7 good reasons why people leave their jobs

Leaving a job is often a difficult choice to make but sometimes there comes a time in life where people, for various reasons, ultimately decide to quit their jobs. Typically, when the choice is made to resign, a common reason is the person needs to make some sort of change. Quitting a job is the first step in that direction.

Change can mean different things to people. A reason for leaving could mean a better employment opportunity is on the horizon, family obligations that need taking care of, or it could be a person needs to remove him or herself from a negative environment or bad work situation. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to leave their jobs. How do you know when it's time to move on?

7 reasons why people leave their jobs

1. Family obligations

Family obligations come in many shapes and forms. Working parents appreciate the challenges and have a good grasp on the pressures felt when holding down a full-time job, balancing daycare and spending time with the kids. Many families feel the pressure of needing a two-income household, however, those who have an economic choice may decide to drop that second salary and leave a job to focus on raising the children.

In some instances, it could also mean extended family needs care. Many people leave their jobs to care for an elderly parent or sick family member. If a job cannot provide the flexibility needed to take care of family, often the end result is for an individual to quit a job to either take care of family full time or find a more flexible job that fits their needs.

2. Greener pastures

Another common reason why people leave their jobs is to broaden their work experience and move onto greener pastures. It may mean being offered a new promotion in their current company or they received a better opportunity with another organization. Higher pay, more responsibility, and/or new career growth options are some of the primary reasons why people opt to leave their jobs.

3. Relocating

If one's spouse is relocating, or there is a familial desire to make a physical move, this is another common reason why people may opt to leave their jobs. If the family is moving out of a desire to make a change then the resignation is optional, however, if a spouse's job has moved or other family need arises, the resignation may be a forced one, not one necessarily desired.

4. Continue college

Sometimes people leave their jobs to follow their dream to continue college and decide to pursue education full time. Other times, people may decide they need additional education because their job skills are becoming obsolete or career has come to a standstill due to a missing college degree. Going to school full time can help open additional career options much more quickly.

5.  Negative or toxic work environment

People who dread going to work or find themselves becoming physically ill from stress caused by the job may decide the better option is to quit rather than get sick. A bad work situation is unhealthy and for some the more appealing or better option is to remove themselves from the situation rather than continue to suffer and be ill.

6. Financial reasons

A job that offers a low salary and/or no tangible benefits is often a strong incentive to leave a position. People who aren't making enough money in a current job to make ends meet may find they are better off investing their time in a new job or training program that will lead to a better position.

7. Job not challenging enough

Jobs that have no challenge can become mundane and boring. People often are attracted to intrinsic benefits offered with a job and those jobs which do not offer some sort of internal reward may not be enough incentive to stay. Some organizational studies have speculated people who are allowed to have some level of responsibility and autonomy in their positions are more productive and satisfied in their jobs. Individuals may opt to leave a job that does not offer this internal reward.

Those who are pondering making a job change would be wise to first evaluate their reasons for doing so before quitting. People who make decisions made on a whim or in the heat of the moment often find themselves regretting their decisions. As one contemplates leaving a job it is important to be careful not to become a statistic in the growing unemployment numbers because of a whimsical decision.

There is often very good reasons to leave a job, however, it is also a good reason to first evaluate the reasons to resign and also have a good backup plan before leaving.