Why quitting your job might not be an option right now (and what you can do about it)
“If you are unhappy at work, then just quit!” is easy to say. But in reality, this step can feel daunting and risky. I am a big advocate for changing things when they don´t feel right, but in this article, I want to talk about the fact, that sometimes there are reasons why you might not have handed in your resignation yet.This is a simplified approach because we humans are complex, reasons for not changing things can overlap and be interweaved. And of course, you are an individual with individual life circumstances, preferences, and options.So take this article as a starting point to gain more clarity around what is holding you back from leaving your draining career. Use the information to understand your motives better so you then can take intentional steps to feel better. Be that hanging into your job for a bit longer because you just need to, or breaking free from this career.Why quitting your job might not be an option right now
There are many reasons why people stay in their jobs although they feel bored, annoyed, and miss fulfillment and joy at work. Some of them are obvious, others more complex, but as much as I encourage you to leave a situation that does not make you happy, sometimes life simply requires you to do things differently. So what can make you hesitate to hand in your resignation?Other priorities
This is a trivial reason, but you simply might have other priorities in your life than quitting your job. This does not mean that you want a change and wish that things were different, but sometimes other things need your attention more.Such things can be:training or studies you want to finish before quittingfinancial obligations you need to fulfill firstother life plans like moving country, starting a family, supporting your partner, or a family memberchildren, or family members you want or need to take care ofhealth issues that require you to focus on your body and/or mind first
These things are highly individual. What needs someone´s attention might be not a big thing for someone else. Remember that this is your life and you get to decide what matters to you!Financial constraints and risk adversity
Another reality: money plays a role in how easy it will be to quit your job. For most people, it´s easier to quit their job when having a financial basis and savings. Your decision might look different in case you have financial obligations, a credit to pay off, or not a lot of savings. This aspect of quitting or not quitting also depends on your risk of adversity. Some people don´t worry too much about not having a financial basis for this decision, for others a lack of financial backup makes them feel at risk and unsafe.Company benefits or legal reasons
In some countries, your health insurance is tied to your employer. In some countries, you are entitled to (quite a hefty) settlement when leaving the company - but you´ll lose this money if you quit. And sometimes having a stable contract from a “safe” corporate job will enable to you easily rent a flat, get a credit, and buy a car, whereas lacking a contract will make these things significantly harder for you. Hence, these aspects can play a role when thinking about handing in your resignation.Fear of negative consequences
In other words: you are afraid that quitting might look bad on your CV. There is still a lot of fear around having a patchy CV, looking unreliable and unstable when quitting your job too often, too soon, or for no serious reason. The work world is changing but working in recruitment, I can´t deny that the consistency of your CV still plays a role in the job market. Not so much when you want a career change anyway or are open to starting with entry-level positions, but notably when you are aiming for a career in your field.A lack of clarity
This is one of the biggest reasons I witness when working with my clients. A lack of clarity often overpowers all other possible reasons for not quitting because as long as you don´t know what an alternative could look like it´s hard to leave the stability and safety of your current job behind and make a considerate step forward. The good news is that you don´t have to have it all perfectly mapped out before you resign, but knowing a rough path forward will help with this step. Fear
Another big reason why you might not want to quit is fear. Often this sounds like “I am afraid of what others will think of me when I quit.”, “What if I fail?”, “What if it is not the right decision?”, but also fear of financial instability, ruining your future, or fear of leaving people, a network, and a certain status behind. In my observations, most people face one fear of the other before quitting, and often “do it anyway” will not solve this issue and can do more harm than good.When you should quit your job as soon as possible!
There are some very valid reasons why you can´t or don´t want to quit your job right now. However, there are situations when quitting as soon as possible might be the best thing to do even if you don´t have a backup plan.Toxic work environment
Working in a toxic, unsupportive work environment can be really damaging. Be it a choleric boss, malicious coworkers, or a harmful company culture, what creates a toxic work environment can be manifold. If you notice that you are in a destructive environment, try to get out of there as soon as you can.Affects your health and well-being
If a job is affecting your mental or physical health then please consider quitting too. This might be because of a harmful work environment or company culture, bad work conditions such as too much pressure, or a physically unhealthy work pace. What makes a workplace unsafe for you is highly individual. Of course, work is not always fun and not necessarily something to entertain you all the time, but pay attention if your health suffers because of your job.So what can you do when quitting is not an option?
We´ve talked a lot about what are potential reasons that might hold you back from handing in your resignation although you feel unhappy at work. So let´s now have a look at what you CAN DO in case you have to hang in there or a bit longer.Get clear on what´s holding you back
Staying in an unsatisfying work situation can be draining and chip away your self-esteem. As much as you might need to stay a bit longer in your current job, the target is clearly to change this situation. Getting clear on what it is that holds you back from quitting will help you develop a plan of how to change your work life. So you want to pay attention to what aspects of your job or life make you defer this step.One mindset shift
Although it might feel that your hands are tied right now, it´s important to remember that there is always something you can do about your situation. Maybe this won´t change it all, but usually, small changes can have a huge impact on how you feel at work. To remind yourself that you are not powerless and can look for options to feel better will help you move through this with more ease - until you (or the circumstances) are ready to leap!Focus on what you can do
This step will require you to be very honest with yourself and ask where you might have given up responsibility for how you feel. Gently explore what needs to happen so you feel better. What can you do so your work situation is more sustainable until you leave? What options do you have to adjust things? And how can you prepare for your move so it does not feel like a big jump into the unknown?When things get stretchy
As a coach I am passionate about helping my clients feel better at work, find a career that is in line with their values, passion, and personality, and secretly also trying to change the work world with the work I do. However, I find myself in a stretch here. As important as it is for me to honor why quitting might not be an option for you, I also gently want to encourage you to have an honest look at your situation. Is what´s holding you back an unchangeable truth or are you using this as an excuse so you don´t have to leave your comfort zone and take action?The lines are blurry here and both things often go hand in hand. Which is ok. Just make sure that whatever you do, do it from a place of awareness. Make intentional choices, take responsibility for your life, and focus on what you can improve to feel, live, and work better.Things will change again, your priorities and options will change again, and the time will come when you´ll be able to make a move and search for a job or career that is more in line with your goals, values, and who you are. ————
Hey, I am Laura a certified Designing Your Life Coach, recruitment professional, podcaster, multi-passionate career changer, and business owner, In my Designing Your (Work) Life 1:1 Coaching series, I will help you to gain clarity about what you want in life and your career, equip you with the tools you need to create a fulfilling (work) life and move through challenges along the way. Because this is not only about a job but about what life you want to live! 🌿
