When Should You Quit Your Job?

I came across a post that made me think about this topic. Someone had decided to quit their job because no one in the company asked what they wanted. Surprisingly, the post went viral on LinkedIn and was copied by many.

But here’s the truth: you are not a phuphaji in your company, and the company is not your sasural. If you think your employer will magically know your mann ki baat or check in every morning and evening about your expectations, that’s unrealistic. Thinking this way may even reflect a touch of narcissism.

I believe you should consider quitting your job only if one or more of the following reasons apply to you:

1. If you are mentally, emotionally, or physically abused.
   This could mean being constantly overworked, dealing with a toxic boss, or having unsupportive colleagues. Such an environment will only harm your health, possibly leading to burnout, nervous breakdowns, or worse.

2. If you have no chance to grow.
   When you feel stuck in a dead-end role with no opportunities for growth, it’s time to move on. Time is precious—you should be learning something new every day, whether from your work, colleagues, managers, or challenges.

3. If your job offers no challenges.
   Challenges trigger adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones that fuel high performance and keep you motivated. Without challenges, work becomes monotonous and uninspiring.

4. If you want to diversify your career.
   Career diversification is important. I’m not suggesting you try to become a polymath, but you should keep learning new things alongside your primary work.

5. If your paycheck doesn’t meet your or your family’s basic needs.
   At the end of the day, one of the main reasons we work is to earn a living. If your salary doesn’t cover your standard of living, no amount of hard work will feel worthwhile.

Notice that I’ve put salary last on the list. That’s because money shouldn’t be the only reason you stay in a job. If you’re growing, learning, and enjoying your work, financial rewards will eventually follow. And to be clear, enjoying work doesn’t mean being in love with a colleague—it means finding joy in the work itself.