This Is How To Know When It's Time To Quit Your Job, And How To Go About Doing It — According To A Career Expert

Calculated and strategic — that's you after reading this handy guide.

Changing jobs can be terrifying — no one likes jumping into the unknown. But sometimes change is necessary, especially if you're underpaid and under-appreciated or overworked and overstressed.

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Sound like you? Don't worry — you're not alone. Apparently, we're in the midst of "The Great Resignation." The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that a record number of Americans quit their job in late 2021.

But the reality of quitting a job isn't so easy. How do you know if it's the right choice, and how should you go about making the move?

But fear not, job hunters. We chatted with the lovely Gillian Williams at Monday Talent (a super-hip recruitment agency) to get a step-by-step rundown of how and when to quit your job.

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Williams, who is a founder and partner at Monday Talent, offered sage advice on how to know if you're ready to quit your job and how to go about doing it — broken into easy-to-follow steps. 

(PS: Right now, there are more jobs than applicants, companies are paying higher salaries, and work-life balance has been reprioritized.)

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It's a great time to be looking for a job. According to reporting by the Washington Post in late December 2021, "Those looking for employment or to change jobs, the 2021 economy has been a blessing, as companies hike wages and many workers feel empowered to quit because they can swiftly find new opportunities."

In addition to more jobs and better salaries, Williams says, "More and more companies are prioritizing wellness and work-life balance. If you feel like your organization isn’t doing this, go somewhere else that does! It’s a new era for the corporate world and one where the power has shifted in favor of the employee."

1. Watch for signs that it's time to quit your job.

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Half of the battle is knowing when it's time to move on from your job. Williams says signs include "feelings of dread when thinking about work, feeling bored, you’re no longer learning new things or taking on new challenges, you see a very limited or nonexistent path to growth, and, most importantly, if you are ever put in a position where your morals or ethics are put into question or you feel physically or emotionally unsafe." In addition, she notes constant anxiety and stress are telltale signs that you're ready for a change.

2. Then, ask yourself if an inner-company move or more money could solve the problem.

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Quitting a job should be a strategic move, not something you do on a whim or out of frustration. Williams says, "You need to first uncover what specifically is causing you dissatisfaction – is it the people you work with? Your direct manager? Is it the type of work you are doing that is no longer fulfilling?" 

If it's about money, asking for a raise might be much simpler than quitting your job. Other times, your discontent may be solved by working with a different client or a new group of people. Other times, Williams says, "It makes sense to try to transition to another role within your same organization. It is much easier to pivot to a different role within your same organization than trying to switch to a new type of job at a new company."  

3. If you can, start looking for a new job while still working your current job.

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While it might not seem like it (after all, looking for a new job is a job in itself!), it's easier to find a job when you already have one.

"Candidates who are currently employed are typically a lot more attractive to hiring managers than those out of work, no matter why they left. You also have more leverage when negotiating an offer if you are currently employed," Williams says.

4. And if you simply can't take another day at your job, give your savings a peek to make sure they'll keep you afloat.

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If there's no way you can keep working your current job while you look for another, it may be time to dip into that emergency fund. (Always hard to do, but worth it if you're miserable.) 

"This gives you the freedom to find your ideal next job vs. rushing to take something on just so that you don’t run out of money," says Williams, suggesting that three to six months of living expenses is ideal. 

5. If you can wait it out at your current job, set aside time every day to job hunt — but keep it to yourself.

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How are you supposed to look for a job while working, you ask? Williams suggests, "Start small so that the hunt does not feel unmanageable. Dedicate an hour a day to either taking a call with a recruiter, networking (especially on LinkedIn), or interviewing. Try to do this either an hour before work starts or after work. You can also try during your lunch hour."

And no matter how close you are to your boss or coworker, keep the fact that you're looking for another job to yourself. "One danger of telling your current manager is that while you're looking for a new job, your current employer may start looking for your replacement. This could lead to you losing your job before you secure a new one," explains Williams.

