When to Quit Your Job: How to Know It's Time

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

The choice to stay in a job or pursue something new can be an inspiring moment for self-discovery and growth. These tips may help make that decision a little simpler with five signs that you’re ready for a new opportunity and what to do next.

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Quitting a job can feel like a big decision, and many reasons might lead you to decide it’s the right time. You might want to explore another industry or take on a new challenge. Or you may feel unsatisfied with your current role. It may be time to quit your job when you’re no longer motivated to complete your daily tasks, feel overworked or burnt out, or want to move beyond your current position into a more advanced one. These are a few signs that it may be time to quit your job and get a better one that more effectively meets your needs. 

It’s not uncommon for someone to want to quit their job. In fact, more people are quitting their jobs in search of better opportunities than in years past. According to a survey by Statista, the US labor force saw 3.23 million voluntary quits in September 2024 [1]. 

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However, how do you know when it’s time to go? How do you go about quitting your job?

Plan for the future while transitioning out of one job and into another with a few tips that can help you determine when it’s time to quit. 

How to know when to leave a job: 5 signs that you're ready to resign from a job

The following are a few signs to look for to confirm that it’s time to move on to a new opportunity:

1. You want room to grow.

If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau with your current company, it might be time to seek a new job with more mobility and promotional opportunities. When you feel like you’ve fully explored your skills and talents in one position, this is your time to move forward. 

Beyond the inability to move up in a company, a lack of growth potential might also look like a lack of opportunities to build your skills. If your company doesn’t encourage expanding your skills as an employee, consider looking for an employer that will allow you to attend conferences, gain certifications, and expand your education to benefit you and your employer. 

2. You’re experiencing problems with a supervisor or boss.

A strained work relationship with a boss or supervisor will likely affect your day-to-day duties. 

This will look different depending on the situation, but take it as a warning sign if you have a disrespectful boss who is unavailable when you need assistance, critical of your performance but offers no guidance, micromanage too much, or simply doesn’t show appreciation for your hard work. 

It’s even harder when problems with your superior aren’t a result of anything you’ve done but rather a personality difference. This is tricky because you can’t change someone's personality. In this case, moving on could be your best bet. 

3. You feel undervalued.

When you’ve worked hard, seeing your efforts being valued is uplifting. A little recognition goes a long way. It’s motivating when you feel like your work makes a difference, and many people seek that feeling of value or self-worth in their profession. 

Some examples where you might feel undervalued could be regarding pay (you don’t feel like you earn your worth), lack of appreciation (you rarely get verbal affirmation that you’re doing a good job), or overt criticism (instead of constructive criticism, you often receive harsh or negative criticism). 

Talk directly to your boss if you feel undervalued. If your feelings are validated, consider submitting a resignation letter. It may open the door for change within your organization or in a new one. 

4. You feel unmotivated.

If you feel less motivated to go to work every day or be productive once you arrive, it could be time to move on. Some reasons motivation may be lacking could be an inability to connect with co-workers, exhaustion, or a work-life imbalance. If you’re experiencing a lack of motivation regularly, it can be a sign that your work schedule is too rigorous or the company simply isn’t the right fit for you. Sometimes, a lack of motivation doesn’t stem from one thing but rather a series of factors that make it hard to focus and put in the time and effort to complete your daily tasks. 

5. You notice a high turnover rate.

In some cases, a high turnover rate is an indicator of the company’s health and can be a sign that something is amiss internally. Seeing people coming and going could indicate that quitting this job is your best option. 

A high turnover rate may also signify that the company culture is not as it should be. Or maybe the company is heading for some hard times, and employees are simply being pushed past capacity, which leads to feelings of stress and job dissatisfaction. No matter the reason, a high turnover rate should signal a cause for concern.  

How long should you stay in a job before moving on?

The length of time you stay at a job depends on what works best for you, as no set rule applies. If you choose to leave a job sooner, it’s essential to be able to clearly explain your reasons to future employers. Whether it's due to a lack of growth opportunities, a desire for new challenges, or a shift in personal goals, being able to articulate your rationale shows that you’ve made a thoughtful choice.

