In less than four months, companies will be distributing their employees’ 13th-month pay. But is waiting for it really worth it?
“Gikapoy najud ko. Mag-update na ko’g resume kay di najud ko,” said my friend who has been working in the BPO industry for what seems like an eternity. Despite her efforts to manage her thoughts, time, finances, and family life, her issues persist. She has become accustomed to a schedule where she works on weekends and has her rest days during the weekdays. According to her, the most challenging part of her job isn’t even the management—though that’s a factor—but the environment around her.
As a friend who tends to offer nonsense advice, I asked, “Are you sure?” The reason I posed this question is because I was once in her shoes. I finished my question with, “Are you sure you’re not going to wait for the 13th month?” Her reaction—a sigh—reflected the reality that while “Happiness is free,” achieving it requires mental, financial, and physical stability.
So, here are some “IF” reasons you might want to consider if you’re thinking it’s time to resign from your current job:
Your job is consuming your life.
It’s perfectly fine to have a routine. You might wake up at 7 AM, take a bath, have breakfast, and be ready by 8 AM, then catch a jeepney at 8:30 AM to start work at 9 AM. But what happens after you clock out? Do you still carry work home with you? Unless you’re a virtual assistant or a nurse on-call, there’s no reason to bring your work home! You should leave all work-related tasks behind when you leave the office. You shouldn’t be calling clients after hours or chasing absentee employees once you’re off work. Keeping work and personal life separate is crucial; otherwise, you won’t have time to pursue your passions.
You’re using work as an excuse even on your rest days.
Whether you follow religious or physical education guidelines, everyone needs a rest day. Use this time to enjoy a sweet beverage, read a good book, or watch a horror flick with popcorn. If you feel you don’t deserve this downtime because you’ll return to a mountain of work on Monday, that’s a red flag. Work shouldn’t be your excuse for not enjoying your rest days.
Your skin looks dull.
Ever heard the saying that people glow when they’re in a great, healthy relationship? This applies to your relationship with your job too. Take a look in a well-lit mirror—natural light is best. If your skin appears dull and the bags under your eyes are pleading for sleep, it’s a sign of excessive stress that no skincare routine can fix. Age is a factor too, but stress can make you look worse than it should.
You’re experiencing persistent coughs and colds, coupled with anxiety and depression.
Your body knows you better than your own thoughts. If you’ve been battling persistent coughs, colds, and ongoing anxiety or depression, it’s time to consider resigning. This is especially true if you’ve sought help from doctors or psychiatrists without relief. If stress from your job is impacting your health, it’s a clear sign to move on.
Your promotion is only in title, not in salary.
Imagine being promoted to president with an entry-level salary. If you’re taking on more tasks, it’s reasonable to ask for appropriate compensation—pizza doesn’t count! Your skills and efforts should be rewarded accordingly, not just recognized with a certificate.
You constantly think about quitting.
This is the most telling sign. If you wake up each day thinking, “I want to resign,” and the thought persists throughout the day, it’s time to make a change. Continuously contemplating quitting indicates dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment. Resigning from a job that makes you feel inadequate doesn’t make you a quitter—it means you recognize your worth and are taking steps to reclaim your happiness.
But I Need the Money!
Yes, it’s understandable that financial concerns are a real issue, but let’s face it: Are you really expecting to see your workload magically lighten or receive a salary increase after reading this article? Sorry, but that’s not how it works. You need to take action for yourself! If you’ve checked off all the signs on this list, it’s time to make a decisive move. Stand up, make a firm decision for your own well-being, and file that resignation. It’s about prioritizing your health and peace over short-term financial gains.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay, it’s no surprise—money is a powerful motivator, regardless of one’s beliefs or background. Do what feels right for you, but remember, you’ve been warned, Sugboanon.
