Not every job is going to be glamorous. Or even enjoyable. We all know this pretty well. Most post grads have gotten over living in the dream world where they think they will be offered the job of a lifetime right after graduation. (Angry scowls at all who have accomplished this.) But at what point should you stop working at a job? Just because it's not the one you want or in your desired field doesn't necessarily mean you should quit. It is a paycheck that only 24% of the 2010 graduating class is receiving after all.
That said, there are legitimate reasons to quit.
- If you are not treated well. This can include sexual harassment, verbal harassment, or being made to do things that are clearly not in your job description and are demeaning (ie being told to clean the bathrooms unless you are a janitor or designated cleaning person.) This COULD extend into the realm of not being appreciated for your work. Not alone, mind you, but paired with other reasons it can definitely contribute to a valid reason for quitting.
- If you have another offer that is either better paying or in a field you want to be in. It makes no sense to quit one dead end job to go to another, but if you are being offered more money or if the alternative job is in your desired field then go for it.
- If the work environment doesn not work as a lifestyle. If you are working nights but are a morning person, it's time to quit. If you are working from 5am until noon but don't get to sleep until 2am then the job might not be for you. It's hard to try to change your lifestyle for a job, it's easier to get a job that naturally fits your lifestyle. Don't be a bartender if you are in bed by 10pm. Although I know there are people who would disagree with me on this point and say it's better to change your lifestyle to fit the job.
- If it is seriously a dead-end job. If there is no room for advancement, no prospects of a raise, and no room for you to grow, then it's ok to move on. An exception might be if you are making a difference in the job. Joining Americorps might be temporary with little room for advancement, but look at all the good you're doing.
These are just a few valid reasons for quitting your job. I am not a proponent of quitting personally, even though the thought has crossed my mind. At least not until number 2 comes along, then I will bid farewell.
I wish I could "like" this post.
ReplyDeleteThis is very true and helpful. Although it is wonderful to have a paycheck, what do you do in situations in which the job you have is just not working with your lifestyle? This can lead to bad health due to stress and unhappiness. If you're unhappy where you are working, consider other options or even think about wwhhyy the job is making you unhappy. In this case, look for ways to eliminate those problems. If that means leaving your job to lay low for a while to figure out what you do want to do, that might be beneficial and necessary.