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How to resign: Know what to do before quitting

If you relate to any of these signs that it’s time to quit your job, you may want to try a few things before deciding to leave. For example, is there something you can do to improve when it comes to motivation or problems with your supervisor? 

Focus on yourself. What can you change to improve the relationship? In this scenario, all you can control is your own actions, reactions, and feelings. 

Try to take an objective stance and analyze the dynamics of the relationship and your overall place in the company. See if you can pinpoint what’s contributing to the conflict with your boss or lack of motivation. If you’re still facing setbacks or dealing with other factors like a lack of growth potential, talk with your company. Consider your ideal position and what that looks like for you. 

Talk with your supervisor. 

Make an appointment to talk with your supervisor in person. Avoid emails if you can. Outline your talking points before the meeting. Depending on your reasons for wanting to quit, below are some questions you might ask: 

  • What are my opportunities for growth in this position? 

  • Are there other jobs opening up that I could be eligible for? 

  • Are there remote or work-from-home options? Or is there any flexibility in your schedule?

  • Is there any way for me to improve in my current role?

  • What resources can you offer me to improve in my role if needed? 

When you ask directly about the issues leading you to question your job, you can either confirm or rethink your decision. A one-on-one meeting may help in this process.

Identify your ideal job.

What do you want in a new job? Write it out. Describe it. Put it on paper and compare these characteristics to your current job. Are there some aspects of your job that you like? If you’re seeking out a higher-paying job or a position of seniority, draft a plan of how you’ll get there. Do your research to find out what you’ll need to achieve this dream job. 

If you need some inspiration or just want more information on what’s available, try to find several live job listings in your area or industry that look appealing or appropriate for you. Take these job descriptions and weave them into the details of your ideal role. 

Get your resume in order.

Refresh your resume to ensure it’s updated with your most recent work history, portfolio, and any new skills you’ve gained at your current job. List any conferences you’ve attended, courses, training, and other educational opportunities since you last applied for a job. You’ll want references from your most recent employer, but wait until that decision has been made and your employer is notified before listing their contact information. 

Consider having your resume reviewed by a professional or taking a course on resume writing to enhance your opportunity to land your next job. The goal is to be ready to apply so that if and when you quit your job, you’re on your way to a better opportunity. 

Save money.

If you decide to quit before solidifying another job, reduce your expenses and save for a little while. The job hunt could take some time. When you decide to quit your job, try to use those last paychecks as savings so that you can have some reserves to live on during the application process. Even if you have another job lined up, it can take a few weeks or months to see a new paycheck rolling in. Set yourself up for success now by saving for later. 

Quit with professionalism. 

Give ample notice, be respectful, and maintain positivity throughout the resignation process. 

Keep things peaceful. 

Remember, you’ll list your current employer on resumes for years. They can be your ticket to your ideal job, but if you want that gleaming reference, you’ll need to keep things professional and positive. Be disrespectful and professional when quitting your job. 

Give two weeks' notice. 

Offering your employers two weeks' notice before quitting your job is typical etiquette. Giving your boss ample time to find and train someone to take your place shows a level of respect and understanding. It also gives you time to get things in order as you advance.

Tell your boss first.

Before any kind of formal notification, schedule a time to sit down and tell your boss of your decision to quit. You can offer a few reasons why or not. You aren’t obligated to tell your boss your reason for quitting, but if you can, thank them for the work opportunity at the company when closing up your conversation. As always, gratitude goes a long way. 

Maintain a positive attitude. 

No matter how you feel toward your company or boss when quitting, show appreciation for your time there. Focus on the good things this job has brought you, and maintain an attitude of positivity throughout the process. 

Get ready for your next job.

Set yourself up for success in your next job after deciding to quit. Get ready for the next phase of your career journey by earning a Professional Certificate from an industry leader like Google, Meta, IBM, or Salesforce. Build the skills companies are hiring for in data analytics, social media marketing, cybersecurity, project management, sales development, user experience (UX) design, or IT support, all at your own pace.

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Article sources

  1. Statista. “Monthly number of voluntary separations from employment in the United States from September 2013 to September 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1386768/monthly-labor-force-quits-us/.” Accessed February 13, 2025.

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