When it comes to our job, deciding whether to stay in or move on to a new opportunity can be a difficult and often stressful decision.

From job satisfaction to growth opportunities; poor work-life balance to salary - there are various reasons that influence our career choices.

how to know when to quit or stay in a job
how to know when to quit or stay in a job

There is little we know about the realities of working in a company until the day we start. What may have been presented as a positive working environment with great learning opportunities and supportive colleagues during the job interview could be vastly different from the actual experience.

After some time, your experience working for the company could go two ways - good or bad.

So how do you know if you should continue working for your employer or if it is officially time for you to submit your resignation letter?

The decision to quit a job can be a tough one, but there are some clear signs that it may be time to move on. Here are the top five reasons you should consider quitting your job:

common signs and reasons for leaving a job
common signs and reasons for leaving a job

top 5 reasons you should quit your job

It’s easy to know when you should throw in the towel and call it a day. Push factors such as a lack of respect and trust from your employer, or the excitement of career advancement opportunities may be driving you to consider a change.

1. toxic colleagues and work environment

Company culture and work relationships play strong roles in your happiness at work. If you find yourself feeling constantly tired, frustrated and exhausted due to the toxic work environment you are in, it's important to prioritise your well-being and consider leaving.

Working with colleagues and toxic bosses who take credit for your work and talk about you behind your back is one of the most stressful situations to be in. Bad managers and difficult co-workers may blame their missed deadlines or failed projects on you, which would slow down your career progression.

Toxic workplaces can cause a range of negative effects on your mental and physical health, including stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. The impact of a toxic workplace could manifest into more serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

If your work environment has a prevalent culture of negativity, bad management, harassment, or gossip, you should take it as a warning sign to resign from your job to protect your well-being.

Read our articles about toxic colleagues and horrible bosses to find out if you’re stuck in the same situation.

2. career and wages stagnation

Career and wage stagnation can leave employees feeling unfulfilled, demotivated and disengaged. When there are no opportunities for growth, employees may become frustrated and lose their passion for their work.

Moreover, wage stagnation can also lead to financial stress and instability, causing anxiety and feelings of being undervalued. It would be even more disheartening when you know that you’ve surpassed your key performance indicators at work.

Your boss may be unable or unwilling to promote you due to budgetary issues or an uncaring attitude towards your career development.

If you find that you are facing career stagnation with little hope of reaching your full career potential in your current position, then it’s time you leave for an employer who is willing to invest in you.

Career and wage stagnation can hinder professional development, job satisfaction and financial stability. If you are stuck in this situation, then you would be better off seeking better development opportunities elsewhere.

3. unreasonable working schedules

Unreasonable working schedules can be detrimental to employees' physical and mental health, work performance and personal life.

Even though it is common to take on new responsibilities at work, you should know when it becomes too overwhelming for you to manage.

According to our Talent Expectations survey, 68% of respondents in Asia said that an overwhelming workload had led to poor work-life balance.

When faced with too many deadlines, there might be a tendency for you to sacrifice your personal time for work. Your ability to focus on work will be negatively impacted when you don’t have enough time to rest and socialise.

If you find yourself constantly working overtime, it’s time for you to take a break from work and consider finding an employer that prioritises your well-being.

4. unfair compensation

Feeling undervalued or underpaid can be frustrating and can impact your life-long earnings. If you’re short-changed in your job, then you should look for an employer that values you.

Use salary reports or calculators to find out if you are truly short-changed at work. Alternatively, you should also work with a specialised recruiter who knows how much you should be paid.

Get a free, personalised report with Randstad’s Salary Calculator to find out where you stand in terms of pay, work responsibilities and talent demand in your specialisation in just under 2 minutes.

5 . personal reasons or relocation

There may come a time when you have to relocate to another country because of personal circumstances and responsibilities.

Undeniably, leaving a job you love can be difficult. However, it may be necessary to start a new chapter in your life for your family or to escape from something in your life. Even though the decision to relocate can be emotional, it could lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

top 5 reasons employees stay with a company

Not all opportunities are worth the risk. Here are 5 common reasons employees choose to stay with their employer and the causes of their job satisfaction.

1. a job that gives a sense of purpose

32% of respondents from Randstad’s Talent Expectations survey defined their purpose as “understanding how their work directly contributes to the organisation’s goals”.

It feels good when managers praise us to let us know that we have done the right thing at work. It makes us feel that our time is well spent and that we’ve done a good job at work.

It’s difficult to find a job that makes you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments, so if you’re already working with an employer that values you, stay with them!

common signs and reasons to continue working at your job
common signs and reasons to continue working at your job

2. employee recognition and rewards

Doesn’t it feel incredibly rewarding when you get a big bonus or a heartfelt ‘thank you for your hard work’ from your boss?

Employee recognition and rewards help create a positive work environment and foster employee engagement and employee retention.

When our colleagues and company leaders acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments, it can evoke a sense of fulfilment and recognition.

Finding a boss who would find time to recognise you for your work is like hitting the jackpot. If your boss shows you their appreciation - either through financial rewards or just words - then it’s worth continuing to work with them!

3. upskilling and training opportunities

As employees, we want our bosses to advise and support us on our professional growth through new projects, mentoring or new leadership opportunities.

These experiences help deepen our capabilities at work, encourage us to think more critically and prepare us for our next promotion.

If your company invests in your growth to help you become the next best version of yourself, then you should stay with your employer! Grab the chance to further your career with them.

4. offers flexible working arrangements

Flexible working schedules in a hybrid environment helps to improve your work-life balance as it gives you the freedom to plan your time throughout the day.

When your manager evaluates you based on your work quality instead of where you are, you should value it! It’s not easy to find a boss who gives their staff the flexibility and freedom to work independently.

5. fair compensation

When an employer pays us a fair salary, they are trying to retain us in the job. A fair and competitive salary makes employees feel valued and appreciated for their work. When we feel that we are being compensated fairly, we are more likely to stay with the company and be motivated to perform well in our job. Other incentives like performance-based bonuses can also help motivate us to do better in our jobs.

Through research using salary calculators and reports, you can determine if your salary is competitive, or even be above the market average. If you are happy working for a company that offers you fair compensation, it means that your employer values you and you shouldn’t resign! 

work with randstad to explore your potential

People who are happy in their roles are sometimes still curious about new job opportunities in the market, and that’s perfectly normal. Even if you work for a good company with a supportive culture, other reasons like career and pay stagnation could still be good reasons for leaving.

If you're thinking about making a move, reach out to our experienced recruitment specialists for the latest talent and salary insights to help you evaluate your options.

Explore our latest job listings if you're seeking for career growth opportunities and apply for a position that aligns with your goals.

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