Photo courtesy of Redvers: www.flickr.com/photos/redvers/
Employee morale has dropped with the economy. Add to that productivity gains (great for employers but not-so-great for overworked employees) and it’s no surprise that in June, more people quit their jobs in the past three months than were laid-off according to an article by the Associated Press.
Think its career ruin to leave a paying job right now? Not necessarily. You’ve got to weigh the benefits with the costs.
Here are signs that the price you’re paying may be too much:
- Toxic work environment. Working for a boss who doesn’t respect you can take its toll. Take my client John. John’s boss regularly made derogatory remarks in front of others despite John’s repeated requests for private “constructive feedback” meetings. Ultimately John felt his boss enjoyed holding power over him and only by resigning could John take full control of his career again. If you and your boss are “on the outs” and you’ve done all you can (unsuccessfully) to do right by her/him, it may make sense to move on. You deserve a boss who promotes your career not one who keeps you under his thumb.
- Work stress affecting your health. According to NIOSH work is the number one cause of stress for most people and stress is the number one cause of health problems from heart disease to depression. You may need to keep your job for the health benefits but if your job is causing you to need health benefits to begin with, you might want to reconsider your strategy and your place of employment. It’s one thing to work hard but not if you’re pushing yourself to burn out.
- No time for yourself. Before beginning our work together, I ask my clients how many hours per week they have to dedicate to finding a new career. Unfortunately some jobs are so demanding that there may not be any time or energy left over. In these cases, I often recommend a transition to a less demanding job, taking vacation or a sabbatical as a way to carve out more time for your own career needs and goals.
Do you struggle with a toxic work environment, burnout or time pressure? I know it can seem impossible but if the career you’re in isn’t giving you what you need, consider the benefits of leaving to find one that will – it’s priceless.
Maggie Mistal is a certified career & life purpose coach and the host of "Making a Living with Maggie," which airs every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112, XM 157. Please visit her website at MaggieMistal.com.
From: Alicia Kirschenheiter | 7/13/10 at 8:46 pm
Work Stress is a huge issue as is stress in general as it relates to having a healthy weight and lifestlye. Many companies are now instituting workplace wellness programs to help address employee health related issues.