Thinking about quitting? Here’s how to make the right career move

Let's be honest—everyone has had that moment. The one where you're staring at your computer screen or sitting in yet another pointless meeting, thinking, "I want to quit my job. I can't do this anymore." If you're nodding right now, you're not alone.  

The decision to walk away from a job—especially without another offer in hand—isn't one to take lightly. It's a crossroads that requires honest reflection about where you are and where you want to be.

Maybe you've been feeling that restless itch for months. Perhaps the pandemic and all its chaos forced you to reexamine what you truly want from your career. Or maybe you just know in your gut that something needs to change.

Before drafting that resignation letter, let's discuss what this decision really means and how to approach it thoughtfully. Quitting a job shouldn't be an impulsive move—it should be a strategic step toward something better.

Signs it might be time to leave your job

Many have been in your shoes—wondering if it's actually time to quit your job or if we're just having a bad week. Here are some genuine signs that it might be time to dust off that resume and start your job search.

Persistent job dissatisfaction

When Sunday evenings fill you with dread and your daily tasks feel more draining than fulfilling, that’s not just a bad day—it’s a pattern worth paying attention to.

Ask yourself: Can you find meaning in your day-to-day work? Before quitting, talk with your supervisor or employer about potential changes. But if you’ve tried and still can’t connect with your work, it might be time to resign and pursue something new.

Toxic work environment

Life’s too short to spend it in a toxic work environment that damages your well-being. Watch for these red flags:

• You don’t feel psychologically safe or like you belong.
• Leadership values clash with your personal values.
• Colleagues and employees are treated poorly as standard practice.

There’s a difference between “challenging” and toxic though. Has it always felt this way, or is this a recent rough patch? Try speaking with HR or leadership about your concerns—they might not even realize there’s an issue. But if the problems are fundamental or persist after you’ve raised them? That’s your cue to leave and find a healthier work environment.

Lack of growth opportunities

If you’re ambitious and growth-oriented, feeling stuck is a legitimate reason to consider quitting your job. When you’ve hit a ceiling with no room to develop new skills, take on bigger responsibilities, or advance your career, it might be time for a change.

Just make sure you’ve had transparent conversations about your career aspirations with your current boss or employer first. Sometimes opportunities exist that you weren’t aware of.

Personal life changes

Sometimes the issue isn’t the job itself but how it fits with your changing life. Maybe your partner got an amazing job offer in another city, you’re starting a family and can’t travel as much, or you’ve decided to go back to school. If you’ve discussed accommodations with your employer and they can’t make it work, that’s a perfectly valid reason to resign.

Better opportunity elsewhere

So you’ve got another job offer in hand—congrats! Before you quit, take a moment to thoughtfully evaluate whether this new opportunity is truly better or just different.

Start by creating a detailed pros and cons list comparing your current position with the new offer. This helps cut through the excitement and gives you clarity when emotions are running high.

Consider these key factors:

• Compensation package: Look beyond the base paycheck. Will the total package (including benefits, retirement matching, stock options, bonuses, and paid time off) actually improve your financial situation? Sometimes a slight pay cut is worth it for other benefits—but be honest with yourself about the numbers.
• Growth trajectory: Where could you be in 2-3 years at each company? Does the new role offer learning opportunities, mentorship, or advancement paths that your current position lacks? Talk to potential peers about their growth at the company.
• Company stability and culture: Research the new company thoroughly. Check their financial health, recent news, and employee reviews. A higher salary at an unstable company might be a short-term gain with long-term regrets.
• Work-life integration: How will this new role affect your daily life? Consider commute time, flexibility, remote work options, and expectations around availability. Sometimes the “perfect job” on paper can wreak havoc on your work-life balance.
• Purpose alignment: Does this new opportunity better align with your values and long-term career goals? Will the work itself be more fulfilling or meaningful to you?

Before accepting, try negotiating improvements to your current position if you’re otherwise happy there. Sometimes companies don’t realize you’re valuable enough to fight for until you have another offer. If you do decide to leave, make sure to give proper notice and submit a professional resignation letter to maintain positive relationships.

Want to quit without another job?

Let's talk about something that makes most career advisors nervous—quitting without a safety net. Sometimes it's necessary, but it requires careful planning.

Before handing in that resignation letter without another offer:

Financial stability is non-negotiable

• Take a hard look at your savings. The standard advice is to save 3-6 months of expenses, but job searches often take longer than expected.
• Create a detailed "bare minimum" budget that cuts all non-essentials. How long can your savings sustain this budget?
• Consider healthcare costs—will you need to pay for COBRA or marketplace insurance? These expenses catch many people off guard.
• Do you have access to other income sources like a partner's salary, side gigs, or freelance work that could extend your runway?

