Should I stay or go? 5 Essential Questions to ask yourself about your Current Job

Have you ever felt the "Sunday Scaries"? That creeping anxiety as the weekend winds down and the reality of Monday morning approaches. You’re not alone—a recent Solitaired study found that 69% of people experience this feeling. For some, it's simply about saying goodbye to the fun and relaxation of the weekend, but for others, it's a much deeper issue: they just don’t like their boss or job. Whether it’s an overwhelming workload, difficult coworkers, or a boss who makes your life miserable, we’ve all been there at some point. I remember sitting in my car, dreading when I had to enter the office. At the time, I loved working with students, but my daily tasks were draining, and I had been passed over for promotions more times than I could count. 

I knew it was time for a change, but when you have bills to pay, a family to support, and financial obligations that rely on that direct deposit, leaving isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Yet, “Should I stay or should I go?” isn’t just about work; it’s about how fulfilled you feel. Here’s why your answer matters:

• Mental and Physical Health: Loving your job can reduce stress and improve well-being. On the flip side, disliking your job can contribute to burnout, anxiety, and even physical ailments.

• Career Growth: When you're passionate about what you do, you're more likely to invest in personal development and take the initiative to grow in your field. If you’re miserable, you may stagnate and lose interest in advancing.

• Work-Life Balance: How you feel about your job directly impacts your time outside work. A job you love can motivate you to create a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle, while a job you loathe can drain your energy, making it hard to enjoy anything else.

  

  Whether you love your job or just tolerate it, recognizing your feelings is the first step toward making a change. So here’s a quick 5 question assessment to help you figure it out:

  • Do I feel energized by the work I do?

  • Am I excited about growth opportunities in my current role?

  • Do I feel supported and appreciated by my colleagues and supervisors?

  • Can I see myself here in five years?

  • Does my job align with my long-term goals and values?

  If you answered “no” to most questions, now's the time to explore new opportunities and take control of your career path. That doesn’t mean you need to walk away today, but you need to make a plan for your eventual exit. 

  Here are a few tips to consider: 

  1. Reflect on your long-term goals and define your career vision so you can begin working towards it.

  2. Talk to your supervisor about getting involved in initiatives that align more with your passions or interests.

  3. Take advantage of professional development funds or invest on your own to start building skills that will help you transition later (courses, webinars, certificate programs).

  4. Update your resume and LinkedIn so you can apply when you see an opportunity.

  5. Be intentional in networking within and outside of your organization. When you are ready to make your next move, you should have at least 3 people who can offer powerful and positive recommendations for you. 

  Taking these steps can help you set yourself up for a more fulfilling career move in the future.

  If you need coaching help or career support head over to www.drdarmayweather.com/coaching for additional resources.