by Leslie Schwab

Created on: September 07, 2009   Last Updated: September 08, 2009

At nearly ten percent, our nation's unemployment rate is the highest it has been in over twenty-five years. There has to be an overwhelming justification, therefore, for quitting one's job. There are three circumstances in which an employee needs to leave his or her job.

For one thing, working in a very stressful environment can have a negative impact upon one's health; both physically and mentally. Elevated stress levels can suppress one's immune system, which can result in getting sick more frequently. Stress interferes with sleep, and it could result in increased tensions with other family members at home. Certain jobs, such as being a police officer, or air traffic controller produce high levels of stress; regardless of the work environment. Stress at the workplace, however, can also result from tensions with employers, supervisors, and co-workers. If these cannot be resolved, then quitting may be the only alternative.

The second circumstance would involve the economic situation of the employer. One indicator of pending economic difficulties would be if the laying-off of co-workers, while your workload isn't being increased. Another is if you are being asked to take days off without pay. Wages and salaries are either being frozen, or cut. Benefits as health insurance and vacation time are being reduced, or eliminated altogether. If this is happening at your place of employment, It may be time to seek another job.

Changes in technology may have an impact on an individual's job security, as well. Many positions are being replaced by new developments in information technology and robotics. For instance, tens of thousands of workers in the automotive industry have had their jobs replaced by robots. Many office workers have been replaced by automated answering services, and computer software applications. If your job stands to be eliminated by a machine or computer, it is time to move on.

Before the decision is made to quit, however, it is important to determine your next move. If you are miserable at your job, you need to be looking for something better. This job search needs to be conducted without the knowledge of your current employer. Make certain your resume' is updated, and well written. If your job is being threatened by new technology, it may be time to learn new skills, or even consider a new occupation. If your employer has a tuition reimbursement program, take advantage of it to attend a program that can better prepare you for the future.

There are times when you have to quit your job. You must, however, leave yourself some options before you make the decision to leave your place of employment. Plan and prepare your next move. Don't quit your job with the expectation that something better will magically appear! In today's job market, that expectation isn't a realistic one.

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