decisions you need to make if you’re unhappy at work

You know you’re unhappy at your job…

But you’re not exactly sure what to do about it.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to quit if you’re unhappy.

So that’s the first decision you need to make - do you want to stay or go?

If you decide to stay, you should reflect on changes you can make OR request to improve your well-being. 

You don’t have to be unhappy at work and you can ask for what you need. 😉

If they don’t listen, then maybe it is time to leave.

If you decide you’re ready to leave, then you should focus on a few other decisions before making the jump:

1. What do I need to do financially to feel secure in making the switch?

It’s important to understand how your salary and benefits might change or review your savings to see how long that would cover you if you want to quit without another job lined up.

2. How do you want your new role to be similar or different from your current role?

This takes some reflection to identify what you need and want in your next role. Figure out your non-negotiables!

3. Do I need to develop new skills or take any training to be competitive for my next role?

Depending on how similar or different you want your next role to be, you may need to participate in some training to be competitive for these roles. Learn more about the skills needed for specific roles.

4. How can I protect my mental health and well-being in the short term?

It will take some time to job search, interview, and find a job (that you want) so it’s important to consider if there are any changes you can make or request in your current job that would improve your situation in the meantime.

5. How and when do I want to start my job search?

Start thinking about a timeline for when you want to leave your current job. On average, it will likely take 3-6 months to get a new job. Are you casually searching now? When do you want to ramp up your search?

6. What’s my exit strategy?

Consider other factors that may impact you. Personal life events, vacations, etc. You should decide when is the right time to leave your job. So pick a date and backwards plan from there!

These are all some questions I ask myself when I’ve decided that I’m ready for a change. 

Overall, it’s your decision on how and when to quit your job. You need to decide what’s best for you. 

I created my free job search & resume guide to help you through your job search process - grab it here.

If you’re interested in more 1:1 support, read more about my coaching options here!

Any questions about your job search or my current offers? Email me at kelly@theiopsych.com.

Talk soon, 

Kelly