How do you know when it is time to quit your job

nurseangel47 · Jan 7, 2007

You stated things are not the same on the unit and a lot of people are leaving. Do you know why they're leaving? Have they let it be known the reason(s) why...? If the reasons they state are similar to how you feel about issues on the unit, then perhaps it is time to transfer out or resign after investigating another position elsewhere. Much luck from one who chooses to not stay where it's not safe, or friendly....

GardenDove · Jan 7, 2007

For me, I usually ignore these signs of stress until a crisis forces me to change. Therefore, I advise you to heed your inner voice. Start thinking of a backup plan now. You are very marketable.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

Units change. I used to be on a great unit, and then one day I woke up and realized it'd gone completely toxic.

My self-esteem was so poisoned that when I went on one interview, one question was, "Tell me three words that coworkers think of when they think of you," and I was utterly unable to say anything good.

Maybe I should've gotten out sooner. Regardless, that failed interview question was the biggest eye-opener, and I needed it. It was quite a process to evaluate my skills and my options, and if I had to do it all over again, I would probably be smart and go to a few EAP sessions to sort out all those emotions.

That said, my advice is to always keep your options open. Keep your resume up to date, keep your references relevant, and do timely self-evaluations (not how your manager or coworkers see you, but how would an outside employer see you?) and take control of your career. Be proactive, because change is going to happen, and if you find that change to be intolerable for one reason or another, you will be ready to do what you have to do.

Best wishes, whatever you decide.

Blackcat99 · Jan 7, 2007

I know it is time to leave a job when all I can think about is giving a 2-week notice. I would spend so much time writing and re-writing the 'perfect 2 week notice." It was all I could think about.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

I know it is time to leave a job when all I can think about is giving a 2-week notice. I would spend so much time writing and re-writing the 'perfect 2 week notice." It was all I could think about.

That reminds me--I had a friend who discovered that there was power in actually writing out her two-week notice of resignation and carrying a fresh one with her every shift she worked.

She said it helped her to feel more in control of the situation, like she could leave if she wanted. When things got bad, we'd pass each other in the hallway and she'd hold up the paper and wave it at me, and I knew she was thinking of handing it in, and we'd get a laugh and it'd break the tension just enough to get through another day.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jan 7, 2007

if you need to ask, it is prob time to leave...good luck

Lacie, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

if you need to ask, it is prob time to leave...good luck

Couldnt have said it better.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 7, 2007

I agree with the other posters to this thread and would just add:

1. Stay on good terms with everyone as you make that final decision and explore your options. You'll want to leave on good terms with everyone so that your professional reputation will be a positive one within the community. Also, you might want to return there someday -- perhaps not right away -- but who knows what might happen down the road.

2. Try to stay in your current job (if you can) until you have another job lined up. If you resign first, you will be under pressure to find a new job fairly quickly and may make a mistake because of that pressure and end up in a bad situation. Assess what you want to do next, explore your options, etc. THEN resign. That's the best way to do it if you can.

3. Take a little time off in between jobs. It doesn't have to be a long time, but it should be enough to "clear your head" and get rested and refreshed (both physically and mentally) so that you can start your new job really ready to begin a new chapter in your career.

4. Some people in your situation maintain ties to their old unit by working PRN on a very ocassional basis. That has both its advantages and disadvantages and is a close call that you should think through carefully. The advantage is that it may keep you in good graces with your old employer and keeps the door open for you to return if your new job doesn't work out. You may also be able to keep more of your seniority should you return to work there full time in the future. The down side is that maintaining those ties my prevent you from making a full investment in your new job -- which would make your adjustment to the new job more difficult and less likely.

Good luck to you!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

You know ive kind of wondered the same thing now and then. But,, in the last 6 months since ive had to go back to working night rotation i think about it a lot harder now.

One day is horride then it isnt so bad for a while, but lately when i have to go in and work nights i can feel myself getting nauseated and really not wanting to go. So maybe thats MY sign. Maybe ill try the resignation in the pocket idea, see if that helps.

outcomesfirst, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

Not being able to sleep, because you know you have to go to work..........

Not wanting to get up for work.........being late to work............

Calling in sick.............

Watching the clock at work everyday...........

Any form of potential substance abuse..........(alcohol, tylenol pm, drugs....)

Letting any care slip, 'cause your tired............

Gossiping more than working................

Intentionally not thinking about your job on days off..............

Disparaging comments about you, your profession, your team members, your organization...........

Blaming personal issues on your job............

Questioning yourself if it is time to find a new job may be a sign, but I agree yo should be rationale about it. Write down your pros and cons, your level of contentment versus happiness/joy, you needs and your future plans. Take thoughtful stock and develop a plan. Sometimes it may help to discuss with others, but try not to focus on your peers - they also have agendas. Best wishes, this is a tough situation that we all face at some point.

CCURN · Jan 10, 2007

Thanks you guys, that was very helpful. I am cutting down my hours to see if that helps, and will pick up elsewhere. We will see how that one goes...Thanks