and the complexity of your responsibilities.

Should I quit my job if I am unhappy?

Not necessarily immediately. It's important to first identify the source of your unhappiness. Is it a temporary situation, like a stressful project, or is it a chronic issue related to the role, culture, or management? Try to address the issues first if possible. If the unhappiness is persistent and you recognize several of the long-term signs mentioned in this article, then it is likely time to seriously consider quitting.

What is the best time to resign from a job?

Strategically, the best time to resign is when you are most prepared. This typically involves a few key factors:

• After securing another offer: This is the safest approach, ensuring no gap in employment.
• After a bonus payout: If your company offers annual or quarterly bonuses, it's often wise to wait until after the bonus has been paid out.
• After stock vesting: If you have stock options, wait until they vest to maximize your financial gain.
• When you are financially ready: If you plan to take a break, resign only after you have saved an adequate "freedom fund" (3-6 months of living expenses).

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Career Journey

Deciding to leave your job is one of the most significant decisions you'll make in your professional life.

While it can feel daunting, it's also a powerful step toward a more fulfilling and rewarding future. Remember, the goal isn't just to leave a bad situation, but to move toward a great one.

As you prepare for what comes next, presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for your target roles is critical.

Your next opportunity begins with a strong first impression, which means ensuring your resume effectively showcases your accomplishments, your cover letter is tailored and compelling, and your online professional brand is polished to attract top recruiters.

Hiration's comprehensive AI-powered platform is designed to help you prepare for every facet of your job search, from building the perfect resume to acing the interview.

Ultimately, you are the architect of your career. Take control, prepare diligently, and step confidently into the next chapter!