6. And leave your current company off the reference list when interviewing.

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Leaving your current boss off the list of references might just feel wrong (especially if you're early on in your career or have worked for the company a long time), but Williams says you should never put your current position in jeopardy.

"If you get to the reference stage of an interview, you can let the recruiter or company (if you are working directly with them) know that you are happy to provide as many references as needed but that you won’t be able to provide anyone who currently works at your company, as you can’t jeopardize your current role in the off chance that you don’t get the position. Most companies will be incredibly understanding of this and help you figure out alternative references."

Williams also warns that if the company you're interviewing with requires a background check, you should ask what it entails, as it might involve calling your employer to verify your dates of employment.

7. If you get the gig, YAY! But before you resign from your current job, make sure your new position is 100% confirmed.

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You may have waited months to quit, but resigning prematurely could leave you in limbo. 

"Before resigning make sure you have signed the offer letter, completed all paperwork, and any background and reference checks that your new employer requires. You should have everything so fully in place with your new company that you would be ready to walk into the new role tomorrow," explains Williams.

8. Be smart about the timing, and give at least two weeks notice if you can.

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Quitting ASAP doesn't always make sense. For example, if you're a month away from meeting your company's 401(k) "vesting schedule" — that is, when your employer's 401(k) contributions become yours — you might want to hold off. You might also want to wait if you're about to get a bonus or your PTO is about to reset. 

The same goes for projects. Williams says, "If you are on the very tail end (less than a week before completion) of a large project, try to see that through before resigning. There’s nothing worse than announcing you are quitting while everyone is knees deep in an assignment."

In addition, she says it's important to give sufficient notice. "When resigning, you should let your employer know you are prepared to fulfill the two-week notice period. If possible, you can also offer to give an additional week to help with your transition (make sure this added time won’t be an issue with your new employer first, though)." 

9. When the timing is right, schedule a meeting with your boss, and prepare what you're going to say.

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Williams says your boss should be the first person you notify (no, not your work BFF). And she says, "It should absolutely be a face-to-face conversation or phone call if you work remotely."

Think about and practice what you're going to say before the meeting. Williams suggests, "Make sure you begin the conversation with a positive. You can share how much you have learned and grown thanks to strong leadership like your boss." 

10. Be clear and direct, and be prepared for a counteroffer.

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Williams says some employers try to pressure or even bully team members into staying, so be clear and direct with your intentions and stay strong. 

She also notes, "There is a large likelihood you will receive a counteroffer. In this incredibly competitive market for talent, we are seeing more companies counter offer their employees than ever before. While a counter can be incredibly tempting, I never advise people to accept a counteroffer. There is a reason you started interviewing in the first place; even if it was largely about money, counteroffers are too little too late. You shouldn’t have to resign for your company to finally see your worth and pay you what you deserve!"

11. Submit a formal resignation letter, and if needed, reach out to HR.

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After you've told your boss, ask them if you should let HR know or if they will handle it. Then, put together a formal resignation letter (Williams passed along this handy resignation letter generator), which you'll need to give to your boss and anyone else they ask you to include. 

12. Wait to tell coworkers until you get the go-ahead from your boss.

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I know, I know, this is easier said than done, but to keep you from burning bridges, don't share the news until you get the green light from your boss. Why? Williams explains that, "Your company may want to come up with a strategy before announcing your resignation, especially if they feel it will have a large impact on the organization/culture."

13. Then, continue working hard so you can leave on a good note.

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So, you got the job and put in your notice, but that doesn't mean you can slack off the last couple of weeks. Williams notes, "While it may be hard to stay focused when you are one foot out the door, try to deliver the same caliber of work as before you resigned."

She says, "You want to leave with the same poise and professionalism that you began the job with."

Have you quit a job in the last year? Tell us why in the comments.

And for more stories about work and money, like how people are finding jobs on TikTok and the red flags that you might be experiencing burnout, check out the rest of our personal finance posts.