We’ve been writing a lot about how your finances are related to your career. If your career is going well, chances are your finances are going well too. And a lot of the time, achieving success in your career is about knowing when to quit. Not that you need to quit, of course, For some, staying in the current job is ideal. But with the way the recession has put up roadblocks for many young people and with the way industries change so quickly in the era of globalization, many people find they have to switch jobs to get ahead. That’s why learning how to know when to quit your job can help your career – and your finances.

But how do you know when to quit and move on? Here are 5 signs that you should consider quitting (and finding a new opportunity):

1. Your Skills are Underutilized

Have you given your all to the company, only to be overlooked time after time? If you feel as though you have developed skills valuable to the company, and that you could make larger contributions, but you are repeatedly passed over, it might be time to move on.

It’s not just about a promotion. It might be about your interest in taking on greater responsibility, or proving yourself with a challenging project. If your bosses won’t let you show that you’re capable of more, it’s a good sign that you aren’t going to advance at that company. You might want to go where someone recognizes your value, and where you can grow professionally and as a person.

2. Your Values Don’t Match Company Culture

To some extent, a job is just a job. However, at some point, if the company culture is very different from your own values, it can be hard to keep working there. If you feel like those working around you don’t have the same ethics, and if you can’t respect your boss and the higher-ups because you know of their behavior, it might be time to leave. It’s not just about being a good match for the company; the company should be a good match for you, too.

Many workers are happier when they feel as though they contribute to something meaningful with their jobs. Whether or not you feel as though you work for a company that manufactures the best of something, and whether or not you feel the company is providing some good in the world, matters.

3. You Feel Dissatisfaction with Your Compensation Package

Does your job allow you to be financially stable? Are you struggling financially or have debt? This isn’t just about a raise. While pay is a big deal, you also need to look at other benefits and perks of the job. Do you have good health insurance? Do you like the vacation policy? Perhaps you get discounted access to the gym, or on-site childcare. Think about the various aspects of your compensation. Do your other perks outweigh somewhat low pay? If not, and if you feel that you could get better pay (or at least better perks) elsewhere, consider making a switch.

4. You Can’t Fit the Job with the Your Preferred Lifestyle

How does your job fit in with your lifestyle? Does it allow you time with your family? Think about where your job fits in. In many case, you really are your job. This means that you need to think about how you feel about that fact – and whether your job is helping you reach your long-term lifestyle goals. Keep the big picture in mind. At some point, your job needs to be part of your ongoing efforts to improve your lifestyle over time.

5. You Dread Going to Work Every Day

We all have days – and even entire weeks – when we wish we didn’t have to go into work. I only have to commute downstairs to my home office, and there are days that I just want to stay in bed without facing the computer. But has it become a source of stress in your life?

If you dread going to work every day, and if you are consumed by anxiety, it’s probably time to quit. This anxiety can stem from the way you are treated by co-workers, or from the stress that comes with working 12-hours a day. Consider your feelings about work, and if you find that stress overrides everything, consider quitting.

We hope these tips help you understand how to know when to quit your job. It’s a difficult topic, but ultimately one that can help you achieve the life you want.

Tell us what you think in the comments below. When would you consider quitting a job?

Image credit: Victor1558