Understand current market conditions

• Research recent hiring trends in your industry. Are companies actively recruiting or implementing hiring freezes?
• Connect with recruiters in your field before quitting to gauge how in-demand your skills are right now.
• Check salary ranges for positions you'd be targeting—are they aligned with your expectations?
• Look at LinkedIn to see how long people in similar roles are staying in "open to work" status. This can give you a realistic timeline.

Prepare your story

• Develop a clear, confident explanation for your employment gap that focuses on intentionality rather than desperation.
• Consider whether consulting or project work could both generate income and fill resume gaps during your search.

Remember that while conventional wisdom says never to quit without another job, there are legitimate situations where it's the right move. Just make sure you're making the decision with clear eyes about the challenges ahead, not just the relief of escaping your current situation.

Bad reasons to quit your job

For some, the question of "Should I quit my job?" might result in a simple answer: no. Here are some signs you should stay with your current employer.

You don’t want what you have now but you have no idea what you want next

Many people resent their current job or their current employer. Some describe it as the diametrical opposite to their ideal position. Yet they don’t know what could make them satisfied or motivated.

It might be that you’re dissatisfied with your type of role. With open conversations and discussion, it might be possible to change your current role instead of looking for a new job altogether.

You need to identify and vocalize what you want your next step to be — especially if you’re not sure what you want and haven’t received any job offers.

You’re burned out and you need a break

Have you been working around the clock without any time off? If you’re burned out from doing too much, taking some time away from work could help. You might consider exploring 7 different types of rest and making small, meaningful changes to your daily life and see if you feel a difference.

It’s no secret that burnout rates (especially for women) are on the rise, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start looking for a new position. A vacation, even if short, can give you clarity and will help you decide what the next step is.

You're receiving criticism from your boss

According to a Leadership IQ study, 46% of new hires fail because they lack the ability to accept feedback. The study also found that 23% of new hires can't recognize and manage their negative emotions and 15% have the wrong temperament.

I’d like to suggest reflecting on what it is about receiving constructive feedback that may be triggering for you. Is it the lack of safe space? Is it the type of delivery? Would designing a way of communication with your boss be helpful? Would it help to also hear what you’re doing well to help you put things into perspective?

Of course, if you feel your boss is a bully or is constantly undermining you, you shouldn't accept abusive behavior. But make sure that you're not confusing oppression with an unwillingness to accept feedback.

You were passed over for promotions

It’s never pleasant to be passed over for a promotion, especially if this means you end up reporting to a peer. However, there are a lot of factors that contribute to this type of decision. For example, some companies promote employees based on seniority in the role. Other companies promote employees that can not only motivate people but also hold them accountable.

If this is the only reason why you want to quit, try to discover the common denominator among those employees who've received promotions. By evaluating other employees' experiences, you might find out what they're doing that you are not. Could there be room for growth? Also, consider what you would do if you moved to another company and did not get promoted there.

How do I quit my job?

So, you might’ve decided that it’s time for your next move. If you’re ready to quit your job, here are some steps you can take to feel ready and prepared:

• Prepare your resignation letter. Feel free to browse Google for some free templates.
• Check your current contract for your notice period and any details relevant to your current benefits.
• Talk to your boss. I’d always recommend this when the context is safe to do so. Talk about what you learned with your current role and how it allowed you to grow. Avoid being negative — it’s best to leave on good terms. However, remember you don’t have to justify why you’re leaving and you don’t have to share details you feel uncomfortable sharing.
• Ask for a reference. It’s easier to do so while you are still working in your current position. This could also be in the form of a LinkedIn recommendation.
• Finalize the details of your departure. Check about any unused vacation, sick pay, and how to transition (if needed) your pension plan or healthcare plan. Make sure you check details relative to your country or jurisdiction.
• Prepare for an exit interview. Generally, companies offer the opportunity to share feedback on your experience prior to your departure. Ask your human resources contact about an exit interview — and prepare for what type of feedback you’d like to share.

Key tips to prepare for quitting your job

Once you've decided that leaving is the right move, don't rush out the door just yet. Here are some critical preparations to make before you take that final step:

Financial planning is your safety net

Build a detailed "unemployment budget" that distinguishes between essential expenses and nice-to-haves. From there, set up automatic transfers to an emergency fund—aim for at least 6 months of bare-minimum expenses.

While you're still earning, pay down high-interest debt if possible, as credit card payments can quickly drain your reserves when you're between jobs. It's also worth checking your eligibility for unemployment benefits, though remember these typically won't replace your full income.

