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I guess I knew it was time when the dread started before I even opened my laptop. The money wasn’t worth my mental health. I left without a job lined up, scary but freeing. Took a break, regrouped, and found something better. You deserve peace, not just a paycheck.
For me, I knew it was time to leave when I was physically feeling ill thinking about going to work the next day, especially on the weekends. Sunday night would come, and I'd be absolutely dreading having to go back into the office the next morning. I think at the end of the day, your mental and physical health is more important, so if you're able to swing being unemployed for a little while, it may be worth it just to keep your sanity.
Mentor
I knew it was time when I was spending my breaks crying in the stairwell or in my car. Once, a paralegal was sitting behind me badmouthing me about a document I prepared according to the attorney's instructions but different than how they would've done it. She very easily could've asked me why I prepared the document the way I did but instead she chose to talk badly about me knowing I was sitting there. I didn't have another job lined up but my sanity was more important. It was a struggle for the 3 months it took to find a new job but that struggle was worth it to get out of that extremely toxic environment.
Honestly I knew it was time to quit when the stress starts taking a physical toll on my body. I have been in jobs where my anxiety would be so crippling and I would be pyysically ill from the stress of a job and I knew I had to get out. Jobs like that will cost you your sanity.
Coach
I’ve experienced the same thing at times and kept my paralegal title but also took on an executive assistant role, of course a large increase of salary, but you could possible look deep into it and see if you just are dreading working the profession, or that specific area, or that specific firm. That’s a way to determine what a good choice would be. Either a new profession, new role in the field, or new area of law practice.
Those are just a few contemplation things you may do to determine where the problem lies.
I held on way too long at a toxic job because I didn’t want to “waste” the salary. But when I started suffering from insomnia (and anxiety), I knew something had to change. I ended up taking a leap without a backup job, and while it was scary, I don’t regret it for a second. My only regret is not leaving sooner.
Hmmm. I feel this. 30 years in and my salary is hard to give up. I’m thinking about ways I can be helpful that are less stressful pieces of my current job - hoping to create my own tailored position. Maybe training/managing…. Just not sure what that is yet.
I knew it was time to leave when after reviews were done and being told my raise and bonus amounts. The pittance they gave me wasn't worth the stress and B.S. that came with the job. It didn't help that I seriously considered cursing out the Director of Administration and throat punching him.
Yeah it was time to go. Been there when I almost threw a cup of water in the Office Manager’s face. I thankfully found another job before I quit.
Hi, I completely understand. I left my job as a family law paralegal, with no job. I have been in that position for 4.5 years with the majority of the time being without much support from the attorney. At some point, one has to choose quality of life, over paying because I will never get back the hours of overtime that weren't appreciated or necessary.
I am a credentialed mediator for all civil and family law matters as well as a lay pastoral counselor. I was so sick of dealing with the dissolution of families and I want families to heal. I believe I can help do that and have begun developing my own business called Glass House Life Services, using the skills and knowledge that I have gained over the years. If you truly want out, you will find a way. Good luck in whatever your decision may be.
I know exactly how you feel. I used to work somewhere that left me completely overwhelmed — constantly stressed, worried, and burned out. Eventually, I made it my priority to get out. I put all my energy into finding a new job: I faxed my resume and cover letter to every law firm in the area, reached out to multiple recruiters, and kept pushing until I landed something better. It was the best decision I ever made. Don’t stay in a toxic work environment — it takes a real toll on your health and peace of mind.