Tags
5 signs it's time to let go, 5 signs its time to leave your job, 5 signs you should leave your job, career change, how do i figure out my purpose, how do i know my calling, how to know if i should change jobs, job, purpose, Signs its time to leave your job, Signs You should leave your job
If you’re like me, you may have at some time reached a point where you were simply fed up with your current state of being. The once glorious and fulfilling lifestyle you once had has vanished. You wake up dreading to go to work more than being happy about it. You may have even become unusually frustrated or irritated.
It is quite possible that you may not be walking in your purpose. What do I mean by that? Well, when you are walking in your purpose, you are able to willingly hang in there even during the tough times because you know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Your why is strong enough to overshadow the challenges you face. Yet, when you are continuously in a state of unhappiness with your career choice, then it’s time to evaluate if it’s time to let go.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not endorsing walking out of your job today if you have no plan of what to do next. However, I do believe it would be worth your while to instead consider what alternatives you have or how you can use your experiences to propel you into your true calling in life.
Let’s talk about 5 signs that it’s time to let go of your current job.
I don’t know about you, but I like to be in a place where I am growing and learning. I don’t want to be in the exact place I’m at now five years down the road. I need to have some significant growth occurring, whether it’s in leadership, confidence or a particular skill set.
We all experience tough days in our profession. I mean, who hasn’t had the day where you’ve been struggling to meet a deadline, and then you get an email stating your boss is calling yet another mandatory meeting? Yet, when you reach the point where you are constantly left feeling unsatisfied, unimportant and unfulfilled, you may need to question if you’re doing what you were meant to do.
Maybe you’re the type who already knows you should be doing something else. You may even know exactly what that something else is (I see you nodding your head). Yet, you sit and do nothing because there is no guarantee that the grass will actually be greener on the other side. You’d rather sit back and collect checks because you’ve put in your time with this company, and you’re afraid to start fresh somewhere else (It’s okay, friend. This used to be me, too.).
You see yourself as a superhero—and you probably are. You’re the one people come to for advice. You’re the one people call when they can’t figure something out. You’re the one who knows what to do when the grits hits the fan. If you move on, who’s going to keep things going? Will your peeps really be able to move on successfully without you?! *gasp!
If any of these signs describes you, then I want you to hang on to your seat. During this series, we’re going to talk about each of these signs in detail and provide actionable tips you can take to help you make an informed decision. Which sign describes you?
P. S. Because I care so much about you, why don’t you grab this free worksheet to help you until our next post?
Manda Rozsa @ Sweet Right Here said:
These are great tips! I walked out of a job once because of the circumstances. I really struggled with the idea that perhaps I gave up…and maybe should have stuck it through the hard times. After much soul searching, I realized I made the right choice…it was unhealthy to be there. Reading through your list also confirms that I made the right choice 😀
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J. Gilbert said:
Thanks, Manda! It really can be tough to make the decision to leave, but it can be necessary to reach the next level in our lives. I also love how you pointed out that staying can be unhealthy. Not many think about it from this point of view! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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MissKemya, Chief Marketing Sparkler said:
It can be hard to face facts and admit it’s time to move on. I’ve been hit by #2 more than once, and each time I made a conscious effort to change it turned out to be the right decision. This is a great post that makes you think about where you are right now!
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J. Gilbert said:
Yes, Miss Kemya! I totally empathize with you because I’ve been hit hard with #2 myself. It wasn’t that I didn’t like anything about my job, but I just knew there had to be something else I was created to do. By a twisted turn of events, I’m now blogging full-time, writing books, and will begin coaching next year! SO glad I decided to take a leap of faith! :o) Thanks so much for your response, and I’m glad things have worked out for you with each change!
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Collette Osuna said:
Love this post! Nothing better than doing what YOU love:)
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J. Gilbert said:
Collette, you are absolutely correct! It has made such a difference in my perspective on life. :o)
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kayliz241 said:
This is me!!! I’m sort of feeling like this about my current job I love the students I work with and thats what keeps me coming to work, but everything else is not so cool! I just have to make a decision!
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J. Gilbert said:
I can definitely relate! My students were great, but I’m glad to be on a different path. :o) Good luck with your decision.
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Stephanie said:
Excellent advice! A lot of people just don’t know when it’s “okay” to let go of something.
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J. Gilbert said:
You are so right, Stephanie! I used to be one of them because I wanted to please everyone else. So glad I now realize I only have one life, and I should be the one who chooses the best path for me.
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Malla Haridat (@MallaHaridat) said:
This is a great list! I think far too often people make the decision to leave emotionally without taking a list like this into consideration. If one or more of the reasons above show up….it might be time!!
I would also add health to the list. If your health has shifted for the worst, it’s time. Health changes can come up subtly but they are just as key as the list above.
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J. Gilbert said:
Malla, you are so right! Some people do choose to stay at jobs that negatively affect their health. Great insight, and thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond to my post!
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Tammy Hoffer said:
This post is a confirmation that I did the right thing in letting go of my full time job 3 months ago. I felt like number 1 in my last position. I wasn’t growing or learning anything that was useful.
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J. Gilbert said:
Tammy, I’m glad you found this post useful. I believe growth is so important. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere that didn’t foster growth and align with my purpose. Thanks for commenting!
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Billie K said:
Thank you for sharing these key points. As noted most change is held up by fear and getting over that is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
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J. Gilbert said:
Billie, I wholeheartedly agree! I was a victim of fear for far too long, and I’m SO glad to be free today! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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sunflower said:
Thankfully I love what I do but these are good reminders for those not happy in their job! Great post!
