Because Staying Too Long Can Screw You More Than Leaving
You’ve found a job you actually like—maybe even love. The team’s solid, the work’s decent, and the paycheck clears. But lately, something’s off. The spark’s fading, the grind’s heavier, or the ceiling’s closer than you thought. In this Real Talk episode, we’re getting real about when to call it quits—even on a good thing. No guilt trips, just the signs it’s time to bounce and how to do it right.
Sign #1: You’re Bored Out of Your Skull
If you’re clocking in and coasting on autopilot, that’s not comfort—it’s stagnation. A job you love should challenge you, not just keep you busy. Ask: “Am I learning anything new? Growing at all?” If it’s a no, and there’s no path to shake things up—like a promotion or new project—it’s a slow death. You’re not a robot; don’t settle for a rinse-repeat life.
Sign #2: The Vibe’s Shifting (and Not in a Good Way)
Maybe the boss you clicked with left, or the company’s chasing profits over purpose. A good gig can sour fast when the culture tanks—think micromanaging, cliques, or “just hit the numbers” vibes. If the stuff you loved (the people, the mission) is eroding, don’t wait for it to hit rock bottom. You’re not married to this place.
Sign #3: Your Goals Don’t Fit Anymore
You’re not the same person who took this job. Maybe you want more cash, a bigger title, or a total career pivot—freelancing, a startup, whatever. If the gig can’t flex to match your new ambition, it’s holding you back. Loyalty’s cool, but not when it’s a cage. Check: “Can this job get me where I want to be in two years?” If not, start plotting.
Sign #4: The Juice Ain’t Worth the Squeeze
Even a dream job has bad days, but if the stress, hours, or commute are draining you dry—and the payoff (money, satisfaction, whatever) doesn’t balance it anymore—it’s a losing deal. In SA, where traffic and load shedding already test your soul, you can’t afford a gig that tips you over the edge. Ask: “Is this still worth it?”
How to Jump Ship Like a Pro
- Plan First: Don’t rage-quit unless it’s toxic as hell. Line up savings (three months if you can), update your CV, and start sniffing out leads—JVR Jobs, LinkedIn, your network.
- Exit Clean: Give notice (two weeks or whatever’s standard), wrap up loose ends, and don’t burn bridges. A “Thanks for the ride, I’m chasing a new challenge” keeps it classy.
- Reflect, Don’t Regret: Once you’re out, unpack what worked and what didn’t. It’s intel for the next move, not a pity party.
Real Talk Takeaway
Leaving a job you love isn’t failure—it’s knowing your worth and your limits. Good gigs don’t last forever, and that’s okay. Spot the signs, make your move, and keep the story moving forward. You’re not stuck—you’re strategic.
Next up in Real Talk: How to reinvent yourself for the next big thing. Stay locked in.