10 min czytania 3 July 2025

When to leave your job – some signs that will help you change for the better

Not sure when to leave your job? Burnout, a lack of development prospects, or a toxic atmosphere are just some of the signs you should take seriously. Changing jobs is a big decision, but sometimes necessary to regain balance and satisfaction in your professional life. When should you change jobs?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When to Leave Your Job – The Most Common Signs It’s Time for a Change
When can an employee leave their job?
How long is the notice period?
What are the benefits of changing jobs?
When is the best time to terminate your employment?

When to Leave Your Job – The Most Common Signs It’s Time for a Change

The decision to leave your job is never easy. It’s often preceded by a long-term feeling of frustration, dissatisfaction, or exhaustion. However, it’s worth carefully monitoring the signs that starting a new job is a step in the right direction. What are the most common reasons for leaving your job? Here are the signs it’s time to start looking for a new one.

Burnout – Lack of Energy and Motivation

If you wake up every day thinking you can barely endure another day at work, you may be experiencing burnout. Lack of motivation, aversion to responsibilities, and even physical symptoms of stress are signs that your mental resources are running low. This is one of the most common reasons employees decide to change.

Bullying and a Toxic Environment

Disturbing comments, ridicule, isolation from the team – if you experience these behaviors, you may be dealing with bullying. Psychological abuse in the workplace not only reduces quality of life but can also lead to serious health problems. In such a situation, leaving your job may not only be a professional decision, but also a necessary health care option.

Excessive Work Hours and Work Balance

If you constantly work overtime, answer work calls in the evenings, and the thought of a weekend off is considered a luxury, your work time may have become unbearable. Work shouldn’t consume your entire life. A lack of work-life balance is one sign that it’s time to start looking for a new job that respects your time and health.

Lack of development opportunities and professional boredom

Do you feel like you’ve been doing the same thing for years, learning nothing new, and promotion is just out of your reach? A lack of challenge and stagnation can lead to discouragement and a decline in commitment. If a new job offers opportunities for growth, it might be a good time for a change.

When can an employee leave their job?

Changing jobs is an important decision that involves a number of formalities. Regardless of the reason – a desire for development, a need for a change of environment, or better working conditions – an employee has the right to leave their job in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code. The manner in which the contract is terminated and the notice period that must be observed are of great importance here.

An employee can terminate their employment with their employer in several ways:

by notice – i.e., by observing the statutory or contractual notice period;
without notice – in cases specified in the Labor Code (e.g., gross breach of duty by the employer, serious health problems);
by mutual agreement – when both parties agree to the terms and date of termination.

The most common method is to give notice of termination within an appropriate period.

How long is the notice period?

The length of the notice period depends on the type of contract and length of service with a given employer:

Trial contract:

3 business days – for employment up to 2 weeks,
1 week – for employment over 2 weeks,
2 weeks – for a trial period longer than 3 months.

Fixed-term and indefinite-term contracts:

2 weeks – for employment under 6 months,
1 month – for employment from 6 months to 3 years,
3 months – for employment over 3 years.

What are the benefits of changing jobs?

Changing jobs is an important career step, often associated with uncertainty, but also opening up new opportunities. For many people, searching for a new job is a way to develop, improve employment conditions, or improve their quality of life. Although ending a current employment relationship may seem stressful, it’s worth exploring the benefits of changing employers.

Better Salary and Benefits

One of the most common reasons for changing jobs is the desire for improved financial conditions. A new job often means higher pay, bonuses, allowances, or more attractive benefits (e.g., private healthcare, sports card, flexible working hours).

Professional Development Opportunities

A new job offers the opportunity to acquire new skills, participate in training, or be promoted. If you lack development opportunities at your current company, changing employers can be the key to accelerating your career.

Improving Working Conditions

Job offers are increasingly featuring flexible employment options, hybrid work models, and better time management. If your current employment is associated with high stress or poor management, a new company may offer a healthier work environment.

Increasing job satisfaction

Changing jobs also offers an opportunity to do what you truly enjoy. New responsibilities, different tasks, or a more motivating team can significantly impact your daily satisfaction.

When is the best time to give notice?

When you already have a new job or specific plans

The best time to give notice is when you have a signed contract with a new employer or are certain you will quickly find another job. This way, you will avoid the risk of a break in income and uncertainty.

Perfectly in advance, according to the notice period

Before giving notice, check your notice period – its length depends on the type of contract and length of service. This allows you to plan your departure to smoothly conclude your current responsibilities and begin a new phase without chaos.

When you feel burnout, stress, or lack of development

While it’s best to give notice early and calmly, don’t ignore the signs that a change of employer is necessary. If you constantly feel stressed, tired, underappreciated, or lacking prospects, this may be the best time to end your current employment.

At the beginning of the month – for practical reasons

In many cases, the notice period is calculated in full calendar months. Therefore, giving notice, for example, on the 1st or 2nd day of the month allows you to effectively shorten the waiting time for leaving, instead of extending it by another month.

Check also: Working conditions in Poland for foreigners – what are they like?

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When to leave your job – some signs that will help you change for the better