Five Reasons to NOT Leave Your Job Angry

Before planning anything, determine whether you are mad or angry. Now many people may define the two emotions as synonymous but if you look up angry in the dictionary, you'll find harsher words such as contempt, rage and even hate. If it seems that you are often 'taking work home with you' as far as unfortunate incidents go, then it may be time to seek guidance from someone outside of your social/professional circle. Or take some time to yourself to analyze your individual work situation. Is it the company or is it me? Does this type of thing occur with every job I've held? Is it just that I need a career or lifestyle change (like hobbies that are not related to work)?

These are three simple questions that an angry person cannot ask themselves or give an honest answer to. One of the reasons is that anger is like a marinade - its essence gets deep inside the fibers of the matter and the aroma permeates for a long time. Though this is not always the case, it's best to catch oneself before feelings of this nature begin to even border.

1) Anger prevents concentration. It is hard to focus on your job when you are in this state because you are infatuated with breaking away. Whether it be leaving work for the day or permanently, the fact is that your bills will still be there and the world will still go on. When others notice this, it not a good thing because they may use this as an opportunity to advance themselves by sabotaging you (or your work) or should an opportunity come up within the company (that could possibly be a saving grace to your dilemma), you will most likely be passed over.

2) Anger causes violent reactions. Not to say that you will deliver that KO to your boss with a smile but the slamming of furniture, yelling and even profanity are signs that need to be dealt with immediately before they result in disciplinary action.

3) Anger prevents good planning. Let's say you wanted to return to school or start a business. Neither plan has anything to do with the job you hate so dearly and you're ready to go ASAP. Unless you are planning to become a teacher or nurse, your new career may be affected by the recession or opportunities are not as great as you once thought. Starting any new venture that does not include a full-time job takes very careful planning; one wrong move and you may start wishing you hadn't left and possibly not encouraged to progress. Not only is it always good to never burn your bridges regardless of how much you may hate one person or company but a "mad money" account comes in handy for this reason - not to buy Gucci anything or the newest Playstation.

4) Anger cannot be covered up. Whether its physical or mental, there is no hiding from hatred of work. It prevents proper rest (I myself have had enough nightmares to know the pattern), appetite (sometimes the stress can suppress eating habits) or the combination of factors can make the body's immunity so low that physical illness is constant. Sometimes this is where mental illness begins.

5) Anger prevents seeing how things really are. Let's say that you work for a company that is known to cook the books - or not maintain proper record of finances. Chances are that others know this as well and though it may be discussed with a smile and some code words, it is not a laughing matter. Depending on the situation and your position within that company, a strategy can be made to resolve this matter or you can quietly make other life plans. Do not get mad about controlling or fixing this is if that wasn't an option to begin with and don't act surprised if you find that your job has been downsized or eliminated altogether.

This is a basic outline of things to look out for and by no means does it substitute professional advice from a health care professional or treatment. If you feel that you may be falling into a trap, please get help immediately.