Menu
Point Icon

#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1

Point Icon

#1 in the world for sport science2

Point Icon

#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3

NEXT UP ON this. Next Icon

Woman hating job

Leaving your job: signs it’s time to make the call

It’s the question that keeps many of us awake at night: Should I stay, or should I go?  

Leaving a job isn’t a decision most people make lightly. It’s like standing at a career crossroads, armed with a map that doesn’t show the destination.  

Whether you’re grappling with burnout, boredom or a sneaking suspicion that your work no longer aligns with your values, recognising the signs it’s time to leave your job is crucial. 

The good news? You’re not alone in this.  

Plenty of people have felt that same pang of uncertainty – and with the right approach, they’ve found their way to something better.  

Let’s explore the signs that signal it’s time to leave your job, how to plan your exit and the opportunities waiting on the other side. 

How do you know when to leave your job? The signs that signal it’s time 

Ever found yourself staring blankly at your computer, wondering why you even care about the next email? Or maybe the Sunday blues have turned into Monday dread, Tuesday frustration and a week-long slog? If you’re noticing these signs, it really might be time to leave your job. 

According to Dr Justine Ferrer, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at Deakin Business School, ‘The most common signs that it’s time to leave your job are when individuals face a lack of opportunity for development and a lack of acknowledgement and appreciation of the work that they do. 

‘It may be that the culture of the organisation is toxic or unaligned to the individual values, or it could be a poor manager.’  

While you might feel you need to stick it out to pay the bills, Dr Ferrer warns that these issues can result in ‘general disinterest, malaise and lack of motivation for the work they do’, which often leads to disengagement or burnout. 

Sometimes, the signs to leave your job are less obvious – you just don’t like it. Dr Ferrer points out that staying in a role despite this dislike can affect not only your performance but also how you interact with colleagues and clients. 

To know whether you’re facing temporary dissatisfaction or a deeper misalignment, Dr Ferrer suggests paying attention to how your emotions, behaviour and even physical health respond to work.  

‘The dissatisfaction could be manifesting through emotions, like lack of motivation, anger, resentment and boredom; behaviour like procrastination, reduced effort and withdrawal; and physical identifiers like stress-related outcomes and energy levels.’  

If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, it might be time to evaluate whether your values and career goals still align with the organisation. 

Dr Ferrer adds that ‘conversations with managers about career trajectory can also signal that personal and organisational plans are no longer compatible. For some people, this may offer them a new opportunity that they had not contemplated.’ 

'The most common signs that it’s time to leave your job are when individuals face a lack of opportunity for development and a lack of acknowledgement and appreciation of the work that they do'

Dr Justine Ferrer,
Deakin Business School, Deakin University

How to prepare to leave your job 

So, you’ve realised it’s time leave your job. What next?  

Dr Ferrer recommends starting with clarity: ‘What is it about the job, organisation or people that makes you want to leave? And what are you looking for in a new job? What are you seeking?’  

Once you’ve identified your goals, here are some practical steps to set yourself up for success: 

Update your resume and highlight transferable skills 

Whether it’s problem-solving, communication or project management, transferable skills are gold in any job market. Make sure your resume reflects these. 

Get financially ready  

Before taking the plunge, make sure you have a financial cushion. Financial experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved up. This safety net will give you the peace of mind to focus on finding the right opportunity without the stress of immediate financial pressure. 

Leverage your network 

‘It’s easier to find and secure a new job when you are currently employed,’ says Dr Ferrer. Start reaching out to your contacts to see what’s happening in the market. And remember – ‘remind people you exist and that you have key skills relevant to the market!’ 

Maintain positive relationships 

If possible, leave your job on good terms. ‘Maintaining relationships with your current organisation is crucial because you never know where you might meet those people again,’ Dr Ferrer advises.  

Consider this not just an exit, but an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression. 

Research the job market  

Take some time to research industries or roles that align with your passions and skill set. Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are great resources for gauging what’s trending in the job market and what employers are seeking.  

Get a sense of what’s out there and how it matches your career ambitions. 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LinkedIn (@linkedin)

Your guide to leaving your job without burning bridges 

Leaving a job doesn’t have to be a dramatic exit scene, like something straight out of Mad Men, where you vanish into the sunset. In reality, it can be graceful, respectful and drama-free. 

With the right approach, you can maintain positive relationships while moving on to better things. 

Be honest and transparent 

People get it – career moves are part of life. Dr Ferrer explains, ‘If individuals are leaving a job for their own opportunities, then to maintain a positive relationship it is about being open and honest about why you are leaving and what you are looking for in new opportunities.’  

A little sincerity goes a long way in building goodwill. 

Handle your resignation with respect   

While firing off a text might be tempting, delivering your resignation in person or over video shows respect and professionalism.  

Face-to-face communication is generally preferred for many professional interactions because it’s rich with non-verbal meaning – like tone, facial expressions and body language. In-person resignations signal importance and respect. 

After speaking with your manager, make your resignation official with a formal letter. 

