Burned Out From Your Job? Signs You Should Quit Your Job Immediately

Are you feeling the pull of The Great Resignation? The pandemic has changed the workplace drastically, and workers are finding more reasons to resign. Employees around the world are resigning in droves, causing a global phenomenon that has employers stumped. In the middle of a pandemic, workers are changing their priorities and seeking out opportunities that work best for them—even if that means resigning from their job. 

The phenomenon might be called The Great Resignation, but it can also be considered The Great Transformation as priorities are being reshuffled by the workforce. Money is no longer the primary driver—if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that health is wealth and should always come first. 

If you’re asking yourself “Should I quit my job?” on a regular basis, then look for these signs that will tell you it’s time to resign. 

1. Lack of flexible working conditions

One good outcome from the pandemic is the new acceptance of flexible working conditions. However, not all companies have adjusted to hybrid work, and those are the ones to watch out for. If you get COVID-19 or would prefer to stay home to avoid spreading the virus to your family, then your workplace should absolutely give you a flexible working option. Workplaces that offer flexible working conditions signify that they place importance on the health, wellness, and comfort of their team.

If the working conditions are the main reason you resign, then you can explain this to your potential new employer by saying, “I'm a hard worker who gets things done, but I’ve realised that I work best in flexible working conditions. The freedom to work in the office or at home keeps me motivated and productive.”

2. Worsening mental and physical health 

The Great Resignation was partly caused by an increase in workload as companies struggled to make up for lost time and profit due to the pandemic. The work-from-home arrangement can also blur the boundaries between work and home, resulting in working and communicating during non-work hours. 

As a result, increased workload and extra hours led to worsening mental and physical health. You should not sacrifice your health for a job, and a company that values its employees will make sure to balance workloads, keep to strict working hours, and encourage mental and physical health and wellness. 

You can explain your reason for resigning from your previous company by saying, “The work environment affected my health, and now I am seeking for an environment where I can be a healthy, happy, and productive member of the team.” 

3. Unstable or toxic work culture

Majority of Singapore companies were able to successfully survive the pandemic, but some workers were unlucky enough to endure unstable working conditions and unhealthy work culture. As we mentioned before, heavy workloads and extra hours can increase turnover rates, and companies that fail to solve these issues start to develop toxic work cultures that treat workers as if they’re replaceable. 

During these trying times, it’s important that the workforce feels valued and respected, as well as protected from economic turmoil. These should be basic rights for the average Singapore worker. If you resign mainly because of a toxic work culture, then you can phrase your reasoning as, “In my last job, the company was going through restructuring, which changed my job description drastically. I did not feel secure in my position due to departmental changes, and I am now seeking an environment that ensures stability.” 

4. Low pay

Before the pandemic, money was the number one priority of most workers. Priorities have shifted, but pay is still in the top five priorities for jobseekers. We still need a decent wage to survive, especially with inflation looming over the horizon. Before the pandemic, jobseekers might have been too shy or embarrassed to cite low pay as a reason for resignation, but now, it’s more acceptable and understandable. 

A job that pays a fair wage shows that a company values you and is willing to compromise and give you the salary it believes you deserve. There is no shame in seeking a job with a better pay if it means you can improve your quality of life and secure your future. If a potential employer asks why you resigned from your previous job, you can explain that, “I had reached the salary cap within the business, and I’ve found the opportunity to do the same level of great work with your company and be compensated more. I value a company that values its employees.”

5. Change of career path

When the pandemic paused economies and caused layoffs, it was clear that some jobs are more stable than others in the event of major crises. Frontliners like doctors, nurses, police, and government workers were more needed than ever, while support workers in IT and logistics became vital to ensuring the economy kept moving even as companies shifted to a hybrid working environment. 

Other career paths were not as fortunate and struggled the most to find relevance during the pandemic. As such, it should come as no surprise that a change of career path is a valid reason to resign. It’s a way to secure your future by shifting to a more secure job that can be of use during any crisis or disaster. 

Should an employer ask you why you changed careers, you can say, “I decided that it was time for a new direction. I am passionate about this career path, and excited to experience something I am already passionate about.” 

6. Lack of career growth

One reason that might tell you if it’s time to go is if you feel stuck in your job and level. Do you see a path toward career growth? Is your company stagnating and not giving you the opportunities you want? If you don’t see yourself growing at your company or being given the room to grow, then this might be a sign you’ve outgrown your position and you’re ready for more. Team leaders should recognize and reward hard-working individuals, but if your hard work goes unrecognised and you still feel stuck, then it might be time to go. 

Life is too short to stay in one place without enhancing your skills or improving yourself. Seek out opportunities that will help you reach your full potential. 

If this is your main reason for resigning, then you can tell a potential employer, “I resigned from my last job because I feel that it was not letting me grow to meet my full potential. I know I have more to offer, and I am excited to be part of an environment that lets me grow.”

While there are some companies that aren’t compatible with a jobseeker’s priorities, you’ll find that the majority of companies are adjusting to address the Great Resignation so it truly becomes the Great Transformation. 

Find jobs that provide flexible working conditions, value employee health, have a healthy working culture, offer decent pay, are willing to accept career shifters, and promise career growth. Visit JobStreet now to get started on your job hunt, and read up on our best guides and insights at the JobStreet Career Advice Page. Make it easier for yourself by downloading the JobStreet app now available on the App Store and Google Play.