When to quit your job

With big names in business announcing their resignations, we discuss how you know it’s time to leave a job.

You may be the envy of friends and colleagues, but if you no longer derive fulfilment from your job, or feel as though you've contributed all you can to the company, it may be time to quit.

Big business resignations
In 2012 alone, numerous high-profile businessmen have stepped down. From Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, CEOs of Research In Motion (RIM), the company that owns BlackBerry, to World Bank President Robert Zoellick's resignation at the end of his five-year term, it seems that high-profile positions do not guarantee job longevity.

Closer to home, Pick n Pay CEO Nick Badminton stepped down to take a sabbatical so he could spend quality time with his family.

Signs that it's time to leave
Regardless of your reasons for quitting, it's always wise to evaluate your decision before leaving a company. Nia Maritz, Managing Director of training and recruitment company DBS Human Capital, points out the following signs that the time is right to leave your current position:

1. When you feel that there is no growth and development and you have discussed the possibilities with management. You should get a clear indication of what your future holds.

2. When you experience a lack of enthusiasm and action with regards to your tasks, surroundings and team.

3. Never leave when things are not going 100% – if you do, it will be an emotional decision. Leave when you have analysed your current situation and assessed the negatives and positives. Look at the results and impact you had and determine when you can walk away from that without resentment.