Should I Quit My Job? (7 Reasons to Walk Away)

Quitting your job is rarely a simple yes-or-no decision. If you’ve outgrown the role, stopped learning, or discovered you’re being underpaid with no fix in sight, it’s a signal to move on.

7 Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Here are seven situations where quitting might not only make sense but actually set you up for a stronger, more fulfilling next chapter:

1. You snagged a better offer (and did the math)

Landing a better job offer is one of the most straightforward reasons to move on, but it still pays to think it through. Higher pay, better benefits, flexible hours, a shorter commute, or a clear path to promotion can all tip the scales toward making a change. The key is to evaluate the entire compensation package, not just the salary. That means factoring in perks like 401(k) matching, health coverage, paid time off, and even commute time.

Before giving notice, make sure your new role is official—get the offer in writing with all the details spelled out. Don’t risk your livelihood on a casual “we’d love to have you” from a friend or recruiter. And remember: a salary bump that comes with an extra two hours in traffic each day might actually cost you money in gas, vehicle wear, and lost personal time. Run the numbers so you’re certain the move will truly benefit your career and your lifestyle.

2. Your workplace is actually toxic (not just annoying)

There’s a difference between a boss who sends late-night emails and an environment that’s genuinely toxic. True toxicity includes harassment, discrimination, or conditions that are eroding your mental and emotional health. If you’re dealing with these kinds of issues, document everything—dates, incidents, and any communications—so you have a clear record. This protects you legally and helps you stay grounded in facts instead of emotion.

That said, don’t mistake a challenging work environment for a toxic one. Many professionals leave too soon, missing the chance to develop resilience or navigate difficult personalities. If you’ve raised concerns with HR or leadership and nothing has improved after several months, that’s a strong sign it’s time to go. At the end of the day, no paycheck is worth sacrificing your health—but knowing the difference between ordinary friction and genuine harm will help you leave for the right reasons.

3. You've hit your career ceiling, and they won't lift it

If you’re ambitious, career growth is essential for both your earning potential and your professional satisfaction. Sometimes small companies or stagnant organizations simply don’t have the structure or vision to promote talented employees. In these situations, even top performers can find themselves stuck.

Before you call it quits, have an honest conversation with your manager about your desire to advance. Ask for clear, measurable steps you can take over the next six months to be considered for promotion. This discussion will tell you a lot: If your manager can’t or won’t outline a path forward, you have your answer. Staying in a dead-end role for more than a couple of years can leave you trailing peers who move strategically, so if the ceiling isn’t budging, it’s time to look for a place where you can keep climbing.

4. You dread Sunday nights more than tax season

We all have the occasional Sunday Scaries, but if that sense of dread takes over your entire weekend or leaves you physically sick, your body is waving a red flag. Chronic anxiety about work, especially when it impacts your sleep, mood, or relationships, isn’t something to brush off as “just part of being ambitious.”

Be honest with yourself about whether this is a temporary rough patch or an ongoing pattern. If you’ve been feeling this way for six months or more, despite making efforts to improve the situation, it’s worth asking whether the job is worth the toll it’s taking on your health.  Sometimes the work that challenges us most is the work that propels us forward, but if the misery outweighs the growth, your next career move might need to be away from your current role.

5. Your work feels pointless (and you've outgrown the learning)

Staying in a role where you no longer feel challenged or engaged can be just as damaging as a toxic environment. When your work lacks purpose or no longer aligns with your personal or professional goals, motivation quickly fades. This isn’t about expecting every job to be world-changing, but it should at least move you toward the kind of life and career you want.

If you’re no longer learning anything new and can do your job on autopilot, you’re essentially falling behind while others are building skills. Over time, this stalls your growth and can make it harder to transition into more fulfilling opportunities. If there’s no clear path to interesting projects or skill-building in your current role, the best way to get back on track is to move to a position where you can keep evolving.

6. You're getting robbed on salary (and they won't fix it)

Apart from the frustration of it, being underpaid can have a massive cumulative effect on your lifetime earnings. Many loyal employees discover that newcomers are being paid more for the same role, often because market rates have risen while their pay has stayed flat. This can cost you hundreds of thousands over the course of your career.

Start by gathering data: Research current market rates for your role, document your contributions, and prepare a solid case before requesting a raise. If your employer refuses to bring your pay in line with your value, especially after you’ve proven your worth, they’re essentially betting you won’t leave. At that point, it may be time to prove them wrong and take your skills to a company that will pay market rate.

This issue isn’t always about just making ends meet—it’s also about recognizing when you no longer need a paycheck to maintain your lifestyle. ConsiderTom and Julie, a couple from my podcast with not much time left to reap the benefits of their earnings:

Sometimes the numbers say you’re fine, but your emotions cling to the security of a paycheck. If you’ve already built the financial stability to leave, underpayment isn’t just costing you money—it may be costing you the time and freedom you’ve already earned.

7. You want to switch lanes entirely (and have a real plan)

Career changes can be exciting, but unlike switching jobs within the same industry, a career shift often means learning new skills, building a different network, and navigating unfamiliar norms. It’s not something to leap into blindly.

The best career changers treat the transition like a long-term project: They spend six to twelve months studying the new field, making connections, and identifying where their current skills overlap with what’s in demand. That overlap is critical because it’s what allows you to stand out from newcomers without experience.

“Follow your passion” sounds romantic, but it’s not a replacement for understanding the realities of your target industry. Some careers that light you up creatively might pay significantly less, limit your Rich Life options, or require years of training. Before you make the leap, research salaries, advancement opportunities, and potential lifestyle impacts. Map out what the first year will look like financially and personally so you can prepare for the changes ahead.

