Eight good reasons to leave your job

Our needs, wants and ambitions change over time and across all facets of life, whether it's in relationships, hobbies or at work (clearly). Sometimes, our desire for change is so strong that it drives us to leave our job. It's a big decision, so it's perfectly normal to have doubts and even be scared. It's not a bad thing. But let's not forget that freedom has its limits: you've got to pay rent, put food on the table and even treat yourself to something from Flannels - if, of course, you have 300 quid to blow on a coat... (spoiler alert - we don't!).  

The most important thing is to make an informed decision and not put yourself in a difficult position. Our advice is to make a list of things about your current job that you don't like, or that annoy or worry you. Then analyse each of these things carefully. For example, if you're already in your second job since leaving uni and you don't like it because "the team is boring", ask yourself this: is it really worth looking for the perfect team of colleagues at the risk of losing the 5-star mentorship you're getting from your current manager? It's entirely up to you. 

If you end up deciding to stay, it would be a good idea to take this list to your manager or team leader and suggest some changes so that you can remain engaged. Think about what would challenge you and tell them in your yearly review.  

Nevertheless, there are situations and times where leaving your job is actually advisable or life-saving. We have listed eight of them below. 

1. Climbing the career ladder 

Having the chance to take on new responsibilities is a good reason for leaving your job. Even if it's often possible to move up within the same company, some have very limited opportunities for progression. If you have become more confident and developed the skills required to go to the next level and become a manager or a project leader, for example, waiting too long can cost you emotionally (you get bored) and professionally (you might stagnate). If that's the case, be in no doubt that it's time to look elsewhere based on your experience and motivation.  

2. Changing industries 

Wanting to pursue your profession in another industry is also a good reason to leave your job. Timing is key here. You have to gain enough professional expertise to be able to quickly adapt to a new environment and its challenges, but not spend so much time in a particular industry that you become "pigeon-holed" and find it harder to embrace the challenges of the new industry you want to work in. Either way, skills and curiosity go hand in hand on the job market!  

3. Retraining 

As a child, did you dream of making a video game, being a chef or opening an animal sanctuary? Are you bored by the data? Do you hate video calls? Do you no longer recognise yourself in Monday's team-building exercise? Whatever your reasons, it's common to discover that the career you chose is not for you or that after several years of genuine commitment, you now just want to reinvent yourself. Basically, retraining is a great reason to resign. Slow down - you need to think about it carefully and give it some thought, but you also have to know your limits. Salary, working hours, location and hardship at work are things that can change when you choose to go down a radically different career path, and you have to bear this in mind before making the leap. Again, your list of pros and cons can help you here. 

4. Earning more 

Salary can certainly be a good reason to leave your job. If after a thorough job search you find that you should be earning 15% more, or that your pay increase was way less than your colleagues' despite their results not being as good as yours, you might be a bit annoyed. A feeling of unfairness or a lack of recognition can lead to negativity, especially if you have already broached the subject with your employer and they immediately cut the conversation short (or the conversation, despite our advice on the matter, achieved nothing). Salary is therefore not the only thing to gain: bonuses, more leave or benefits can also be huge wins.  

5. Finding meaning 

No longer having the same values, philosophy or DNA as a company can also be a reason to leave your job. If you have a passion for fashion, and in the past two years revelations about the impacts of fast fashion have convinced you that you need to go for more ethical and responsible designs and consumer habits, the job that you had dreamed of in design and development for a huge ready-to wear fashion brand may no longer make sense. Nowadays, motivation and engagement are determining factors for a company. If you are no longer motivated or engaged, it's definitely a sign that you should hand in your resignation letter. And speaking of values, we think you should use our professional values test, Freya, to find out what your values are. 

6. A change of environment  

The health crisis we recently went through really emphasised the fact that overcrowded areas too removed from nature have made many people move out to the less densely populated leafy suburbs. In this case, your job, the team or the management team isn't the issue: it's your general well-being that's behind your choice to leave. Prioritising your living environment is crucial, but it's also a brave decision - life changes are a big deal. Just don't be too impulsive. You might also end up missing the city once you've moved out to the Somerset countryside, and you may well be sorry you left your fast-paced, highly rewarding and well-paid job. So it's really important to make the right decision.  

7. Bye bye office! 

We're not all made to work in a company and share a huge part of our daily lives with colleagues and a boss. Some of you may need to have a more flexible schedule, have tasks and projects to manage, and a place to work. Others, after developing and managing corporate projects, want to reclaim their ideas and see them grow. In this case, maybe you could work as a freelancer or set up your own company. But don't forget that on top of your boundless energy, to launch yourself you will need sound business acumen, great organisational and time management skills, the ability to prioritise, and a lot of time to prepare. What job should I do, or what business should I launch? What funds and/or investment do I need to start? Who are the main players in the industry: my competitors and potential customers? Basically, the full independence offered by entrepreneurship also has its limitations. 

8. Leaving a toxic environment 

Finally, this is the reddest of red flags: are your days filled with humiliation, the threat of excessive working hours, disparaging comments, discrimination, sexist comments or acts or other forms of harassment? We recommend that you talk about it and make a complaint, but you should also not put yourself under emotional stress by staying in a job just because it pays well. Obviously, if the person responsible for abusive behaviour ends up leaving the company and this is enough to relieve your sense of unease, calm you down and re-motivate you, that's great. But sometimes, in order to recreate yourself and make your future career more rewarding, it's best to leave.  

So, we've given you all the reasons to leave your job, now you just have to find the right ones!