Eight terrible reasons for leaving a job

Eight terrible reasons for leaving a job by Amber Rolfe So you’ve fallen out of love with your job… There are many reasons you might want to look for something new. But not all of them are legitimate enough to justify handing in your notice at the next opportunity â€" no matter how you might be feeling right now. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of self-reflection to realise what you really want to do.To help you figure out whether leaving your current position is really the answer, here are eight terrible reasons for leaving a job (and our advice on what you should do instead):You’re having a bad day Everyone has bad days â€" and almost everyone can say that they’ve felt like quitting in an emotional rage at least once. It happens.But before you let that faulty printer make you hastily handwrite your notice â€" think twice. Just because you’re having a bad day (or week, or month), that doesn’t mean leaving your job is the answer. Especially if you haven’t got anything else lined up.Instead, write a li st of the things you like about the job, to put things into perspective. It might not be a bad role â€" just a bad day clouding your judgment.Six tips to improve your workplace wellbeing  You don’t like your colleagues/manager You might absolutely love your job. Unfortunately, someone’s ruining it for you.Whether you don’t get along with a colleague, you can’t stand your boss, or you’re just sick of hearing the same song on repeat from across the desk (damn you Bieber) â€" some people are bound to get on your nerves.However, it’s no reason to sacrifice your own career. If you aren’t getting along with the people, try talking to your line manager, or a member of the HR team, to figure out a good plan of action.Be professional, and think about what’s best for you. And maybe start playing your own music…Top 5 irritating office habits (and how to deal with them)How to deal with awkward situations at work  You’re feeling overworkedIf you feel like you never get a bre ak, you’re chained to your desk, and/or you’ve forgotten what a weekend is â€" you’re probably not feeling great about your job.But don’t assume that leaving is the only solution. Instead, ask yourself why you’re feeling under pressure. Is your boss giving you too much work? Are you saying yes too often? Could you organise your time better?There might be an easier way to solve your problem. You just need to look for it.You’re bored So you’ve been in your job a while now, and the novelty’s wearing off.In fact, you’re probably so on top of things that your work has become unfulfilling. But is a new job really the answer? Most organisations offer career progression opportunities, or ways to gain extra responsibility. And sometimes all it takes is a bit of enthusiasm for your boss to notice you.And if you’re feeling limited in your skillset, there’s always room to learn more. From taking a course to asking for extra training â€" there are many ways you can put the spark back into your job.  You hate the commute OK, so nobody likes navigating through crowds in what feels like the longest journey in the world (AKA your commute).But although the hours travelling to and from work can add up â€" it’s not a reason to quit a job you love. If moving nearer isn’t an option, there are other ways you can cut down on travel (no time machine necessary).Talk to your boss about taking on flexible working hours to avoid the rush a few days a week, or see if working from home is an option. You might be surprised at the choices on offer.Commuting dos and don’tsYou’re blinded by a new opportunity If you’re struggling in your current situation â€" everything else can seem like a great opportunity.But don’t be fooled by a persuasively written job advert and your own penchant for fancy perks. Just because the other company has beanbags chairs and a foosball table â€" that doesn’t necessarily make it the best job on the planet. It has to tick other bo xes too.What makes it better than your current job, and most importantly, how is it different? The last thing you want is to leave for a role with the same issues you tried to get away from.  You just want more money Getting rich doesn’t happen overnight. It all depends on where you’re at in your career.So if your decision to leave is based purely on the grounds that you could be richer elsewhere â€" it might not be well-directed. Especially if everything else about your job is great.Instead of leaving, research average salaries for your role â€" and see if it’s possible to ask for a pay rise or a promotion. If your performance is good, you might get the acknowledgement you’re looking for without having to consult the nearest escape route.How to negotiate a payriseYou’ve got job envy Hearing your peers talk about how well their careers are going can sometimes put your own work life to shame. Sure, you get 28 days of holiday a year, but why aren’t you getting free food an d a yearly pass to Disneyland? It’s not fair and you don’t like it.But before you wallow in self-pity, consider the things they aren’t telling you about.For example, big workloads, lots of pressure and, potentially, all of the things you don’t like about your own job. Just because you only hear the good stuff, it doesn’t mean the bad stuff doesn’t exist.Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now