You’re Googling “should I quit my job” while mentally packing up your desk. Again.
If your job leaves you feeling numb, drained, or just completely out of sync with who you are. And misalignment doesn't mean failure. It means something needs your attention. That’s what I tell almost every woman who walks into my coaching program wondering why her ambition feels more like a burden than a gift.
I learned this through working with dozens of career changers. Many were high achievers stuck in low-alignment roles—burning out quietly, overthinking everything, and wondering why success felt so empty. They weren’t lazy. They weren’t ungrateful. They were tired of pretending that ticking boxes meant purpose.
So if you're asking, "Should I quit?" it's not a silly question. It's smart. Here's your chance to pause the noise and check in with what really matters.
Signs It Might Be Time to Quit
Let’s break this down. Most of the women I work with didn’t quit overnight. They collected signs for months—sometimes years. Like collecting red flags in a relationship until one day you wake up and can’t ignore them anymore.
Some signs are loud:
- Sunday night panic attacks
- Crying during your lunch break
- Physical symptoms like migraines, insomnia, or digestive issues
But some are quiet and sneaky:
- You scroll job boards without even realizing it
- You mute yourself more and more in meetings
- You start saying, "I'm just lucky to have a job"
And if you're someone whose Sparketype is a Sage or Advisor, but you're being asked to do repetitive, process-driven tasks all day, it's going to wear on you. It's not about being good at your job—it's about whether the job feeds or drains you.
I once had a client who was a Maven Sparketype, which means she was hardwired to crave learning and big-picture thinking. But she was stuck writing scripts for customer service reps. Every day she was asked to simplify her ideas. Within months she started questioning her intelligence. It wasn't her—it was the mismatch.
Reasons You Might Stay (For Now)
Now before you quit dramatically via Slack (true story), let’s talk about what makes staying smart—for now.
Some clients choose to stay short-term because they’re building a bridge to something better. That means: paying off debt, finishing a certification, or growing their transferable skills they’ll need for their next move.
Other times, it's because quitting would trigger a cascade of panic—financial pressure, family tension, identity unraveling. And that kind of chaos isn't the goal.
If you stay, do it with intention. Ask:
- What am I extracting from this job before I go?
- What boundaries can I set while I plan my exit?
- Who can I connect with internally to open future doors?
Staying doesn’t mean giving up. It means using the time wisely.
The 5-Minute Career Check-In
This is something I guide clients through inside the Career Clarity Formula.
Ask yourself:
- Does this job align with my Sparketype?
If you don't know it, take the career quiz. It can change how you view everything. A Maven needs challenge. A Nurturer needs purpose. A Performer needs to be seen. - Do I solve problems that actually matter to me?
One client, a Sparketype Sage, said she felt like she was dying inside writing content for a product she didn’t believe in. When she shifted to a mental health tech startup, everything changed. She didn’t work less—but the work mattered. - Do I leave work feeling energized or depleted?
This one’s simple. Look at your body. Your mood. Your sleep. They’ll tell you before your mind does. - Do I feel seen and supported for what I naturally do best?
You might be great at something, but if no one values it, you’ll eventually stop offering it. That kind of invisibility is exhausting. - Would I apply for this job again if it was posted today?
Gut check. No thinking. Just answer.
What To Do If You Know It’s Time to Quit
I want you to quit like a strategist, not like someone fleeing a fire.
Start by identifying your non-negotiables. What are you never doing again? What do you want more of? This helps you filter future offers.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you’re a Maker, talk about what you build. If you’re a Nurturer, emphasize team impact.
Build a timeline. Ideally, give yourself 3 to 6 months. Use that time to:
- Save 2-3 months of expenses
- Apply for jobs weekly using focused job search strategies
- Start networking internally and externally
- Schedule interviews without announcing anything yet
Get support. A career coach, accountability buddy, or even a Slack community can make the process feel doable.
What To Do If You’re Still Unsure
You don’t have to make a full decision today. But you do need a plan.
Track your energy. One client kept a Google Doc labeled “Energizing vs. Draining.” After a week, the draining list was five pages long. That told her everything.
Talk to someone who isn’t invested in you staying. Coaches. Therapists. Old mentors. They’ll call out what you’re avoiding.
Set a check-in date. In 30 days, re-evaluate. Did anything shift? Are you clearer?
Explore micro-pivots. Volunteer for a new internal project. Ask for a role tweak. Sometimes you don’t need to quit—you just need to rebrand.
How to Leave a Job With Clarity and Grace
When the time comes, leave like someone who values themselves—not someone escaping a bad relationship.
Tell your boss in person or on a call. Be direct: "I've decided to move on for alignment reasons."
Focus on your why: You're not blaming, you're evolving.
Offer to document handoffs or train a peer. That exit grace stays with you long after you leave.
Reach out to colleagues you respect. Let them know you're leaving and would love to stay in touch.
FAQs: Should I Quit My Job?
How long should I stay in a job I know I hate?
Stay just long enough to secure your next step—whether that’s a savings buffer, experience for a role you want, or clarity about what needs to change. If you don’t set a deadline, you’ll likely keep putting it off. Give yourself 90 days to make measurable progress, whether that means applying to 10 jobs, talking to 5 mentors, or updating your resume. Movement helps break the cycle.
What if I’m scared to leave but also miserable?
Both feelings can exist at the same time. Fear just means you care. But staying stuck in misery to avoid discomfort won’t help. Start small. You don’t need to quit tomorrow. Use a worksheet, like the one inside the Career Clarity Formula, to track what’s really draining you. When you see the pattern clearly, action becomes easier.
Can I change careers without starting over?
Yes, especially if you build your pivot around transferable skills. Most women I work with don’t go back to school or take an entry-level job. They reposition what they already know in a way that aligns with their Sparketype and target role. This blog on pivoting without a pay cut is a good place to start.
How do I know if I’m in the wrong career or just the wrong workplace?
If you like the actual work but hate the environment, it’s likely a workplace issue. But if you dread the tasks no matter where you do them, it could be a career mismatch. This blog breaks that down in detail and gives questions to ask yourself.
About Career Coach and Author
Theresa White, Career Clarity Expert, 5x Certified Career Coach, and the Founder of Career Bloom, is known for her expertise in guiding people to get unstuck and find the direction they need to move forward in their careers—fast. In a time when so many people are re-evaluating their work, Theresa offers actionable insights that empower clients to identify their true strengths and pursue work that genuinely aligns with their goals.
Theresa’s clients often call her sessions “epiphanies” and “transformational.” She brings immediate clarity to career goals, helping people unlock a deep understanding of what makes work fulfilling for them. Past participants consistently describe her approach as “spot on” and an “answer to questions they’d been asking for weeks.”
Theresa’s approach is empathetic yet practical, and she’s known for empowering clients with a clear direction in as little as 30 days, guaranteeing results.
Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
You Deserve Work That Feels Like You
This isn’t about quitting because your boss didn’t say thank you. This is about checking in with the direction of your life.
You get one career. It should make sense with who you are.
If you need help finding that direction, you can start with:
- The Sparketype quiz
- The Career Clarity Formula
- Or this real-life story of a teacher pivoting into wellness
Don’t wait until your body forces you to make a change.
Start with a 5-minute check-in. See what it tells you.
Then take one small step toward work that fits. That matches your values. That lets you breathe.
You’re not behind. You’re just ready for something more honest.
And yes, you’re allowed to want that.
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
