Four Questions to Ask if You’re Thinking of Leaving Your Job

Navigating career transitions is tough. Our work gets wrapped up in our identities, our finances, our social networks, and our sense of purpose. Deciding whether or not to leave a job is a big decision, but that doesn’t mean that it needs to be a tumultuous one. It can actually be very simple, if we’ll let it be.

Many career coaches will tell you that the best time to leave your job is when the economy is up and the unemployment rate is low.

I actually believe that the best time to leave your job is when it’s the best time for you. Not when the economy is up, down, or sideways, not when your work nemesis has been conquered, and definitely not when you’ve been totally used up and burnt out.

The best time to leave is when it’s right for you.

Below are four simple questions to help you determine if this is the right time to make a move. You may notice that there aren’t any questions about what would come after leaving. This is because most people stay stuck in jobs that are wrong for them out of fear about what’s next, which is not a good reason to stay somewhere that’s draining you of our life force.

Sometimes life gives us a clear next step, and the choice is simply whether or not to take it. Other times, we’re not sure what would come next, but we know that where we are isn’t working. The four questions below will help you gain clarity about whether now is the right time for you to leave what you know and step into a new level of trust and expansiveness.

As you ask yourself these questions, notice the first feelings you get in your body and the first response that comes to mind. These are often our best clues, because they’re the instinctual knowing that comes before our minds pile on criticism or fear. I encourage you to create some space during which you can write responses to these questions.

1. Do I want to leave?

2. Am I willing to give myself what I want?

3. Is there anything that could make staying in this role a full-body “yes!” for me? (E.g., more money, new responsibilities, a new team, etc. Be discerning here - part of you will likely be looking for excuses to stay where it’s comfortable.)

4. Do I have, or can I create, the capacity for leaving? Can I access the emotional and logistical support I need? Can I make a plan for my exit and follow through with it?

If you know that you want to leave, honor that knowing. Don’t stuff it down or toss it aside. It may not mean that you give your notice tomorrow, but you can absolutely start by building a plan that meets your emotional, financial, and spiritual needs.

On January 10th, I’m facilitating a one-day workshop called Sovereign, where we’ll actually create a plan to get you out of your job within the next year. We’ll cover how to get your mind right, financial and logistical considerations, and obstacles that might come up as you follow through with your intention to leave. You’ll actually write your plan and receive feedback on it throughout the day so that you leave with a clear map to guide you.

You can learn more about Sovereign and register by clicking here.

No one can tell you when it’s the right time to make a change, and I know that can feel scary and lonely.

But I also know that you’re more resilient than you probably give yourself credit for. If you’re ready to leave your job in the next year, I hope you’ll join us for Sovereign and give yourself the space to craft an exit plan that really works for you.