Do you hate your job? It might be better to quit than continue sticking it out in hopes it’ll improve.
Close to three in five workers say that one of their top career regrets is staying at a job for too long, according to a survey of 1,000 workers across the US, UK, Germany, and France by Resume Now. Conversely, only about two in five workers said they regret quitting a job.
The broader takeaway is that workers are more likely to regret not taking action in their career over making moves that might initially feel risky or overly assertive.
Workers said their other top professional regrets include not asking for a pay raise, not negotiating their salary, and not prioritizing their work-life balance.
That said, if you’re struggling in your current role but don’t see any other promising alternatives on the job market, don’t be afraid to speak up at your company. Check in with your colleagues first to gauge their feelings about their daily responsibilities. And if you do realize you’re having a harder time than others, set up a meeting with your manager to (tactfully) voice your concerns. You might even find that there are ways to improve your current situation.
“Many employers offer access to skilling programs and career resources that can help you identify new roles and pathways that you might not have previously considered,” Dorrie Presson, a senior career coach at the education and skilling platform Guild, told Business Insider. “Pursuing learning and development is often a way to signal to your employer, who is often motivated to prioritize internal candidates, that you’re committed to your growth.”
Whether you stay in your current role, or move on to a new one, remember to take small breaks during the workday, Debbie Sorensen, a clinical psychologist based in Denver, previously told Business Insider.
“Take time to connect with coworkers, take a break to do something that enhances your life, like a short walk or a crossword puzzle, or even add a little creative energy to an otherwise mundane task,” Sorensen said. “These small moments of meaning can add up to make a job more enjoyable.”
