Top 10 Good Reasons to Quit Your Job

Are you thinking about quitting your job, but not sure you're doing it for the right reason? Or are you not sure whether you should leave now or stay with your current employer for the time being? Before you quit a job, you should be very sure that you want to quit. Once you've turned in your resignation, you probably won't be able to change your mind and get your job back.

Hating your job might not be a good enough reason to quit unless you have another job lined up. There might also be other reasons you should keep your job or wait until a better time. You might even be able to turn things around and learn to love it. That said, there are legitimate reasons to quit a job.

There are also circumstances beyond your control where quitting may be the only viable option. Here are the top 10 warning signs that you need a new job. Sometimes, even if the work environment is difficult, it can be strategic to give another reason for quitting other than that you hate working at the company. Being polite about quitting can help you move on without burning any bridges.

1. You Found a New Job.

Obviously, the best reason to give for quitting a job is that you've found a new one. Before you quit your job, though, make sure that you've covered all the bases, including having a confirmed job offer and a cleaned-out computer and office before you quit.

2. You Hate Your Job.

Don't quit your job right away, even if you hate it. It's better to strategically plan your departure so you're leaving on your terms and you're not scrambling to find another job.

3. Illness.

A reason that can get you off the "bad employee who quit" hook is illness. Either personal or family illnesses are legitimate reasons to quit a job, and sometimes a sudden illness can be an excuse to leave a position. If it's a legitimate reason to quit (i.e., you or someone in your family is chronically ill), make sure that you have continued health insurance coverage after you leave. Also, be aware that you may be eligible for Family and Medical Leave due to personal or family illness.

4. Difficult Work Environment.

Co-workers, bosses, and a negative office environment can all make your job difficult. In fact, they can make your workplace somewhere you simply don't want to be. Once you have tried every option, you may need to make a decision to leave.

5. Schedules and Hours.

When you lose childcare or your work schedule is changed and it's difficult for you to adjust, you may need to quit your job and look for one that is more accommodating to your personal schedule. Leaving a job because of scheduling issues is a legitimate reason for quitting a job.

6. Going Back to School.

Going back to school, either on a part-time or full-time basis, can necessitate a job change. Given your school schedule, your current employment may no longer be a fit.

7. Career Change.

I know more than a few people who have quit a professional job because they want to do something different or they don't want to deal with stress or travel any longer. Whether you want to move up or down the career ladder, a decision to change careers can make good sense if you're looking to do something different.

8. Relocation.

When you move, of course, you have to quit your job unless there are opportunities to relocate with the company. If you are interested in keeping your job when you move, check to see if relocation or working remotely is an option. You can always ask your boss if telecommuting is an option.

9. You Got a Permanent Position.

If you're working as a temp or at a part-time job and want to move on, one of the best reasons to give for quitting is that you have found a permanent full-time position.

10. What Your Gut Tells You.

One of the best mentors I ever had used to tell me that the best way to make decisions was to listen to your gut. He said it worked with hiring, with deciding to accept a job, or deciding to quit a job. He was right. If your gut is telling you to quit, listen to it.