You start a great-paying job, and everything is going well! You like the people, and the job is challenging. It’s a bit stressful, but you know once you get settled in, things will get simpler. But time passes by, and it’s still just as nerve-wracking. You eventually realize this is just what the job entails.
If a job is just stressful, that’s one thing. But if the stress starts to affect your life after hours, and if your mental health starts to suffer, it might be time to look at a different career option. Here are a few signs it might be time to quit.
- You Can’t Sleep
This doesn’t just mean working late into the night. If you’re unable to sleep because you can’t stop thinking about deadlines, or how much you dislike your boss, or how Tina owes you a project, that isn’t normal.
According to healthline, insufficient sleep can cause memory issues, trouble with thinking and concentration, mood changes, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, and more. So even if you feel fine, if you aren’t getting enough sleep you’re eventually likely to suffer the consequences.
- You Take it Out on the Family
If you start snapping at your spouse or children (or even your dog), that could be a sign that your stress at work is starting to get to you. Was a kid leaving their toys out really worth a screaming session, or was that because you were worried about an upcoming project?
- Sundays Stink
If you find yourself loving Saturdays, but spending Sunday worried about what the upcoming week might entail, that means way too much of your brain is stuck on work mode. You’re supposed to be resting, not fretting about the coming week.
- You Complain. A lot.
Everyone complains about their job from time to time. That’s normal. What isn’t normal is spending 80% of every conversation talking about how awful your co-workers are, or how you have too much work. This can alienate you from your friends, even if you don’t realize you’re doing it!
Sacrificing your mental health isn’t worth that huge paycheck. Odds are there’s another job out there that will offer you similar pay without the stress.
Have you ever worked a high-paying job that wasn’t worth the stress? Did you quit? How did things turn out? Let us know in the comments section below!
