Quitting a Job
The alarm clock sounds. You are barely coherent before your first thought races to how you can avoid what lies ahead - going to work! Not just because of the weather ( it's too nice or it's horrible), you are sick...again or you are so tired that you don't even know where you are; but because of the feeling in the pit of your gut that tells you something more.
During competitive job markets it is difficult to fathom how one can willingly walk away from employment. With so many financial demands to maintain your lifestyle and the uncertainties of landing another gig, it hardly seems worth the effort to exchange one form of suffering for another. However, depending on the circumstances of the work environment in question, succumbing to the pressures to stay put may cost more in the long run. Poor performance definitely has it's price - especially in occupations where the responsibilities directly or indirectly involve the safety of others!
Many factors can contribute to job dissatisfaction. Long commutes, personality conflicts with co-workers, boredom, low wages, terrible hours - just to name a few. These types of grievances are usually tolerated unless more serious issues develop. Concerns that include acts of disrespect or discrimination, personal safety and/or otherwise toxic work environments, on the other hand, should cause you to think twice. Because such environments may create hostility and psychological distress, reconsidering alternatives is paramount. Less obvious are those situations where you may have a sense of unfulfillment, diminished self-worth or don't feel valued as an employee. These types of assaults wreak havoc on self esteem which could lead to depressed mood and other emotional problems down the road. Finally, when your values (spiritual, ethical or otherwise) are not in alignment with what you are doing, you lack focus to complete tasks and remain productive and/or the job compromises your or someone else's spiritual, physical or mental well-being; it is time to move on.
If you are reading this article, chances are that your co-workers and employer are already aware of your discontentment. Your attitude, mood or how others feel when they are around you are tell-tale signs. Furthermore, the quality of your work and lack of enthusiasm may also paint a clear picture. Exercise faith in your judgement that your circumstances warrant change. Understand that you possess the ability to create the environment where you can thrive. Through planning (saving more, exploring resources), preparation (such as more training, education) and networking to find unpublicized opportunities, transitioning is more feasible than you may have expected.
