Quitting your job? Things to consider

NAIROBI: An awesome career is the sum total of several decisions made in an individual’s life. In a saturated market, job security has become remote.

It is for this reason that those who seek career success and stability invest in career literacy so as to make intelligent decisions. The two most sensitive decisions that someone has to make is accepting an offer and quitting the job.

Every career builder needs to critically analyse his/her drive for quitting the job before signing the resignation letter. Some reasons are valid while others may be as a result of selfish approach to issues by the employee in question. The following are some of the reasons for quitting that should be critically analysed before a decision is made.

Difficult colleagues: This indeed could justify downing your tools. How about changing your behavior and working on your interpersonal skills? You can also try befriending them before throwing in the towel.

Boredom: This leads to disengagement and disconnection with your work. The feeling of ‘out of place’ takes centre stage and quitting is the end result. This can be cured by either speaking with your boss about changing your duties, or signing up for extra classes to ensure that you stay positive about your career. Work should be stimulating and challenging. But sometimes you may hit a plateau. Don’t give up until you’ve explored every opportunity and room for growth. You may just not be challenged enough, so ask for more work or look into getting a promotion.

Envy: Some people quit their jobs simply because their peers are making more money or simply because their buddies have been promoted. In almost all situations, jealousy and envy can completely mar our ability to recognise the value of what we already have. You don’t want to destroy a great opportunity just because you don’t feel like you’re part of a premium club.

Perceived overwork: This is a common complaint where an employee feels overworked and un-appreciated. Speaking to your boss and also evaluating your efficiency is a better place to start before calling it quits.

Tough Boss: The boss is human like you and is therefore not devoid of mistakes. The prudent reaction if you feel like your boss is pushing you to the wall is to find a way of communicating the same to him/her in a respectable manner. You can also follow the grievance handling procedure manual before surrendering.

Career mentors

Insufficient: The belief that the grass is greener on the other side of the wall has blinded many would be successful career builders. While a good salary is a valid determining factor, it should not be the only driving factor. What if the grass looks greener because you are looking using green glasses?

The above and many other reasons for quitting jobs should be criticised objectively before that major decision to quit is arrived at. The services of career mentors and counselors can be sought to help in this phase.

—The Writer is a Human Resource Specialist at Peoplelink Consultants Ltd and the Co-Author of ‘The Career Code’. Email: goretti@peoplelink.co.ke