Ever since the pandemic started, many employees have started to rethink their current job status. The truth is a lot of people are unhappy with their current income or work conditions. These, among other reasons, encouraged people to join The Great Resignation. Simply put, many employees started quitting their jobs in search of a career that better aligns with their values – or in some cases – taking a much-needed break and not returning to work at all. It’s a trend that continues even today. Which makes you wonder, is this the right time to quit my job? Let’s find out!

What questions should you focus on before you join The Great Resignation?

Quitting your current job is a huge deal, especially if it’s your only source of income. However, before you think about that, you need to focus on your current mental and physical health. For example, you need to be honest with yourself and track just how much overtime work you do every week or month.

• Are you challenged at your job?
• Is it an unfulfilling environment?
• Is your boss respecting your values?
• Is your boss respecting your time off?
• Do you feel threatened or anxious while you’re working?

All these things are incredibly important. Aside from that, you also want to think about if you feel motivated or not.

• Are you excited to go to work every day, or is it just a chore?
• Is your job aligned with your values and expectations?
• Is your paycheck enough to fulfill your current cost of living?

All these things matter, especially when it comes to your mental health.

Pursue your best interests

If you don’t feel fulfilled, feel disrespected, are underpaid, or don’t align with your company’s values, it may be time to call it quits. Granted, this could also be an opportunity to negotiate and see if you can get a better salary or benefits from your company. But it’s worth noting if you’re in a toxic work environment, a good salary and better benefits won’t fix a negative company culture.

Red Flags That You’re in a Toxic Work Environment
If you’re in a toxic work environment, it’s time to go. Your mental health and well-being are important, so if you notice any of these red flags it might be time to brush up the resume:

• Cliques and gossip-People are being excluded. Employees spread rumors behind others’ backs.
• Poor communication- Employee input seems to go nowhere or there’s a lack of transparency around crucial processes or events.
• Mistrust of leadership or between coworkers- People don’t trust others to follow through or treat them with respect.
• Lack of empathy from leadership- Leaders put deadlines or personal reputation before their employees’ well-being.
• Frequent employee turnover-You’re seeing high levels of burnout or a high number of people who quit after just a few months at your company.
• Subtle workplace bullying-Conduct that’s threatening, humiliating, or intimidating—including verbal or emotional abuse.
• Poor work/life balance-People are working chronic overtime or expected to answer work calls and emails at all hours.
• Unequal enforcement of policies- Exceptions to discipline or other policies are made for high performers or “favorites.”

If you don’t think you’re in a toxic work environment, it might be just a matter of you communicating your needs and concerns to your boss or supervisor.

Communicate with your boss
If you trust and respect your boss, t's a good idea to go to them. Talk about your concerns and expectations and suggest some ideas that will improve your experience. Asking for bonuses, commissions, paid leave, paid time off or improved benefits might be a good option.

Set Boundaries
Whether you communicate these boundaries with your boss and team or just set them for yourself while you’re on the job hunt, setting boundaries at your workplace can improve your mental health. This can be done by not working or responding to emails after hours, not accepting every meeting request you’re invited to, or by not engaging in company drama or gossip.

As we mentioned above, most people join the Great Resignation because they think it’s the ideal thing for them. Many work environments can heighten mental health problems and challenges, and most employees don’t think the hassle is worth it. Which is why they leave their older job in pursuit of a better one. Needless to say, there are many job search opportunities nowadays, you just have to find the ideal option to suit your needs. Joining The Great Resignation can be the right thing for your career. Pursue your interests, focus on the best results, and the benefits can be downright incredible in the long run.