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J. Gilbert said:
That’s awesome that you love what you do! I have listened to far too many people comment on how they are not happy, and I hope the ideas in this post help shed some light. Thanks so much for reading and commenting! 🙂
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HaleyTheAuthor said:
Great post on the necessity of ‘following your heart’ if you will. Life is too short to do something that is unfulfilling or that otherwise lacks a further purpose.
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J. Gilbert said:
Haley, I couldn’t agree more with your response. That is something that has really resonated with me, and helped push me into where I needed to be. We have to make every day count. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Tamyka Washington said:
This post resonates with me so much. I remember being in that place feeling like I was wasting my life just existing…not truly living. Feeling like there was more to life but not knowing what to do. I took a huge risk, and quit my job to pursue entrepreneurship full time! I always knew it was my life purpose…but I held on to fear for so long, until I could no longer take it. That was over 12 years ago and I’ve never been happier. You share some really valid points here…this is a great post.
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J. Gilbert said:
Awww! Thank you so much, Tamyka for such a heartfelt response! I am so glad you let go of your fears and took the plunge. For the longest time, I, too, was a victim of fear. Yet, God has a funny way of moving us where He wants us to be. I’m glad I answered the call, and can’t wait to see what else He has in store for my life! Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts. :o)
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Dermot Barry said:
Very thought provoking post! I’ve put off leaving a job in the past, but once I did I never looked back. I’m happy in my job right now, but I wish the commute was shorter!
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J. Gilbert said:
Glad you were able to take the leap and find something better-suited for you! Thanks for reading and sharing!
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danicainspires2015 said:
#4 Was a biggie for me! This is a great post I am now big on following my heart and what is best for me. This is a great reminder that it is okay and steps to be able to let go of the things that no longer serve you. Thanks!
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J. Gilbert said:
I can definitely empathize, Dani! I’m glad you found a way to do what’s best for you. It can be so hard to make changes, but sometimes they are truly necessary. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Dr. Taffy Wagner said:
#1 was a biggie for me quite some time ago. I have to be experiencing growth or I am out the door. I cannot be in a position of being stagnant, frustrated and headed to a place of complaining. Valuable post. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us.
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J. Gilbert said:
I agree, Dr. Wagner, that it can be quite frustrating to feel like you’re stuck in mud with no hope in sight! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 🙂
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missjsworld said:
This is a great bit of information!
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J. Gilbert said:
Thanks, Miss J! I’m glad you found it beneficial. 🙂
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Elbony Riggins said:
I like this post, I have felt like I have no growth and like I wanted more. Thanks for posting.
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J. Gilbert said:
Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts, Elbony. It isn’t any fun to feel stagnant at your job. I hope you have been able to resolve this and if not, keep pushing!
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Elbony Riggins said:
Thank you!!
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Zenobia Porter said:
Awesome post! A few years ago, I actually hit all 5 of the signs you mentioned here. It is what led me to branch out and embrace my purpose and work to make a living from it. The second sign is what impacted me the most and drives the core of my message. When that life that’s been locked away starts burning inside of you; it’s definitely time to pay attention. Thank you for sharing.
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J. Gilbert said:
What an incredible statement, Zenobia! I was just reading a quote by Anaïs Nin that talks about it being harder for a flower to remain closed than to bloom. This is true of our lives, too. So glad you were able to recognize this and find a way to make a living while doing something aligned with your purpose. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
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Juanita E. Gaynor said:
#4 is the main one for me. I used to become wrapped up in others that by the time i did let go there was almost no more me left. Great POst!
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J. Gilbert said:
Thanks for your transparency, Juanita. It can be so hard to not take care of others or cater to their needs. However, it is totally necessary at times if we want to avoid burnout. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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DawnsDelightsArt said:
Love this post. I look back through my life and realize that often when I thought I was giving it my all, I should’ve let go a lot sooner, that continuing something that had maxed it’s purpose was more harmful in the end.
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J. Gilbert said:
Dawn,
You hit the nail on the head! Oftentimes we do not do as you said, realize “that continuing something that had more maxed it’s purpose was more harmful in the end”. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tip!
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Amy Groves said:
Thanks for posting this. I made a career change last year and even though it was scary I did it. It worked. I am now my own boss. Still scary sometimes but my priorities are being met, we are warm and not hungry, I am happier than I have ever been in my job which makes less stress at home. The best decision in my working life so far.
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J. Gilbert said:
That’s awesome, Amy! Congrats to you! I’m glad you’ve been able to walk in your purpose and have your priorities met. It is not the easiest decision to make, but can definitely make the difference in our attitude, perspective, etc. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
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Dequiana Jackson said:
I found myself feeling all of these things when I was still working in Corporate America. I did eventually leave and embrace entrepreneurship full-time, but there were times when I had all kinds of doubts – did I make the right decision? Should I have stuck it out? What if, what if, what if? But in the end, I realized that walking in my purpose was best for me and my family. I’ve been able to be a blessing to other people, and the income has followed.
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J. Gilbert said:
Dequiana,
What an awesome and transparent story! My story is a little different in that I was sort of forced into entrepreneurship since I wasn’t able to find employment or a site to conduct my internship for grad school. Like you, I had doubts, but I know that even after finishing my degree, entrepreneurship is definitely where I need to be so I can be a blessing to others, too. It can be stressful as you try to figure out if you will have enough income. Yet, like you mentioned, the money will come (especially if we’re focused on serving). Thanks for reading and sharing!
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Vanessa Parker said:
Awesome post. It is hard to let go when you are comfortable. I have been there before and glad I walked away.
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J. Gilbert said:
Thanks for reading and sharing, Vanessa! It’s very inspiring that you were able to find the strength and courage to walk away. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have your story. Thanks again for stopping by!
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