So you’re thinking about looking for a new job. But you’re unsure if you have a good enough reason to leave your current job.
If you’re considering looking for a new job, you’re not alone. According to recent studies, nearly 50 percent of working Americans are thinking about leaving their current job.
Sometimes, the reasons for leaving a job are quite obvious. A toxic work environment, for example, is a big red flag and a legitimate reason to leave. Other times, however, the reasons for leaving a job aren’t always so clear. Maybe you’re feeling complacent, or bored, and you wonder if this is a valid excuse to leave.
Obviously, leaving a job is a big decision to make. You don’t want to quit abruptly and burn any bridges at work. You also don’t want to leave your job only to regret it later on.
To help you think things through, we’ve put together a list of reasons for leaving a job. Use this list as a guide to help you assess your current situation and consider if you should start thinking about leaving your job.
Reason #1 : Your job is not fulfilling your financial goals
Are you being underpaid? This is a compelling reason to start thinking about leaving your job.
If you haven’t already, you should make a list of your financial goals. Having clearly defined financial goals, such as your desired salary, can help you measure your progress and determine if your job is meeting your financial needs.
Of course, we all want to be making more money, but it’s also important to be sensible. So if your goal is to get a 70 percent raise every year, you need to be more realistic. But if you would like to get an incremental raise every year or so, and your current job isn’t meeting that goal, it might be wise to start looking elsewhere or ask for a raise.
You can compare your salary to your peers or those working in a similar industry. Conduct a job search of your role and similar roles on LinkedIn to get a sense of what the industry is paying.
If your salary is not in line with industry standards, now might be the time to ask your manager for a raise or consider looking for a new job.
Reason #2: You’re not learning anything new
Sometimes, if the job salary isn’t competitive, you can legitimize staying on if you’re learning new skills that will ultimately help you land a better and more high paying job. But if you’re not learning anything new, this is a compelling reason for leaving your job.
Are you working on the same projects? Doing the same tasks day in and day out? Then it’s time to start thinking about looking elsewhere. Your job should challenge you and help you develop multiple aspects of your career. Whether it’s learning to manage a team or taking the lead on a project, stretching yourself and learning new things is crucial to developing as a person and employee.
Reason #3: You feel siloed
Another reason for leaving a job? You feel siloed in your current role or department. A job isn’t just about growing and learning new skills. You should be getting opportunities to meet and collaborate with new and interesting people.
Does your company encourage their employees to collaborate across teams and departments? Are you able to meet with clients and partners outside of the office? If you aren’t being exposed to different people who can offer a new perspective or vantage point to your work, then you aren’t growing. In fact, being siloed at work can lead to feelings of isolation and even burnout.
Collaboration is a key part of your career development. If you’re not building new relationships and working with others, it might be a good reason to start looking elsewhere.
Reason #4: Your job is not aligned with your career goals
Is your job helping you get closer to your career goals? If not, this might be a valid reason for leaving a job.
There’s a reason that many job interviewers ask “Where do you see yourself in five years?” While this may seem like a stock question, it’s actually an important question to help you determine your career path. For example, if you’ve always wanted to do creative work, but your job is highly administrative, it might be time to start looking for a job that is more aligned with your career goals.
Reason #5: Your job is downsizing
You can’t do your job well if you’re constantly stressed about job security. So if your company is currently downsizing, that is definitely a good reason to start looking for new opportunities.
Sometimes, a company won’t say outright if they’re planning on eliminating your department. You might have to “read the tea leaves” and look for signs such as restructuring or bringing in new management. Of course, you don’t want to jump to any conclusions. But if you're worried about your future at the company, you should definitely talk to your manager or someone you trust. In the meantime, you’ll want to start thinking about a potential exit strategy and looking for new opportunities.
Reason #6: You don’t feel heard
Maybe your boss never listens to your ideas. Or you’re getting shut out of meetings. Or management doesn’t seem to be taking your concerns seriously. If you feel as if your contributions aren’t getting noticed, or if you’re not feeling heard, then it might be a good reason to start looking for a new job that will see and hear you.
Take your time as you consider these reasons for leaving a job. Use your journal to help you assess the situation and arrive at a decision. If you do decide to leave your job, make sure to thoughtfully plan your exit strategy. From creating a financial safety net to updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, you’ll want to have a strategy in place before making the leap.
Written by JiJi Lee