Switching lanes can absolutely be the right move—but only if you’re steering with a clear destination and a realistic route to get there.

5 Times When Staying in Your Job Is the Best Call

Sometimes quitting isn’t the smartest play. Here’s when it’s worth taking a breath and staying put—at least for now:

1. You haven't actually tried to fix things yet

It’s tempting to imagine that a new job will solve all your problems, but many work issues are fixable without resigning. If your workload is overwhelming, your role feels misaligned, or your manager’s style is grating on you, there may be solutions inside the company. Bring your concerns to HR or your manager, suggest changes like negotiating a raise, or explore internal transfers.

An internal move can often provide a fresh start with new challenges without sacrificing seniority, benefits, or relationships. If your health and safety aren’t at risk, give yourself at least a month after making a genuine effort to improve things. At the very least, you’ll know you tried every option before walking away.

2. Your "plan" is just wishful thinking

Quitting a job means saying goodbye to salary, employee benefits, growth potential, and possibly great colleagues. You need a solid plan of action, ideally starting with another job offer or a strong business plan if you're opening a company. "I'll figure it out" is not a strategy; it's a recipe for panic and impaired decision-making. You’ll need six months of expenses saved, an updated résumé, market research, and the skills to back up your next move.

Without that preparation, you’re likely to grab the first job that comes along out of desperation, which often lands you right back in the same situation you tried to escape. Planning isn’t just about caution—it’s about positioning yourself for a genuine upgrade, not just a change of scenery.

3. Your bank account can't handle the gap

Even with an airtight résumé and great connections, job hunts take time (often three to six months). Don’t get overconfident and quit before you have a new role or you’ll be relying on savings to pay the bills, which can quickly become stressful.

If you have the resources to cover a long job search, great. If not, it might be smarter to stay a little longer while quietly searching. That way, you start your next role with financial confidence instead of financial pressure.

4. You just need a vacation, not a new career

Burnout can make you question everything about your job, but exhaustion and true career misalignment aren’t the same thing. Sometimes the fix isn’t a resignation letter; it’s two weeks away from your inbox.

Take a vacation, shut off your emails, and try not to think about work; a real break can restore your perspective and give you the clarity you needed. If you come back recharged and still feel the same dread, then you know the job is the problem. But quitting while running on empty often leads to rash decisions you’ll regret.

5. You're having a tantrum, not making a decision

Everyone has bad days—the kind that make you want to slam your laptop shut and walk out. But making a permanent decision in the middle of an emotional spike rarely leads to a good outcome.

Instead, give yourself 48 hours to cool down so you don't dramatically throw your nametag on your boss’ desk like in the movies. Talk to someone objective, like a mentor or friend outside your workplace. If you still feel the same way after a week of reflection, then you can move forward knowing you’re acting from clarity, not impulse.

How to Quit Without Burning Bridges

Even when you know it’s time to leave, how you exit can have just as much impact on your career as the job itself. Industries are smaller than they seem, and people remember whether you handled your departure with professionalism or made it a scorched-earth spectacle. Here’s how to leave in a way that keeps doors open:

Do your homework first

The best time to search for your next role is while you still have one. It gives you negotiating power, lets you be selective, and keeps financial stress from clouding your judgment. Research potential employers, salary ranges, company culture, and growth opportunities before you even send your first application.

If you’re behind the curve in your industry, use this time to invest in yourself: Update certifications, take relevant courses, and reconnect with your network. The effort will pay off in both the quality of opportunities you’ll attract and your confidence during interviews.

Get an offer in writing

Verbal promises are not offers—they’re intentions. Before giving notice, have a signed offer letter that includes your new title, salary, benefits, and start date. Read the fine print, paying attention to probationary periods, non-compete clauses, and any waiting periods for health insurance or retirement contributions.

If a company pressures you to start immediately, see it as a potential red flag. A good employer will respect your current commitments and view your professionalism as a strength.

Time your exit strategically

Give the standard two weeks’ notice for most roles, but consider longer if you’re in a senior position or managing critical projects. Avoid quitting right before major deadlines unless absolutely necessary; finishing strong helps preserve your reputation.

Document your work, leave clear instructions for your successor, and hand off projects neatly. These are small acts that make a big difference in how you’re remembered.

Have the conversation like an adult

Schedule a private meeting with your manager—ideally in person or via video call—to deliver the news. Make sure to keep your tone respectful and focused on your excitement about the next chapter rather than frustrations with the current role.

Be prepared for a counteroffer, but think carefully before accepting one; most people who stay after a counteroffer end up leaving within a year. Keep the conversation short, positive, and free from unnecessary detail.

The Real Question: Is This Job Taking You Where You Want to Go?

At the end of the day, quitting is about moving toward something better. Your career should align with your values, goals, and vision for the life you want, not just your need for a paycheck.

Every job teaches you something—but are you still learning things that matter to your future, or are you just marking time? 

And while advice from friends, family, or colleagues can be valuable, remember that their opinions about “stability” or “job hopping” aren’t the same as your lived experience. This is your life, your career, and your call. The goal isn’t simply to avoid the wrong job, but to deliberately build the right one.

If you’re ready to go deeper into building a career and money system that supports your biggest goals, I wrote I Will Teach You To Be Rich and Money for Couples for exactly that reason. Feel free to read these roadmaps for designing a life you’re excited to wake up to—where your career, money, and relationships all work together.