Take a hard look at your lifestyle and consider whether temporarily downsizing could significantly extend your financial runway. Having this financial cushion will give you the peace of mind to make decisions from a position of strength rather than desperation.

Develop your competitive edge

Before leaving, research which skills are most in-demand for your target positions and focus on closing those gaps. While employed, look for certifications that have real market value in your industry—not all credentials are worth the investment, so be selective with your time and money. Your current role can serve as a training ground too; consider taking on stretch assignments to build transferable skills before departing.

During evenings or weekends, take advantage of free and low-cost resources like LinkedIn Learning or industry webinars to upskill on a budget while you're still receiving a steady paycheck. As you learn, create tangible work samples or portfolio pieces that showcase your new capabilities, as these will help you stand out when you begin your job search in earnest.

Get comfortable networking

Since most jobs are filled through connections rather than applications, start reaching out to your network before you actually need something. Begin by scheduling informational interviews with people in roles you aspire to, asking for career path insights rather than directly inquiring about jobs. This authentic approach often leads to opportunities naturally.

Meanwhile, revitalize dormant professional relationships with genuine check-ins and offers to help. When attending industry events or joining professional groups, focus on making meaningful connections instead of collecting business cards. Throughout this process, identify who in your network might serve as references or make introductions when the time comes, and nurture those relationships with particular care.

Prepare your exit infrastructure

Well before giving notice, update your resume and LinkedIn profile (using privacy settings if you're still employed to avoid tipping off your current employer). While you still have access, gather performance reviews and document your achievements, as these details become much harder to collect after departure.

Review your employment contract for non-compete clauses or other obligations that might affect your transition or limit your options. In the weeks leading up to your departure, gradually take personal items home and organize your digital files so you're not scrambling on your last day.

By starting these preparations while you're still employed, you create the breathing room needed to be strategic rather than reactive. The more thoroughly you lay this groundwork, the more confidently you can make your move when the time feels right.

3 problems you might be able to solve to avoid quitting 

Sometimes, quitting your job feels like the only option—but what if you could improve your situation instead? Before searching for a new job, consider whether these common challenges can be worked through. Developing these skills won’t just help you now; they’ll also support your long-term career development.

1. Dealing with difficult people

Working with challenging colleagues, managers, or stakeholders can make you want to resign. But if you enjoy your role and see growth potential, it’s worth trying to improve the situation first.

How to handle it:

• Take a step back. Are you reacting emotionally, or is this an ongoing issue? Give yourself space to reflect.
• Talk it through. Share your concerns with a friend, mentor, or coach to gain perspective and brainstorm solutions.
• Have a direct conversation. Use “I” statements to express how you feel without blame (e.g., “I feel unheard in meetings” instead of “You never listen to me”).
• Find a path forward. Work together to agree on steps to improve the relationship.

If you’ve tried these steps and the work environment remains toxic, it may be time to pursue other opportunities.

2. Feeling isolated at work

Lack of social connections can make work feel draining, even if you love your job. If you’re feeling unhappy due to isolation, there are small changes you can make to feel more engaged.

How to build stronger connections:

• Create opportunities for socializing. If your employer doesn’t host events, organize casual meetups with coworkers.
• Make check-ins a habit. Ask your colleagues how their weekend was, or send a friendly message on Slack—it makes a difference!
• Engage in company culture. Participate in team activities or interest groups to form connections naturally.

Sometimes, improving social engagement and making friends at work can make you rethink quitting your job entirely.

3. A strained relationship with your manager

A difficult boss can make work frustrating, but is there room to improve your relationship before handing in your resignation letter?

Steps to improve communication:

• Have an open conversation. Schedule a one-on-one to express what’s working and what isn’t.
• Seek mentorship. A coach or mentor can help you navigate communication challenges with your supervisor.
• Consider internal opportunities. If the company is a great fit but your manager isn’t, explore other roles within the organization.

Sometimes, a shift in approach can make your job more manageable without having to resign.

Ask for help finalizing your next steps

It’s OK if you’re still asking yourself: should I quit my job? The decision to leave or stay in your job is your decision. But it can be very helpful to talk through it with a trusted friend or your coach. Brainstorming your next steps and talking through your list of pros and cons can be beneficial in such a situation. It could also help you get clear on your core values, gain perspective and help you evaluate alternatives. And finally, talking things out loud with someone else can even alleviate stress or anxiety.

So whether you’re ready to put in some work with your existing position or think it’s time to find something new, know that you have all the tools, resources, and answers within you. You can partner with a BetterUp Coach to work through these issues and gain clarity on your ultimate goals. At the end of the day, you are the driver of your own career. Feel confident in the decision you made — I think you’ll find it will help to empower your own success.