These days, most of us goes through the experience of resigning from jobs multiple times during our working career. Depending on the situation, the experience of resigning can range from terrifying to thrilling.

Making that decision to hand in your notice can be very difficult, and we’ve all seen people hesitate for months (or even years), while their work and relationships deteriorate as a result. It’s understandable, given so many factors come in to play – the ability to find another job, any obligation you feel to your employer, manager, or team, your attachment to clients, a project, or the type of work, your financial situation. I too have stayed in jobs far too long out of habit, fear, or a misplaced sense of duty.

Quitting a job is a decision made jointly by our heads and our hearts. So how do we know when it’s the right time?

The following three situations are clear signs:

1. WHEN YOU ARE BEING BULLIED OR HARASSED IN THE WORKPLACE, AND HR ISN’T TAKING CARE OF IT

Workplace bullying and harassment of any nature are never acceptable. If you find yourself in this position, your first port of call should be your Human Resources department or your manager. If the processes put in place are insufficient, it’s time to go.

2. WHEN THE JOB IS NO LONGER WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR, AND YOU WOULDN’T SIGN UP FOR IT NOW

Sometimes roles and responsibilities can change significantly over time. The dream job you were so proud of originally can turn into a mere shadow of its former glory. In this case, it’s a good idea to check in with yourself whether you would apply for the role with its current job description. If so, accept that this is the new normal, and get stuck in. If not, you can start drafting that letter with a clear conscience.

3. WHEN THE JOB CLASHES WITH YOUR PERSONAL VALUES

Again, this can be something that happens over time as a role or organization evolves. Even if you love working with your colleagues or clients, performing duties in a manner that clashes with your core values is a fast track to discontent. Get out now – there will be other organisations that better align with what you hold to be true.

But what about when to stay?

Sometimes we need to really assess the source of our dissatisfaction with work, such as:

1. WHEN YOU FEEL THAT YOU JUST AREN’T UP TO THE JOB

Having thoughts like this is a strong signal to take a look at what’s going on in your mind. Is there really objective evidence that you aren’t capable? Are your expectations of yourself and your ability to learn realistic (hello, perfectionists!)? Check in with your manager or someone else you trust – it’s highly likely your own thinking is the source of the problem, rather than your job or performance. Thinking patterns like this will follow you wherever you go, so learning to manage them will support your career development in any role.

2. WHEN YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE BURNT OUT

Burnout is a real phenomenon in high-stress or caring professions. If you think it’s happening to you, it’s time to check in with a professional. Many organizations have links with providers that support their employees with work-related stress. It’s also a good idea to take a look at your annual leave balance – have you been taking regular vacations throughout the year (and more than the occasional long weekend)? If you used to enjoy the work, and want to again, there are a number of self-care strategies that can be put in place to combat burnout. Get support and check them out before you write that letter of resignation.

Quitting isn’t easy, but knowing that you are doing it for the right reasons is important. Making the choice to stay can be just as tough. Take the time to honestly evaluate your situation in your head and your heart, listen to what they tell you, and take action.

Averil Schiff

Averil Linn writes about managing your mind to improve your life, happiness, and wellbeing from the clean, green paradise that is New Zealand. With over a decade’s experience in the field of behavior change and a strong belief in the transformative power of mindfulness, Averil’s unique style involves teaching others to apply therapeutic techniques to everyday life in an accessible way. She believes that everyone is capable of better wellbeing by learning to change their relationship to their thoughts, feelings, and actions. To connect with Averil, visit her site This Short Life at http://thisshortlife.com and tweet her at @this_short_life.