How to know when it's time to quit [3 min read]

CW: This blog post contains discussion of stress and thoughts of self-harm.

Here are my 5 red flags that tell you it's time for a change. If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, maybe it's time to send that resignation letter?! 

1. Are you feeling physically ill?

If you are constantly feeling sick, or your back always hurts (when you're not actually injured), or you suffer from migraines for seemingly no reason... this could be a sign that it's time for a change. For a year before I finally burnt out and left the classroom, I felt sick most days and suffered from stomach problems and backache regularly. Now that I'm working for myself and doing something I love, I rarely feel sick and the only time I'm ill is when my son brings home the latest set of germs from nursery!

2. Do you feel like your work is out of alignment with your values?

This applies to lots of things in life - I quit Twitter a couple of years ago because it was no longer aligned with my values - but nowhere is it more important than in the workplace. If you feel like you're constantly fighting against a system that doesn't enable you to be true to your most important values, then, again, maybe think about moving. This could be a move from secondary to primary, or the state system to a private school (or vice versa), or even a move out of the classroom into another career entirely.

3. (TW: Self harm) Are you fantasising about injuring yourself?

If you are imagining what it would feel like to break your arm and have a few weeks (days?!) off work, then this is a huge red flag. When I was at my lowest point before I burnt out, I had fleeting thoughts of injuring myself so I could avoid going to work. If this sounds like you, please speak to a professional and seek help asap.

4. Do you constantly procrastinate and daydream?

While a bit of daydreaming and imagining what it would be like to run a cute little café in the local market town (OK, that's my very specific daydream, but you know what I mean!) is fun now and then, if these thoughts are pervading your every waking hour, this is another red flag that something isn't right. Wishing the weeks away by counting down to the holidays is such a waste of a life and believe me... life doesn't actually have to be like that!

5. Would you be better off financially if you quit?

For most people, leaving a job or moving jobs is a huge financial leap that is too terrifying to contemplate. However, if you do the maths and work out you could be better off somewhere else (with a shorter, cheaper commute, for example), then it's time to hold your nose and jump!

If any of these resonate with you, please don't write to your headteacher telling them that Kate Languages told you to quit your job haha! But do consider booking a 1-2-1 call with me to discuss it, if you want someone to bounce ideas off. I am not a trained counsellor or coach, but I love chatting to teachers and advising them on a wide range of things to do with MFL teaching and even leaving teaching altogether.

These tips featured in an episode of the Kate Languages Podcast. Click here to listen to the episode.