Should I quit my job to focus on my health?

Asked by: Juwan Bernier  |  Last update: October 1, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (53 votes)

When you find that your job is taking a severe toll on either your physical or mental health, it is time to go. You should never allow yourself to become another statistic whose health and wellbeing is destroyed by a job that creates undue stress and negativity.

Is it OK to quit job for health reasons?

Personal or family illnesses are both legitimate reasons to quit a job, and sometimes a sudden illness can be an excuse to leave a position. If it's a legitimate reason to quit (i.e., you or someone in your family is chronically ill), make sure that you have continued health insurance coverage after you leave.

Should I quit my job if it is affecting my health?

But when your physical or emotional well-being is suffering and your stress isn't eased by the occasional mental health day, experts say it's generally best to start looking elsewhere. Just be sure to give it some thought before rage quitting.

How do I quit my job to focus on health?

13 People Get Real About Quitting Their Jobs For Their Mental...
  1. Check in with your support system as early as possible. ...
  2. Do your research before jumping right into another job. ...
  3. Don't rule out self-employment. ...
  4. Set a resignation “due date.” ...
  5. Maybe don't start a new job right away if you're still struggling mentally.

Will I be happier if I quit my job?

“Hedonic adaptation leads us to get used to that positive change and our expectations become a bit higher,” she says. Quitting a job you don't like can contribute to overall happiness “because goal pursuit in itself is associated with happiness,” Lyubomirsky says.

How I knew it was time to quit my job to focus mental health.

43 related questions found

Should I quit my job if it makes me depressed?

If you are suffering from exhaustion, depression, anxiety, or other stress-related issues, then burnout is almost certainly contributing to your problems. When you have done everything you can to get relief at work and nothing changes, your only recourse is to leave.

Should I quit my job if I'm miserable?

If you find yourself in a situation in which it is emotionally, physically, or mentally draining (or worse) for you even to show up to work, let alone get excited and perform at a high level—you need to leave.

Should I quit my job if my mental health is declining?

If your employer cannot accommodate your needs, or your needs are too great to continue working, then quitting your job might save your mental health. This is a tough decision so do not make it alone. Work with a physician, counselor, or psychotherapist to determine how you can proceed down this path.

Should I quit my job if it gives me anxiety?

Maybe. If you work in a high-stress job and have a lot of anxiety, there's no doubt that taking some time off or changing to a less stressful career will help your anxiety. If you find yourself asking “should I quit my job because of anxiety?” then it might be time to reevaluate your work situation.

Why am I struggling to leave my job?

Quitting your job means letting go of the familiar and entering into the unknown. If you view your current position as an important step up the career ladder, you might fear risking that or feel unsure of whether you're making the right decision for your career progression.

Am I burnt out or do I hate my job?

Yes, doing something you hate every day can take a toll on your body, but a dislike of your job is less likely to manifest itself in your body the same way true burnout would. If symptoms like headaches, backaches, panic attacks, or stomach issues are weighing you down, it's likely burnout that you're dealing with.

What is the meaning of quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting is a term that went viral on TikTok in 2022. It describes employees who are fulfilling their job requirements, but not taking initiative, working overtime or volunteering for extra projects or responsibilities.

How do you explain leaving a job due to burnout?

If you decide to fully disclose burnout as a cause, frame it as a strength. For example, if your burnout was due to a values mismatch, explain the steps you've taken to get clear about your values and how the new position is a better fit.

What to do when your job is destroying your mental health?

If a job is wreaking havoc on your mental health and contributing to issues like depression or anxiety, it is okay to quit and find something new. In fact, this may be the best option if you want to prevent your condition from getting worse.

Can my job fire me if I have anxiety?

An employer cannot discriminate against a potential employee or current employee solely based on the diagnosis of a mental health condition. It's all about giving the same employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

What do I do if I can't work due to anxiety and depression?

If you find you cannot work due to mental illness, you may be able to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You must provide proof of the mental health disorder by first receiving an official diagnosis of mental illness. Also, SSDI does not pay benefits until after the fifth month of disability.

How many people quit their jobs due to mental health?

More than a quarter (28%) of workers surveyed recently cited mental health issues as the biggest reason they left their jobs, according to a report from JobSage. Overall, 28% experienced burnout, and many others had to deal with stress (55%), depression (38%), lack of motivation (37%), anxiety (36%) and anger (31%).

What if I feel like I can't work because of my mental health?

Check with the mental health agency where you receive mental health services. Your state may offer several different ways to find employment, including: Vocational rehabilitation (rehab) services. Rehab services help a person with a serious mental health condition or disability find and keep a job.

Can I resign due to mental stress?

If your stress is impacting your health, you may want to resign immediately so you can focus on getting help. Otherwise, giving notice can help preserve your professional reputation. Assess your current situation and decide which option is best for you, then clearly state your last day in your resignation letter.

How do you know when it's time to leave a job?

There are several signs that may indicate it's time to move on from your current job, such as feeling unfulfilled or undervalued, experiencing a toxic work environment, or having limited opportunities for growth and advancement.

Why do I feel sad about leaving a job I hate?

This is totally normal. If you haven't been working for an utterly awful company in a completely miserable job, you're probably going to feel a lot of emotions about leaving—even if it's the 100% right move for you. Change can be hard, and it has a tendency to produce nostalgic feelings.

How much should you have saved if you want to quit your job?

Most financial advisors will tell you to have at least three months' emergency savings stowed away, but if you don't know how much your necessities are costing you per month — you may not know how much you'll need to get by.

How many people quit their jobs due to depression?

A study by JobSage indicates that one in four adults have quit a job due to their mental health. May 2022 is Mental Health Awareness Month and JobSage reports that 40% of adults say that their work has the worst impact on their mental health, closely following finances.

Do employers care about depression?

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against you — including not hiring you, firing you, or not giving you the same professional opportunities they give others — simply because you have a mental-health condition.

Should I feel guilty about quitting my job because it's stressful?

Assuming you manage your departure gracefully, you absolutely shouldn't feel guilty. But guilt is a natural feeling that many people have when leaving an employer, especially if the company's been great to you.