How to know if it's the right time to quit your job

There are many risks and benefits associated with quitting your job. Whether you're shifting your career path or just taking some time off, this decision can have a huge impact on not just your professional journey, but also your life. At the end of the day, you should feel good about the work you do and where your career is heading.

"The best advice I can give to anyone who is looking to leave a position is 'have you discussed the reasons you are leaving with your current manager?'" says Jessica Knack, Recruiting Manager for Beacon Hill's Technologies Division in Orange County, CA. "Many times, people want to avoid those uncomfortable conversations by seeking a new job, rather than addressing those issues. If you leave that meeting with your manager unsatisfied, then it may be time to explore!"

Here are some good reasons to consider moving on from your current role:

You're not passionate about it

Let's face it: Finding a job that pays well while also providing intrinsic value can be difficult. But it's not impossible. If the sole benefit of your current job is being able to cover your bills, then it's time to start entertaining more possibilities.

"I think the biggest thing is looking at what your motivators were, what they are now, and how your job fits into them," says Mary Grimm, Recruiting Manager for Beacon Hill's Associates Division in New York. "If you love your job, besides one factor, such as one day working remotely, then is it worth broaching the conversation with your managers? What is a non-negotiable for you? If the non-negotiable is location and your commute is too long, then perhaps it's time to find something closer to home."

Start making a plan for how you can qualify yourself for roles that are more interesting to you. This could involve going back to school or landing an internship somewhere.

You constantly vent about work

When spending time with friends and family, we all get asked this question: How's work going? Think about your honest answer to this.

If you find yourself always talking negatively about your boss, the amount of hours you have to work, and so on, then you're likely not a good fit for the role and could benefit from switching things up.

There's little opportunity for growth

One of the biggest reasons why employees leave their jobs is because there's not enough room for advancement. As you spend more time with an employer, you should progressively gain different responsibilities and a higher salary. Unfortunately, some companies simply cannot provide this kind of path to their employees, due to their constricting budget and size.

If you're looking to take the next step in your career but your employer can't or won't support it, start looking at other opportunities.

It's a negative work environment

Nobody wants to work at a company with a bad culture. Not only does it increase stress levels, but it also makes jobs more difficult. Here are some signs that you are currently working in a toxic environment:

• Your coworkers are constantly in a bad mood.
• Your opinions are not heard or valued.
• You have little to no work-life balance.

There are many businesses and organizations out there with awesome work cultures. So don't settle for an unfriendly or unproductive one.

The business is in trouble

Most small companies go out of business within 10 years. Even if you're amazing at your job, you can still get laid off if the company is unhealthy.

Paying attention to certain changes around the office will help you know whether or not your employer is in trouble. Are there more closed-door meetings happening? Do upper-level employees keep quitting? Is management cutting down on workers' expenses? If you notice that the ship might be sinking, start contemplating your next move.

Your health and personal life are being affected

When your job makes you unhappy, it can lead to personal health issues like depression and insomnia. Moreover, your relationships with friends and families can pay a price as well.

Protect what's most important to you by leaving jobs that cause you too much personal pain and anxiety.

If you're interested in landing a new job, professional recruiters at Beacon Hill Staffing Group can help!