Surely all of us have wondered at some point in our lives whether the decision we made when building our career was really the right one.
This thought tends to take hold of us mainly when we are in a job that not only fails to excite us in the slightest, but also causes us a certain degree of emotional distress, either because the work is not in line with our principles or because we do not feel comfortable or valued in our working environment.
If we have reached this point, perhaps the best solution is to resign from our current job so that we can aim for another job in which we feel more fulfilled and which makes it easier to balance our personal and working lives.
However, when we think about leaving our job, we are often overcome by feelings of guilt and uncertainty that stop us from making this decision and taking on new professional projects.
That is why, if you are thinking about leaving your job but guilt is holding you back, we recommend that you keep reading this article to learn about some key points that will help you take this important step to improve your emotional wellbeing and feel calmer and at peace with yourself.
Reasons why you should leave your current job
If deep down you know you should leave your current job, but you are overwhelmed by a strong sense of guilt just thinking about it, here are some of the main red flags that you should leave your job without feeling guilty:
- Being unable to balance your family life and your work
Family is one of the most important things we have. That is why, when work takes up so much space in our daily lives that it stops us from spending a little time each day with our loved ones, we need to reconsider whether work is really so important that it is worth giving up time with our children, relatives or friends.
In this way, the lack of opportunities for work-life balance is one of the main reasons why people decide to leave their jobs and, in the vast majority of cases, without regrets.
- Too much responsibility and stress
When we spend a long time in a position that offers us unfavourable working conditions, such as endless working days, no chance of promotion or a salary below the market rate, it is normal for us to end up sinking into a state of stress and anxiety that takes its toll on our mental health.
That is why, if you find yourself in a very demanding job where you are not comfortable and which causes you negative feelings that stop you from separating your personal time from your working time, perhaps it is a good moment to look for another job.
- Fear of the unknown
There are many people who, despite receiving job offers, prefer to settle for the job they have, even if they do not feel comfortable with their working environment or their current conditions. This is because many people are afraid of the unknown and decide to settle for the job they have instead of taking a risk and betting on a possibly better future.
As the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and most people who dare to take the risk and go for a change of job end up gaining in wellbeing and mental health.
What can I do to leave my job without feeling guilty?
Before deciding to leave our job, we must be aware that this decision inevitably involves certain risks that we must be willing to take. Likewise, leaving a job that does not make us happy will also inevitably help to reduce our levels of stress and anxiety, at least for a while.
That is why we must assess our personal situation, as well as the job options we have, and make a decision in line with both our needs and our interests.
One of the factors that reduces the risk of feeling guilty after leaving a job is already having another company interested in us, as this way we can make sure that we will keep receiving a monthly income.
That is why we recommend that you take your time before making the decision to leave your job, weighing up and analysing your personal, professional and financial situation. Only in this way will you be able to make the right decision.
Arantxa Pisón, psychologist in Vigo
