Should You Quit Your Job Over Your Boss? 7 Times the Answer Is Yes
Feeling like you want to quit your job because of a toxic boss? We don't blame you! Deciding that it's time to move on not because of any fault of your own — but because of someone else's actions (or lack thereof) — is not easy. But, sometimes, a boss might just push your buttons enough, they push you right out of your current job.
It's OK to quit because you don't get along with your boss. It isn't a cop-out. It doesn't make you weak. And it doesn't mean that you're hardheaded. It means that you recognize a negative situation, and you're doing something to change it.
Here are seven times that you might consider quitting because of your boss.
1. Your boss micromanages you.
A micromanaging boss is one that is always hovering over your shoulder while you're trying to do your job. They never let you get your work done without butting in all the time, which leaves you little room to grow. While their guidance can help you, you need the space to evolve.
2. Your boss talks over you in meetings.
Manterrupting. It's a thing. It happens when you try to give your opinion or speak up in a conversation or meeting, and your male boss interrupts you by speaking over you. Of course, this can happen with a boss of any gender. Either way, you deserve a voice, and if you can never get a word in edge wise, it may be best to use your voice elsewhere.
3. Your boss gaslights you.
Gaslighting refers to a "malicious and hidden form of mental and emotional abuse, designed to plant seeds of self-doubt and alter your perception of reality," according to Psychology Today. "When the gaslighting starts, you might even feel guilty for doubting a person you’ve come to trust. To further play with your mind, an abuser might offer evidence to show that you’re wrong or question your memory or senses. More justification and explanation, including expressions of love and flattery, are concocted to confuse you and reason away any discrepancies in the liar’s story. You get temporary reassurance, but you increasingly doubt your own senses, ignore your gut and become more confused."
You shouldn't be working in an environment in which you have to doubt your own instincts. Trust your gut, and move on if that's what it's telling you to do.
4. Your boss mansplains to you.
Mansplaining can happen if your boss is a man who condescends you in conversations.
"Mansplaining is, at its core, a very specific thing — it's what occurs when a man talks condescendingly to someone (especially a woman) about something he has incomplete knowledge of, with the mistaken assumption that he knows more about it than the person he's talking to does," according to the Merriam Webster dictionary.
If you find that your boss is mansplaining to you, this may mean that they don't respect you or trust your capabilities or knowledge. If they don't, you don't want to be working for them.
5. Your boss doesn't give you constructive feedback.
Constructive feedback is key to your career growth — as well as to you scoring raises and promotions! But a wealth of research suggests that women don't receive as much critical feedback as men. Instead they're judged more on their soft skills and not given guidance on how to better perform.
Without this kind of direction, you'll have a tougher time advancing. You might have an easier time moving on up, however, if you move on out and over to something new.
6. Your boss doesn't respect your work-life balance.
Work-life balance is important! It keeps you from burning out so that you can do your job well. If your boss is always calling you during off hours and blowing up your email for non-emergencies while you're using your paid time off, it could be a sign that they don't take your work-life balance seriously. You may be better off working for someone else who does — both for the sake of your job performance and for the sake of your sanity.
7. Your boss doesn't take your questions or concerns seriously.
Have questions or concerns that continuously fall to the wayside? It's your boss' job to field those questions and handle those concerns. You shouldn't have to jump through hoops in order to get the answers or the resources that you need to do your job. If it feels like that, searching for a new job might feel better.
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about women’s empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram @her_report, Twitter @herreport and Facebook.
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