NO Job is Worth Your Mental Health

Hello #GloGetter !

Do you hate your job? And I don’t just mean your coworkers are annoying and the printer never works properly, I mean hateeeee your job.

Do you feel like your work consistency drains you, compromises your peace, and/or makes you bad about yourself? Then, you may be working in a toxic work environment.

Unfortunately for many of us in this economy, this is our shared reality. As the result of a lot of variables, it can be challenging to find work that makes you feel fulfilled, valued, and (most importantly) safe.

If you are confident your work environment is unbearably toxic, it may be time to quit. Something that can feel very scary and often times foolish can actually completely change your quality of life.

While I hope this post encourages your to seriously start considering a change in work enviornment and/or career, I want to make a few things absolutely CLEAR.

1. Have a Plan When You Decide You’re Going to Leave a Job.

This plan should certainly include a full inventory of reoccurring financial responsibilities you have like bills and child care. You also need to factor in your personal timeline… Perks of your current job you may not want to lose (health care, flexibility, free meals, etc.)… MOST IMPORTANTLY, your next opportunity. What will replace the income you will lose by leaving this job? Have you already secured a better opportunity? And I mean offer letter signed and start date identified. Maybe you have enough savings to take that leap. Maybe your business is consistently making enough for you to sustain your life off of it 100%. These are all essential details to factor into your plan. While it’s cool to rip your apron off and throw it at your boss on your way out the door like they do in the movies, this is not realistic for fair to your future self. Leaving a job is already hard enough, reduce any stress by solidifying a plan of action that will ensure a smooth transition.

2. Leave With Grace.

To my earlier point, don’t throw your uniform at people and set the establishment on fire on your way out. As much as all of the stress, sacrifice and disappointment you may have experienced from this job may warrant that sort of response, don’t do it. Leave with a smile and gratitude. Though you will no longer need them for a pay check, you will need them for a recommendation. You also don’t want to do anything that will compromise the work-needs of anyone you may leaving behind. Or your freedom… 👀🚔😂

3. Check In With Your To Ensure This is Your Only Option.

Though most of us would quit our jobs in a heartbeat if given the chance, a lot of these stressful jobs are not completely unbearable. Sometimes we have bad days, weeks, and even quarters at a job. This can be for manyyyy reasons. Before you decide to quite a job ask reflect on your ENTIRE experience and ask yourself if this is the best move for you at the moment. You may actually turn out to realize you can put in another years or so of work if you make minor adjustments to alleviate the stressors you have identified. However… If you job is ever putting your safety at risk, a consistent risk to your mental health, or taking you away from your personal goals and values… It may be time to seriously consider a new direction and come up with that plan of action to leave with grace.

My Experience:

I left my “dream job” back in 2023. While I have many regrets, most of them being related to neglecting the advice I gave above, I don’t regret doing it at all. I wish I were a little more prepared, but being on the other side of that miserable job has allowed me to regain my voice and a sense of stability I simply didn’t have there. My life isn’t easy or glamorous these days, but I am happier than I ever was there. I am living proof that there is life after that job you may secretly believe defines you. Your next opportunity is out there and it will unlock a healthier happier version of yourself!

#lemon8partner , #WorkStress , #MentalHealth , #WorkLifeBalance