L & L #29: 9 Clear Signs It's Time to Leave Your Toxic Job and Start Fresh.
[Reading Time: 4 mins]
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." — Steve Jobs
CONTEXT
Did you know that a staggering 79% of employees experienced work-related stress in the month prior to a recent survey? [1]
Even more alarming, a 2022 report found that 30% of workers have left a job in the past year due to workplace culture [2].
A toxic job isn't just unpleasant.
It can severely impact your mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life.
In fact, the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization jointly estimated that long working hours (55 or more per week) were associated with 745,000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, a 29% increase since 2000 [3].
But how do you know when it's truly time to move on?
Whether you're a seasoned executive feeling stuck, a mid-level manager facing constant stress, or an ambitious professional sensing limited growth opportunities, understanding these signs can be the catalyst for positive change.
In this edition of the Linked & Lift Newsletter, I'll outline 9 clear signs that it's time to leave your toxic job. You'll find practical insights to help you assess your current situation and take decisive action. Click on the infographic for a printable high-res PDF version.
Let's dive into the 9 signs that it's time to make a change:
1. Constant Stress and Anxiety
Your job should challenge you, not overwhelm you.
A toxic job can drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted all the time.
If you're experiencing persistent stress that bleeds into your personal life, it's a major red flag.
➥ Example: Waking up with a sense of dread every workday or having trouble sleeping due to work-related worries.
How to Assess:
- Monitor your stress levels throughout the week
- Note any physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
- Evaluate how often work thoughts intrude during your off-hours
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Keep a stress journal for a week to track patterns and triggers.
2. Lack of Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term career satisfaction and personal well-being.
➥ Example: Regularly missing important family events or feeling guilty for taking time off.
How to Evaluate:
- Calculate the hours you spend working vs. personal time
- Assess how often work interferes with personal plans
- Consider if you have time for hobbies and self-care
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Use a time-tracking app for a week to visualise your work-life balance.
3. Stagnant Growth and Development
A fulfilling career should offer opportunities for learning and advancement.
➥ Example: No new challenges or responsibilities in the past year, despite your efforts.
Signs of Stagnation:
- Lack of training or professional development opportunities
- No clear path for career progression
- Feeling underutilised or bored in your role
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: List your professional goals and assess if your current job aligns with them.
4. Toxic Work Culture
A positive work environment is essential for job satisfaction and productivity.
➥ Example: Witnessing or experiencing bullying, discrimination, or constant negative gossip.
Red Flags in Work Culture:
- High turnover rates
- Lack of transparency from leadership
- Favouritism or unfair treatment
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Talk to colleagues from different departments to get a broader perspective on the company culture.
5. Misalignment with Personal Values
Your work should align with your core values and beliefs.
➥ Example: Being asked to compromise your ethics or work on projects that go against your principles.
How to Check Alignment:
- List your top 5 personal values
- Evaluate how your current job supports or conflicts with these values
- Consider if you're proud to tell others about your work
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Write a personal mission statement and see how your job fits into it.
6. Lack of Recognition or Appreciation
Feeling valued is crucial for job satisfaction and motivation.
➥ Example: Consistently putting in extra effort without acknowledgment or fair compensation.
Signs of Underappreciation:
- Absence of positive feedback or constructive criticism
- Overlooked for promotions or important projects
- Unfair compensation compared to industry standards
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Keep a "win" journal to track your accomplishments and make sure they're recognised.
7. Poor Leadership and Management
Effective leadership is key to a positive work environment and employee engagement.
➥ Example: Micromanagement, unclear expectations, or lack of support from your superiors.
Leadership Red Flags:
- Inconsistent or poor communication
- Lack of vision or direction for the team/company
- Unwillingness to listen to employee feedback
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns and gauge their response.
8. Physical or Mental Health Decline
Your job should never come at the cost of your health.
➥ Example: Experiencing burnout, depression, or physical ailments directly related to work stress.
Health Warning Signs:
- Chronic fatigue or insomnia
- Increased irritability or mood swings
- Neglecting self-care or healthy habits
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Consult with a healthcare professional to assess the impact of your job on your health.
9. Lack of Passion or Purpose
Feeling engaged and purposeful in your work is essential for long-term career satisfaction.
➥ Example: Struggling to find motivation or meaning in your daily tasks.
Signs of Disengagement:
- Difficulty concentrating on work tasks
- Lack of enthusiasm about your role or industry
- Feeling disconnected from the company's mission
➤ 🔍Quick Tip: Take a career assessment test to rediscover your passions and strengths.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards reclaiming your professional satisfaction and personal well-being.
Remember, leaving a toxic job isn't giving up.
It's choosing to prioritise your growth, health, and happiness.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." — Nelson Mandela
As you contemplate your next move, remember that change, while challenging, often leads to incredible opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
Extra Resources to Dive Deeper
📌 Top pick on career development: "How to Quit Your Job" – An insightful article from Harvard Business Review. Read more here
📌 Top pick video: "How to Love Your Work" – A thoughtful exploration by The School of Life. Watch below ⇣⇣⇣
📌 Book pick: "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans – A practical guide to designing a fulfilling career. Find it on Amazon
📌 AudioBook pick: "The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level" by Gay Hendricks. An empowering listen for those contemplating a big career change. Find it on Audible
Until next week, may your career choices align with your true self!
Véronique,
Creator of The Linked And Lift.
Sources
[1] American Psychological Association. (2021). 2021 Work and Well-being Survey. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being/compounding-pressure-2021
[2] Society for Human Resource Management. (2022). SHRM Research Finds Toxic Workplace Cultures Cost Employers Billions. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/employee-relations/toxic-workplace-cultures-costing-employers-billions
[3] World Health Organization. (2021). Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke: WHO, ILO. https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2021-long-working-hours-increasing-deaths-from-heart-disease-and-stroke-who-ilo
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