‘The commute costs more than my salary’: Moments employees realized it was time to quit their jobs
Deciding to leave a job is a difficult decision, especially in such an uncertain economy.
Oftentimes, we look for several signs before we even attempt drafting our resignation letter – trying to rationalize our continued stay with the thoughts of having a different approach to accomplish our tasks or strategizing how to feel refreshed and renewed every working day.
But even though we exhaust all means to stay positive, sometimes it just makes sense to look for a career elsewhere. And while no job will ever be perfect, there are just several factors that make some more grueling than others.
We asked our Rappler readers about the moment they realized it was time to quit their jobs, and here’s what they had to say:
Suffering from work stress
For many, experiencing health issues due to work stress quickly drove them to quit their jobs.
Several Rappler readers recalled how they lost several pounds in one month due to work-related anxiety, while others have even gotten hospitalized because of stress.
The worst part, though, is that some employees were even blamed for getting sick, and that their bosses didn’t give them enough space and time to recuperate before reminding them of their deadlines.
“I realized nothing was more important than my wellness physically and mentally,” one comment read. Another also reminded fellow employees to not sacrifice their well-being for the company, because sometimes, employers considered them replaceable.
Lack of proper compensation
We work to make a decent living. And if our employers can’t even give us a livable wage as well as employee benefits, then what’s the point of staying in the company?
One netizen recalled that at one point in their adulting life, they even had to borrow cash just to go to work, while another said that driving to their job actually costs them more than their paycheck.
A Rappler reader also shared that they decided to quit their job when they found out they weren’t getting the fair share for their services, even if the client had paid their company properly, while another wrote about how their allowance was being limited even if their out-of-town trips were all for work.
Toxic management
Working closely with a toxic leader just makes you realize that not everyone is fit to hold a leadership role. For most employees, having bosses that are arrogant, can’t handle feedback, or often abuse their power greatly affects their morale and performance at work.
One Rappler reader shared that their boss kept shouting at them for four consecutive weeks, while another was insulted by their boss instead of being given constructive criticism. A netizen recalled their experience of doing all the work – even those out of their scope – just because their company didn’t want to hire additional people.
There were also cases where some employees experienced power-tripping from their bosses (lucky you, if you haven’t felt that before). If you’re the unlucky teammate that the boss disliked, you were usually the one being blamed for mishaps, or getting additional tasks, or not reaping the benefits. The list goes on.
Having a tumultuous relationship with your supervisor makes it hard for you to succeed in your workplace. So if you’ve done everything in your power to fix the situation and make it work, then start considering leaving your current job. Who knows, a different company with a better boss might just be where you can thrive.
Clashing opinions with the company
Sure, having a job is important, but for most employees, it’s also necessary that they’re working for an honorable company.
One Rappler reader shared that they resigned from their job when their bosses called them after office hours and on a weekend for a personal and political favor, while another recalled how their previous employers and team members started talking badly about their clients and collaborators behind their backs. “Every minute of every day, [there’s] backstabbing and ridiculing. It was too toxic for me so I left,” they wrote.
In some cases, employees also found some company rules to be so stifling that they just decided to quit – especially when it reached the point where they had to choose between their work and loved ones.
Lack of passion and growth in the company
Let’s be real, establishing a career is a piece of work. Sometimes, people realize that their chosen profession doesn’t quite meet their expectations, or that they apparently have a completely different dream job than the one they initially tried pursuing.
There are days when you’ll dread going to work more than usual, and accomplishing a task gets more exhausting than rewarding. It’s maybe because you’ve lost interest in what you do, or you’re left with mediocre tasks because there’s no more opportunity to advance your career.
“I can’t see myself getting older while doing the same exact thing every day with no excitement and unmotivated,” one comment read, while another said: “If I had to wait and work for [my company’s] growth, it will consume a huge portion of my life.”
There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing your own success and trying to look for a different career option with better recognition and rewards. So if you find yourself dreading your work day, then maybe do yourself a favor and start packing. Who knows? Your next job might just be the perfect fit for you.