When to Call it Quits

Finding the right career can be hard for some people. In this economy some people have a difficult time trying to just find a job to pay the bills. So why in the heck would anyone want to actually quit their job?

There are several reasons one may have to get out of a gig. One could be the most obvious: money. If you have to pay more than you bring in, then it could be time for something new. Another reason could be because you feel like you're in the wrong field. Maybe you're a musician trying to make a living in a mechanic shop or you want to be a nurse but you're working in retail. At some point you may feel that this isn't the job for you, and when that happens you stop caring about the job you do have which can lead to trouble.

When you stop caring about what you're doing your job performance suffers. And job performance is always at the forefront of your boss' attention.

When a supervisor thinks an employee's performance is slipping, they may try to test you by assigning other tasks or duties expecting you'll be able to handle which is when you start to think "he's out to get me."

In a way, yes he is. He wants to know if you're the right person for the job and if you're in the right position.

Another sign it's time to move on could be when coworkers start taking you for granted by asking you to help them with their work and not paying any respect to your own assignments. Looks good to your fellow employees, but when the boss comes looking for your work, which isn't completed, you're going to have more excuses than results.

The next thing is when review time comes. When you sit down with your supervisor or HR manager and wonder why you didn't get much of a raise this year, could also be a signal for a future that isn't as rewarding as you thought.

Finally, the classic, "find a job while you have one." Sounds the same as getting a credit card: the best way to get one is to have one. This is said so that you can take your time to find a job that you'll actually enjoy and be rewarding to you, rather than settling for the first thing you get just so you can pay your rent next week.

In the end, you have to do what's going to make you feel proud of what you're doing as well as earn an income. But when the job itself it what's getting you down, then perhaps it's time you did whatever feels right.