How do you know when it’s time to quit your job?

[Joker0fGotham]

I hate my job but can’t justify the hatred I have for it?

I quit a job because i had deprived myself of sleep every weeknight for months and couldn't enjoy my sundays as i was full of anxiety, i had no other job to go to and fortunately I had an interview for one the week before I quit and so was only unemployed a bit over a week.

I'm so much happier and enjoy my weekends now.

When you think about crashing the car on the way there in order to legitimately get a few weeks off. That's when I went to my gp and got signed off for the final 2 months of that contract. I never set foot in that place again and the weight lifted from my shoulders immediately. That was 10 years ago and I still can't drive past the area without shuddering and thanking my lucky stars for having been able to escape from there.

I had nothing else lined up btw but signed up with a few agencies and haven't really been short of work (albeit short-term, day-to-day stuff) since.

@TheElfFellOffTheShelf that really resonated with me. Similar time I took an overdose to escape a toxic boss. Wasn't a cry for help I wanted to die. Still can't go to that town even tho business no longer there x

I am leaving a job in the New Year, that I have been looking to leave for 12 months. How I knew:

The realisation that the things I had highlighted that made me unhappy would never improve

The manager basically being answerable to no one because those above her dont give a fuck and at times just how negligent this is. She has zero accountability and one day soon something is going to go very badly wrong, I can smell it, I want out before this.

Having to work a shit tonne of overtime to cover someone who is openly taking the piss with long term sick at this point, but the manager continues to hold her job open.

Looking around me and seeing the pots of money the business makes versus the wages and how shockingly under served the clients are on a day to day level, makes me really angry.

Managers I don't give a shit do what you want culture, infecting everyone's positivity, enthusiasm and approach

Ultimately, on days when you realise what the staff mix on rota with you that day is, not wanting to get out of bed.

When you are filled with unspoken rage.

TheElfFellOffTheShelf yes I had those feelings. Also fantasised about being hit by a car on the way into work. Speed limit is restricted on the grounds of where I work so I was hoping for a few broken bones but nothing life-threatening...

@feelinghelplesstoday @FaithInfinity it's shocking how much stess and shit we put up with in our jobs, to the point where we're tempted to severely injure ourselves, and that we're encouraged or feel we have no choice but to stay there until we either find something else or have a breakdown.

I'm a teacher and, apart from a couple of terms here and there, I haven't worked full time since I left the place I described above. I don't have the confidence to do it now and have probably left it too long to get back on the horse properly.

I hope you're both in a better position now.

@TheElfFellOffTheShelf thank you I'm in a much better place now and know I'll never allow myself to be in that dark place again.
Hope life is kind to you too 💐

When you realise that dont value you and you can do better. I have had jobs I've worked very hard it, done a great job but then been overlooked for pay rise or promotion because they take me for granted. Then I move on.

It's almost always much easier to get a job when you're in a job though, so I would recommend securing your new role because you resign from your current one. Good luck!

When you think about crashing the car on the way there in order to legitimately get a few weeks off

This was it for me too...the point where I knew I had to walk away but still couldn't bring myself to do it as I was so overinvested. I ended up signed off for ten months, at least three to four of which I have little memory off I was in such a state.

Please don't let it get that bad....make your escape plan now. Look after yourself *OP and good luck!

Funnily (!) enough @TheElfFellOffTheShelf my situation was also in a school, although I wasn't a member of teaching staff.

Yes much better thanks. Had to move jobs twice to find one that I enjoy but 3 years on I feel like life is totally different. I’m much happier mine was NHS but I think comparable stressors.

Thanks for your responses everyone! I’m sorry, some of you have had it far worse than me

I like my actual work, although I’m underpaid... I think it’s more the people. I work in a small team of four and they never stop talking. Ever. Two of them say they can’t handle silence. I’ve brought it up with the manager but just get told they’re bubbly and sociable. Of course, I don’t want complete silence all day but I find it so hard to concentrate.

One member of the team is constantly interrupting me when I speak (I don’t think she realises but it’s so annoying) and they always claim to be anxious, (which I don’t have a problem with at all as I suffer with anxiety too - I just don’t announce it every 10 minutes). The constant moaning and complaining creates a really negative atmosphere.

So I’m lying in bed wide awake on a Monday morning dreading going in. I don’t think I can put up a fake smile for much longer.

Life is short so if you don't like it, look for something else. Nowadays there's no prize for staying in a job for ages. Some of my friends (and me) are on their 4th job in as many years, we still get recruiters contacting us. There are SO many jobs and companies out there so find one that you don't hate.