Is It Time to Quit? 3 Career Red Flags You Can’t Ignore.
The Career Crossroads Moment
Have you ever stared at your screen, taken a deep breath, and thought, “I can’t do this anymore”? Maybe it’s a slow, creeping feeling of dissatisfaction, maybe it’s a full-body Sunday Scaries meltdown, but one question keeps looking in your head:
Do I need to quit my job…Or do I need a reset?
Before you draft your resignation email (or spiral into a job search you don’t have energy for), let’s talk about the real signs it’s time to go vs the ones that mean you need to shake things up.
Three signs it’s time to quit your job
1. You’ve outgrown the role and there’s nowhere left to grow
You’ve learned everything you can and no amount of ‘stretch projects’ will change that.
You’re not being challenged and there’s no clear next step within the company.
You’re skills are stagnating and you’re worried about your long-tern career trajectory.
Gut Check: If you left today, would you be relieved or scared?
Next Step: If you’ve outgrown the job but love the company, have the conversation about upward mobility. If there’s truly nowhere to go, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.
2. Your values and the Company’s values no longer align
The company culture has shifted and it doesn’t sit right with you anymore.
You feel ethically conflicted about the work you’re doing.
You constantly find yourself resenting the decisions being made at the top.
Gut Check: If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about your company, would you stay?
Next Step: If a small tweak would make a big different, try advocating for change. If it’s a deeper misalignment, that’s your cue to look for a workplace that feels like a better fit.
3. Your mental and physical health are suffering (and it’s not just a ‘busy season’)
You’re anxious, exhausted, or physically sick from stress.
Work takes up 90% of your mental bandwidth, even when you’re not on the clock.
You feel disconnected from your life outside of work (family, friends, hobbies, yourself).
Gut Check: If you had a month of paid leave, would you feel recharged or would you still dread coming back?
Next Step: If stress is short-term, set boundaries and ask for support. If it’s a fundamental part of the job, it’s time to prioritise your wellbeing and start planning your exit.
Three signs you need a reset (not a resignation letter)
1. You’re bored but you still like the company and team
You feel unchallenged but you still believe in the company’s mission.
You respect your boss and colleagues but you feel stuck.
A change in role, project or department could reignite your energy.
Try This Before You Quit: Pitch a new project, mentorship, or skill-building opportunity. Sometimes a refresh is all you need.
2. You’re burnt out but you still love what you do
You’re exhausted but deep down you still care about the work.
You need better boundaries, a break, or more support.
You’re questioning your job because you’re running on empty.
Try This Before You Quit: Take real time off, adjust your workload, and focus on recovery. Don’t make career decisions from a place of depletion.
3. You feel stuck but you haven’t explored all your options yet
You’re craving more freedom, flexibility or creativity.
You’re watching other people make bold moves but you’re scared to make the leap.
You’re waiting for external validation instead of giving yourself permission to pivot.
Try This Before You Quit: Experiment with side projects, networking, or career coaching, sometimes the clarity comes before the big leap…not after.
What’s Your Next Move?
If you’re sitting in uncertainty, here’s your sign: don’t rush the decision. Start with small actions because claity comes with movement.
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk about self-resourcing strategies to help you make this decision with confidence.
