Should I quit my job? This is question I am getting often from my employed friends.  There is no simple and right answer.  I could tell them typical bullshit of these days – “sure, quit, find your passion and do what you love” but I don’t believe this would solve their problem.

Why People Want to Quit Their Jobs

Mostly it is typical work-life balance problem. Too much pressure, long hours and never-ending stream of new challenges and problems. I believe this can be solved if you i) become more effective (be very honest here) and ii) re-negotiate your workload and priorities with your boss.

People leave their bosses not companies. That means, if you work for best company in the world but your boss sucks, you will leave. And vice versa. It you have great boss you will stay even if company is not so great.

How Do You Know If You Should Quit Your Job

One advice I am giving to everyone is: “don’t make decision now“.

If you are overworked and stressed you will be much more likely to opt for quitting. You should rather take vacation, rest and give it a proper thought. When you’re rested and out of your daily rat race things start to look bit different.

What can help you are 12 questions from one of my favourite books on business – First Break All The Rules. This book written by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman is based on a massive in depth study and is by far the best book on leadership and people management I have ever read.

1. I know what is expected of me at work                                                                                             2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right                                             3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day                                               4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work               5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person                              6. There is someone at work who encourages my development                                                   7. At work, my opinions seem to count                                                                                             8. The mission / purpose of my company make me feel my job is important                             9. My co-workers are committed to doing quality work                                                                  10. I have a best friend at work                                                                                                              11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress                    12. This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow

If you answer yes to all questions above, you are in a right job, it is just temporary pressure and workload that made you think you should quit. If not, you should start looking around anyway, even if you feel good and rested after your vacation. Life is too short to waste it with job that doesn’t give you “yes” for all questions above. 

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