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When is it time to quit your job?

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(Points to consider before heading for the exit)

Everyone, at some point in their career, will be confronted with the question whether it is time to leave their job. Perhaps they no longer feel happy with their work or they find a better opportunity elsewhere.

According to Andrew Croft, managing director, Middle East and Africa at Talent2, many employees consider quitting their job due to lack of career progression, salary and company culture, or because they simply want to move away from their current manager.

But whatever the reason, quitting a job should not be taken lightly. It is one of the most critical decisions you have to make.

Let’s take a look at the most common scenarios that drive people to consider leaving and find out if these are valid reasons to head for the exit and move on:

You have no work-life balance

No matter how much you love your job, you will feel frustrated if the demands from work are eating at your family or leisure time. It’s natural to develop resentment if you spend most of your weekends and too many late nights pounding on your computer, or you’ve missed too many family birthdays, out-of-town trips and you can no longer recall the last time you spent quality time with your daughter.

“Balance is crucial in all areas of your life to ensure you are productive in the workplace. High achievers make time to stay fresh and focused and often employees that are working crazy hours are not as efficient and organized as they could be,” notes Croft.

If your work is really getting in the way, Croft suggests that you speak with your employer “about getting additional resources to help you through your workload.”

Your boss has a bad attitude

Maintaining a cordial relationship with your boss is crucial to your performance and productivity. If you have a manager who has a terrible temper, the kind who yells at you even over the smallest things, you can’t be blamed for wanting to run for the hills.

“This is very serious and you should speak with your Human Resource team regarding this matter. If this continues after you have made a formal complaint, then you should definitely look for another role with a more positive working environment,” Croft advises.

You don’t feel you’re valued

You’re probably one of those loyal and dedicated employees who have been with the company for a long time. You know you’ve done your best, but still you are terribly unappreciated. You can’t recall a time your boss or supervisor praised you, and you’ve never been promoted despite your stellar performance.

The ideal thing to do in this situation is approach your manager and open up. “Communication is the key ingredient if you feel you are not appreciated in the workplace,” says Croft.

“Request a meeting with your direct manager and also Human Resources team to discuss how you feel. The worst thing you can do is to bottle it up and once your frustrations reach boiling point, you may explode saying things in the heat of the moment that you will later regret.”

There’s no performance management system

You know you’re far better than your colleagues, yet they get promoted and you don’t. This despite the fact that your boss has been throwing compliments and praises your way. If you’re clearly being passed over for a promotion, career experts say you have every reason to plan your exit strategy.

“If your company does not have a performance management system in place to help your career development, then you do have to question whether you are in the right company as they are clearly not an employer of choice,” says Croft.

“Arrange a meeting with the relevant stakeholders including your line manager and Human Resource department to discuss a career development plan. If they refuse, then yes it is time to look for another role.”

Your salary is not enough

It’s a hypocrite thing to say that you don’t want salary increase anymore. The cost of living increases every year, so it’s normal to want a pay raise. However, you’ve just been told that there won’t be any adjustments this year or in the near future. What should you do?

“You need to decide if the career development you are getting in your current role outweighs the potential increase in salary that you may receive in a new role. Only then can you make an informed decision on what is best for you,” says Croft.

“Also, it is important to document the key performance indicator needed to achieve a salary increase or bonus and have this signed off by both you and your employer.”

Nothing has changed

There are probably a hundred more employee complaints that can merit a resignation. Regardless of the issues you have with your company, you have every reason to leave if nothing has changed after you have exhausted all the avenues for discussion with your manager and HR department. It’s also time to go if you feel like your career has “stagnated and you need the stimulation of a new challenge.”

“Think about your career and the direction you would like to go and then devise an action plan to make it become a reality,” Croft advises.

Source : Gulf News

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