So a fear of quitting could be related to a fear of "wasting" sunk costs. It can also be chalked up to a simple fear of change, which many people feel to one degree or another. “Regardless of how we interpret it, it's a natural human tendency to want to keep doing what we're doing,” Dr. Hendriksen says.
Work can be deeply connected to a person's identity and seeking a new job can trigger anxiety and fear concerning the loss of self or diminished status. (However, the opposite can also be true.)
Many professionals have a strong resistance to leaving a job that's not working out. Quitting is hard because it carries an implication that you gave up, did not try hard enough, or were not good enough to make it work.
If you find yourself asking “should I quit my job because of anxiety?” then it might be time to reevaluate your work situation. No one wants to admit this, but here's the truth – if your job causes you severe anxiety, it's important to prioritize your mental health over work.
Quiet quitting doesn't actually refer to quitting a job—it means completing one's minimum work requirements without going above and beyond or bringing work home after hours. The quiet quitting trend has been met with mixed reception by business leaders and the media since it went viral in 2022.
You're Burnt Out. Is burnout and stress on your list of good reasons to quit a job? If your job has lost its luster and you feel like the long hours, pressure and anxiety aren't worth it anymore; you're not alone. Every day, people quit their jobs due to the emotional exhaustion and chronic stress of demanding roles.
This is totally normal. If you haven't been working for an utterly awful company in a completely miserable job, you're probably going to feel a lot of emotions about leaving—even if it's the 100% right move for you. Change can be hard, and it has a tendency to produce nostalgic feelings.
There are several signs that may indicate it's time to move on from your current job, such as feeling unfulfilled or undervalued, experiencing a toxic work environment, or having limited opportunities for growth and advancement.
Many people are afraid to get a new job because their identity and self-worth are tied to their current job. Naturally, the idea of moving to a new job can feel like you're transitioning your identity and that can be as unsettling as looking in the mirror and seeing someone else's face instead of your own.
If you find yourself in a situation in which it is emotionally, physically, or mentally draining (or worse) for you even to show up to work, let alone get excited and perform at a high level—you need to leave.
It's not just flattering that an old employer wants you back. It can be a sign of how much they truly value you, and that's worth its weight at any company, new or old. “They're coming after you and only you, and they're serious about making it work for you,” Kathy Robinson, an executive coach, said.
A recent survey showed that 80 percent of Great Resignation quitters regret their decision. Though many people left for better work-life balance and mental health, only about half of respondents were satisfied with these things in their new roles.
If you feel stuck in your job, it might be a good idea to end your employment. This includes feeling like you can't advance any further or that there's no room for growth. Moving on can be the best choice if you feel like you're not being challenged anymore and there is no opportunity to keep growing.
Depending on their emotional state at the time of your conversation, your manager may become immediately upset, or even furious that you are resigning. They may feel a sense of betrayal, as well as anxiety about how they will manage the workload without you.
Quitting your job without another job can be a practical decision or a beneficial move for your health. If you quit gracefully, leaving a job before securing another a job doesn't necessarily impact your employment prospects.
As the toxic workplace often drains all the energy one has, they feel so stressed, under pressure, and eager to leave, that they end up paralyzed, unable to take the next steps.
Yes, doing something you hate every day can take a toll on your body, but a dislike of your job is less likely to manifest itself in your body the same way true burnout would. If symptoms like headaches, backaches, panic attacks, or stomach issues are weighing you down, it's likely burnout that you're dealing with.
A common reason good employees leave is due to inefficient or unskilled management. All employees want others to hear and value their opinions, and they can become frustrated if their managers or company leaders are not open to their input.
“If you have communicated your needs clearly and taken responsibility for your part in what may be going on, and if you've asked for reasonable adjustments to be made and still, nothing changes, it may be time to leave.”
The employee avoids any tasks and communications that occur outside of the workplace. In HR terms, such employees are disengaged. The goal of a quiet quitter is to do the least amount of work so that they don't get fired.
Apply for a new job or transfer to another position at your workplace. Ask your manager for hybrid work where you can work at home part of the time or remote work if you want to work from home full-time. Actively quit and pursue a job with a different workplace culture.