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You hate work, but do not rush to leave it. A worthy offer has not turned up yet, and you do not want to be left with nothing. But there are circumstances in which it is better to leave immediately. Which? Responsible business consultant.
“Don’t leave your job until you find a new one,” we’ve heard this mantra a million times. Are you tired? Sick? Do you need a break? These are all excuses, whispers an inner voice (which sounds suspiciously like the voice of a colleague, friend, or one of the young people at the next table, whose conversation you accidentally overheard). If you leave now, you will lose. Don’t leave your job. Don’t make mistakes.
What can be said about this voice? At least this: the option that seems safe to us is not always the most reasonable. When we are under a lot of stress, we switch to survival mode. And in this mode, we are not inclined to think soberly and in detail. We are afraid of risk. We only think about one thing: relax and forget.
In addition, in this state, the chances of finding something better tend to zero. Trying to escape from one captivity, we easily fall into another if we cannot adequately weigh all the pros and cons. It happens that a person simply does not have the strength to fight for better conditions. He is exhausted, his fighting spirit has vanished — only a sluggish, lifeless body remains. Is it possible to hope to impress the next personnel officer in this state?
Before deciding whether to stay in a grueling or unpleasant job, analyze your condition. Perhaps you just need a pause in order to recover. Here are some points worth looking at.
You don’t feel safe
It’s above everything. If you don’t feel safe at work, you’re better off quitting, even if your finances aren’t in the best position. Some workplaces can be real places of increased danger — like disadvantaged areas of the city, areas of radioactive contamination and military operations.
If you are being harassed or threatened at work, speak up to management. If you remain silent, no one will protect you. If attempts to defend your rights have not led to anything, or after a «lull» the pressure on you resumes with renewed vigor — leave boldly and as soon as possible.
Work undermines your health
Remember: your health is always more important. The word «stability», so beloved by many, acts like a slow poison. We become passive, not ready for action — even when the old life brings only suffering. Is work killing you — physically or in any other way? Then you should quit it as soon as possible, while you still have strength left. In some places people work in fear all the time. How do you go to an interview in such a state and expect to be appreciated?
You feel insecure
The hatred of work can become so strong over time that you will be ready to grasp at any straw in search of salvation.
It can be a simple «hack», work under the wing of a friend, the merits of which come down to the fact that it brings a little money and allows you to escape from the hell of your former life. But often these respite drag on, and your determination to find your dream job slips away unnoticed.
Do you need a breather
“I was fed up with my work,” says Alexander, “But I was just not ready to immediately take on a new one. I did not have enough time and inner space to understand what I want. I was in a terrible state. I had to leave before I could think of anything else.»
Alexander quit, despite the fact that his colleagues considered his act insane. But he himself admits that he felt relieved: “My blood pressure must have dropped by half the minute I left the building.” He decided to do a three-week internship at a new company and got the job a week after graduation.
“This job was completely unrelated to my previous career, I was paid less, but so what? Alexander says. — I work, I help people. Now I see meaning in what I do. And I can safely plan my next steps.”
You don’t have time for yourself
“I never quit my job not knowing where to go,” says Anna. But now I had to do it. The previous work absorbed all my strength. While I was there, I couldn’t imagine my life outside the office. I felt stuck and couldn’t move. Now I can concentrate and understand what I really want.
If, returning from work, you feel completely overwhelmed and squeezed out like a lemon, you will simply not be able to look for a new job. Everything can end up with the fact that in a new job you will not be satisfied in the same way. Listen to your body — it will not deceive you.
If you need to quit your job first, just to look at yourself in the mirror and figure out who you are and what you want, do it now!
About the Expert: Liz Ryan is the founder of the consulting company Human Workspace.