Look, we all have bad days at work. Maybe your boss micromanaged you into oblivion, your coworkers left you out of the lunch invite (again), or someone reheated fish in the office microwave. But when does a bad day turn into a sign that it’s time to pack up your desk and get the heck out?
If you’re wondering whether you should quit, here’s a handy guide to help you decide.
1. You Hate Waking Up for Work More Than You Hate Mondays
We’re not talking about the usual “Ugh, it’s Monday” feeling. If your first thought every morning is, “Oh no, not this place again,” that’s a red flag. Your job should not cause you existential dread before your first cup of coffee.
🚨 Sign to Leave: You’re already mentally exhausted before you even log in.
✅ Sign to Stay: You occasionally get excited about a project (or at least, free bagel Fridays).
2. Your Boss is a Villain Straight Out of a Movie
If your boss reminds you of the evil stepmother from Cinderella, it might be time to go. A bad manager can make even the best job miserable.
🚨 Sign to Leave: Your boss belittles you, takes credit for your work, or makes you question reality (Gaslighting? In this economy?).
✅ Sign to Stay: Your boss may be demanding, but they actually help you grow (or at least, they let you work in peace).
3. The Pay is… What Year is This Again?
If your paycheck makes you feel like you time-traveled back to 2012, it might be time to move on.
🚨 Sign to Leave: You haven’t gotten a raise in years, and your paycheck barely covers the cost of existing.
✅ Sign to Stay: You’re fairly compensated, and your company is transparent about raises (rare, but it happens!).
4. You’re Doing the Work of Three People (for the Pay of Half a Person)
If your company is handing out layoffs like Oprah (“You’re fired! You’re fired! Everyone’s fired!”) and now you’re covering multiple roles with no extra pay, it’s time to reconsider your life choices.
🚨 Sign to Leave: You’re so overworked that you dream about spreadsheets and emails.
✅ Sign to Stay: You’re busy, but it’s manageable and leads to career growth.
5. The Company Culture is More Toxic Than a Reality Show
If your workplace drama rivals The Bachelor, run. Gossip, backstabbing, and unspoken rules that make no sense? No thanks.
🚨 Sign to Leave: You feel drained by office politics, and trust is nonexistent.
✅ Sign to Stay: Your workplace has challenges, but people are generally respectful and supportive.
6. You’re Only There Because of Fear (or Laziness)
Be honest: Are you still at this job because it’s easier than job hunting? If the only thing keeping you there is fear of change, that’s a sign you should start looking.
🚨 Sign to Leave: You’re only staying because you’re scared of updating your resume.
✅ Sign to Stay: You actually like your job, even if it’s not perfect.
So, Should You Quit?
If you checked off most of the “leave” signs, it’s time to start applying elsewhere. And lucky for you, Incognito.Careers makes job hunting painless (well, less painful, at least).
👉 We’ll help you update your resume, optimize your applications, and find jobs that don’t make you want to scream into a pillow.