We spend as much as one-third of our lives at work. Do you really want to spend that time at a job that isn’t right for you?

Working is important, it teaches us responsibility, work ethic, and accountability. While we spend more time than we’d probably like at our jobs, it’s a necessity for our way of life. Our jobs provide us the means to build comfortable and secure lifestyles, unique to each of us.

However, there’s no reason you should stay at a job you’re unhappy with. In fact, there are countless legitimate reasons to quit a job. Keep reading to find out if you fall into any of these categories.

1. You Don’t Enjoy What You Do

There aren’t many people in the workforce who absolutely love going to work. However, many people can at least appreciate their jobs, their co-workers, and even their bosses. If you don’t find yourself in this category and dread going to work every day, it might be time for a change.

If you lack passion for your work, it can be difficult to put in an honest day’s effort week after week. You’ll have little incentive to improve your position within a company you don’t care about.

Your job doesn’t need to bring you fulfillment nor define who you are. However, spending 40 or more hours a week at work is much easier when you enjoy what you do.

2. Your Job Places Too Much Stress on You

Other legitimate reasons to quit a job revolve around your mental health. Whether it’s your boss, clients, or your co-workers, too much stress at work can lead to deteriorating mental health. Aside from hating your job, you may develop chronic mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

It’s important to exercise self-awareness to determine if your current job is right for you. Some people thrive under high levels of stress, others crumble. There’s nothing wrong with it, but you shouldn’t force yourself to stay in a stressful environment because of pride.

3. Your Boss is Impossible to Get Along With

Some bosses are incredibly difficult, if not altogether impossible to get along with. We get it, everyone’s had a boss like that. If your boss is overbearing, micromanaging, judgemental, hyper-critical, or just plain mean, it may understandably make you want to quit your job.

If it doesn’t seem like this boss is going anywhere any time soon, a midlife career change may be in your best interest. However, if he or she is just a manager, you might want to try going above their head to find a solution before leaving your job.

4. You Are the Victim of Workplace Discrimination

Every employee deserves to be treated with equal respect and compassion. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you’re the victim of workplace discrimination based on your race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or anything else, it may be time to leave.

However, we recommend learning what to do when you want to quit your job based on unfair or discriminatory treatment. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit or press criminal charges depending on the actions of the company, its managers, and your co-workers.

5. There’s No Room for Advancement

One of the best reasons to quit a job is if you’re going nowhere in the company. While some people are perfectly happy to find a steady job and stay at the same level for their entire career, you may not fit that description. If your goal is to work your way up the ranks of a company, you need a job that provides room for advancement, aside from regularly scheduled raises.

6. You Don’t Make Enough Money

Speaking of money, do you make enough of it to support your life? Would you like to make more?

Obviously, most people wish they made more money. If you want to quit your job because you think you deserve more money, make sure you do some homework first. Ask the following questions:

  • Do other companies offer more money for the same work?
  • Is my income fair and equal within the industry?
  • Can I feasibly make more money doing something else?
  • What are my skills, credentials, and qualifications?
  • Would it be worth it to start a new job that pays less, but offers more room for growth in the future?

Before leaving your job in the pursuit of a bigger paycheck, make sure it’s a realistic option.

7. You’re Experiencing Big Life Changes

Other common reasons to quit your job include big life changes or events. Obviously, if you’re moving out of town, you can’t continue to work the same job. If they have multiple locations, however, it’s possible to get transferred.

Alternatively, you may have a child and decide to focus less on work for a few years and more on raising your kid. If your company won’t allow you to go part-time, you may need to find a job that will.

8. You Have Poor Job Security at the Company

Getting a job with a startup or small business can be a great career move. If you start with a company when they’re small, you’ll rise through the ranks as they grow, assuming they’re successful. However, small businesses only have a 50% chance of making it past the five-year mark.

If you’re working for a small business that doesn’t seem to be doing well, it may be time to start asking yourself “How do I quit my job?”

9. You’ve Planned Ahead and Are Prepared to Leave

Finally, one of the most qualifying reasons to quit a job is if you have a plan in place to ensure your future. You should never quit a job in a spur-of-the-moment decision, especially if emotions are running high.

If you’re unhappy at work, learn how to quit a job safely and responsibly. The last thing you want to do is storm out, burn your bridges, and find yourself unemployed. If you want to quit your job, plan ahead.

Get a new job or multiple prospects lined up, and be reasonably certain of your job security. Sure, you’ll need to suffer through your current job a little longer, but at least you won’t go bankrupt in the process.

Do You Have Good Reasons to Quit a Job?

If you have plenty of reasons to quit a job (even if they aren’t on our list), we wish you the best of luck. Remember to plan ahead to make sure you don’t fall on hard times. And if you need any more advice or information, we can help.

Our blog is dedicated to helping people like you excel in their careers. Check out some of our other articles for more information.