Give adequate notice  

Two to four weeks’ notice is the gold standard – but check your employment contract for specific terms. Leaving your employer scrambling isn’t a great look.   

Wrap up responsibilities 

Think of your departure as handing over the keys. Finish outstanding tasks, document key processes and ensure a smooth transition for your team. 

If you’re training your replacement or writing handover notes, don’t skimp. The more detailed and specific you are, the easier the transition will be – and your professionalism will be remembered. 

Let yourself feel all the feels  

Leaving a job – especially after years of dedication – can stir up a mix of emotions. It’s normal to feel sadness or uncertainty 

Allow yourself to process these emotions and give yourself space to grieve the loss of the familiar. Letting go of personal attachments is part of the transition, but remember to stay focused on the fresh opportunities ahead. 

Maintain a strong work ethic until the end  

Treat your last weeks like your first – finish strong. If you’ve built a solid professional reputation, don’t jeopardise it in your final stretch. In fact, use this time to leave an even better impression. 

Exit positivity 

Focus on gratitude, not grievances. If offered an exit interview, provide thoughtful insights rather than venting frustrations. 

The same goes for colleagues. A heartfelt farewell email can keep the door open for future connections. Thank your team, share what you appreciated and provide contact details if you’re open to staying in touch. 

Know when maintaining ties isn’t possible  

Sometimes it’s just not possible.  

‘If it is toxic or poor management, then in these situations it will be difficult to maintain a positive relationship,’ Dr Ferrer says. And that’s okay – your mental and professional well-being come first. 

When done right, leaving your job can be a confident step forward while keeping doors open for potential connections down the line.  

What to do when you leave your job  

Leaving your job isn’t just about the goodbye emails (though as we mentioned, that’s good too). It’s an opportunity to recalibrate your career – a moment of profound personal and professional transformation. 

Here’s how to make the most of it:  

Reflect on lessons learned 

Take this time to dive deep into your professional experience. What tasks energised you? Which responsibilities felt draining? Understanding these nuanced details helps you craft a more intentional career path.  

Explore new opportunities 

Keep an open mind about industries and roles you might not have considered. This transition is your chance to break free from familiar patterns and discover unexpected potential. 

Dr Ferrer highlights the importance of clarity when evaluating new career opportunities. 

‘Having clarity about what you are looking for in a new job is critical to your strategies for evaluating any new career opportunities. Ask yourself, does the organisation align with your values? Conduct due diligence to ensure that the pay, conditions and culture meet your expectations before committing to a new role.’ 

Invest in professional development 

Continuous learning is your greatest career asset.  

Take this opportunity to expand your skill set and increase your market value by identifying skill gaps in your current expertise, enrolling in online courses or certification programs and attending workshops and webinars. You could also consider mentorship or coaching opportunities. 

A businessman looking up reflecting 

From leaving your job to following your passion 

Many of us have heard the advice: ‘Follow your passion,’ or ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Leaving a job often marks the start of an exciting new chapter. Dr Ferrer notes that while fear and uncertainty are natural, they can also be invigorating. 

There is invigoration and a re-energising of self. If the individuals have the foundations for the move well positioned, they will overcome the fear.’  

For Veronica Johnson, a postgraduate psychology student at Deakin, this was exactly the case.  

After spending 11 years as a teacher, she realised her passion extended beyond the classroom into leadership roles focused on student wellbeing. Veronica’s passion for helping students and families navigate challenges led her to leave her job and move into psychology 

‘It’s hard going back to being “new” at something again when you’re used to feeling competent,’ she admits. ‘But I studied smarter. I used my time more efficiently and focused on what I needed to do to get to the end goal.’ 

Alongside the right mindset, having a long-term career development plan can act as a guide, giving you a compass point to evaluate what you are doing and why you are doing this. Map out your goals, develop a clear strategy, and approach your next steps with intention and enthusiasm.  

‘This is critical to any decisions of movement out of and into different jobs.’  

But as Dr Ferrer wisely points out, ‘career plans are not static.’ Being open to different opportunities and skill development allows you to re-evaluate and re-establish your career path as you go.  

Signs that it’s the right time to be leaving your job: key takeaways  

Feeling stuck? Unappreciated? Like your job’s about as exciting as watching paint dry? Yep, there’s are all the signs it might be time to make a move. 

Leaving a job isn’t just about walking out the door – it’s about walking towards something better. Think of it as your career’s personal upgrade.  

By being clear on why you’re leaving and keeping your eyes on the prize, you can turn this transition from a nerve-wracking moment into your own professional power move. 

Just remember to trust your gut, know your worth, don’t settle for ‘meh’, keep your professional bridges intact and most importantly, see this as your chance to hit the reset button.  

Remember – sometimes leaving your job isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of a fresh chapter. With the right mindset and preparation, your next step could be your best one yet. 

this. featured experts
Dr Justine Ferrer
Dr Justine Ferrer

Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management (HRM)

Deakin Business School, Deakin University

Read more

 

explore more