At some point in your career, chances are you will leave your current job for a new opportunity. Whether you are leaving for perceived greener pastures or just need a change of scenery, you will have to have a difficult conversation with your bosses.
There are various reasons for people to leave their jobs: higher salary, family reasons, not feeling fulfilled, etc. However, regardless of your reasons to leave your job, one thing remains true – there is a right and a wrong way to resign. Before you decide to quit your job (and hopefully avoid those mistakes), you must ask yourself “am I quitting for the right reasons?”
Studies have shown that the average person spends a third of his or her life at work, so your happiness in the workplace is a huge determining factor as to whether or not you decide to stay. However, sometimes we have unrealistic expectations and let our emotions take over, so we make a rash decision to pursue other opportunities. In an article for TopResume, Terri Williams highlights four wrong reasons that people quit their jobs.
You’re Receiving Criticism From Your Boss
Criticism can be a slippery slope. There is a fine line between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Often times when your boss provides criticism, the comments can help you become a better employee. Without criticism and feedback, it is easy to be under the impression that we are doing everything right, when in reality this may not be the case.
As humans, we are sensitive beings and can become offended by this criticism. A reaction to this could be running away (quitting), but if that is the case, you’ll be job hopping pretty frequently. Don’t just take my word for it; check out these findings from a Leadership IQ study:
- 46 percent of new hires will fail because they lack the ability to accept feedback;
- 23 percent of new hires can’t recognize and manage their negative emotions; and,
- 15 percent of new hires have the wrong temperament.
Instead of running away when faced with some criticism or feedback, take the feedback and use it to improve your skills. In doing so, your career will benefit down the line.
You Were Passed Over For Promotions
The factors that go into the decision-making process behind promotions differ among companies. Ideally, a company will promote the employee who is most qualified. If you meet all the expectations, then hopefully a promotion is in your future. However, if someone else gets that promotion, that doesn’t mean you should up and quit. Instead, you can ask the hiring manager or your boss for some feedback (look above) and figure out how you can put yourself in the best position to earn the next promotion.
You Want More Money
It is no secret that everyone wants to earn more money. There might be other factors that influence your happiness at work, however, the temptation of earning more money has a way of clouding your vision. There are many factors that come into play and have made you stay at your current position. Maybe you have a flexible work schedule and relaxed environment in which you thrive. If you left for an opportunity that paid more, you might not have these perks that you have come to earn. Is starting at zero worth it?
When it comes down to it, we all think we should be making more money than we currently do. Although it is tempting to accept a role that offers a higher salary, compensation is more encompassing than that. If you are truly unhappy in your role and are looking for other opportunities, you must consider the entire compensation package – health insurance, vacation/sick time, tuition reimbursement, flex time, etc.
You Want To Start Your Own Business
According to Williams, “there’s a big difference between quitting your job to start a new business, and leaving because your new business has been up and running for a while.” Many people strive to be their own boss someday, but the harsh reality is that only 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first two years.
For those wanting to start their own business, a common theme is to do so as a “side hustle.” This increasingly popular term relates to those who have a full-time opportunity but are building something on the side as well. If you have done so successfully for a length of time, leaving your current 9-5 role to focus on the side hustle full time is acceptable.
Wrap Up
People quit their jobs every day for a variety of reasons, both right and wrong. Putting in a two-weeks-notice can make for an awkward and difficult conversation, especially if you have any of the aforementioned reasons as to why you’re quitting. Before making this career decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of your current role and potential new role. After all, you might be surprised with the benefits your current role provides.
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