The value of mental health is increasingly being prioritised in today’s hectic workplace. Still, the issue of whether it is professional to quit a job because of mental health issues – especially if those issues result from conflict with a demanding supervisor – remains.
Long-term career success depends on your mental well-being. As such, while it can be intimidating, deciding to quit is usually the wisest option when a workplace environment becomes unbearable.
Anxiety resulting from the actions of a boss is not only a minor annoyance; it can seriously affect your general health and capacity to achieve professionally. Taking this step is justified and a good direction towards a better and more productive future.
With this in mind, here are three reasons why it’s not unreasonable for you to consider calling it a day:
1. Mental health is a priority
Similar to physical health, your mental health is crucial. Extended stress or worry brought on at work can have long-term effects on your personal life as well as your career.
It is not a weakness; instead, realising when a workplace compromises your well-being is a measure of self-awareness.
2. A healthy workplace is non-negotiable
Professionals do best in settings where they are appreciated, encouraged, and valued. If a manager’s actions regularly induce concern and efforts to resolve the problem are ineffective, this could point to a more fundamental cultural mismatch that is unlikely to change.
3. Leaving opens doors to other opportunities
Sometimes, the only way to grow is to leave a toxic situation. Choosing a better workplace would help you perform at your best and revive your enthusiasm for your profession.
So, what can you do?
Outdated ideas of professionalism often lead to the stigma surrounding quitting for mental health reasons. The following are a few professional approaches:
1. Frame it positively
When discussing your departure, emphasise development above critique. For instance, you might say: “I’m looking for an opportunity that aligns better with my personal and professional goals.” This keeps the dialogue professional and future-oriented.
2. Don’t burn bridges
Even if your concerns stem from your supervisor, try not to make it personal. Maintain professionalism in your resignation letter and exit interview to ensure you leave on good terms.
3. Reflect and plan
Before you quit, spend some time considering what you need in your next job, whether it’s improved work-life balance, supportive management, or open communication. This will help you establish limits and give your mental health priority in future positions.
If you’re not ready to go just yet, here are strategies you may employ to control job stress:
- Communicate: Discuss issues with HR or your supervisor. Sometimes, honest communication helps resolve problems.
- Seek support: Talk about your emotions with a therapist, mentor, or trusted coworker. They might provide useful coping mechanisms or viewpoints.
- Practise self-care: Some anxiety symptoms can be reduced with regular exercise, mindfulness, and sufficient rest.
- Consider internal transfers: If your worry is related mainly to your boss, you could look at alternative positions within the organisation.
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.
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