Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job, Based on Your Personality Type

Hating work is having a moment, and workers are quitting their jobs at record-breaking rates. 4.4 million workers quit their jobs in September 2021 alone. The Great Resignation has evolved into an anti-work revolution, and people are questioning what they really want in their careers more than ever before. 

Truity is running a series of articles on how the Great Resignation is impacting workers — and what they can do about it. (Find out how to create a more meaningful career and how to avoid burnout based on your personality type.) 

In this article, I’ll share what signs the 16 personality types should look out for that may mean it’s time for a career change. (If you already know it’s time to pivot, read how to quit your job the right way.) 

INFJ and INTJ: You don’t see a future. 

INFJs and INTJs are visionaries, and they need to see a clear path forward to feel fulfillment in their work. If you feel like there is no upward mobility or your future at your company is not aligned with what you desire for yourself, it may be time to look for work elsewhere. Take some time to reflect on where you are at and where you want to be, and ask yourself if you can get there in your current role. If the answer is a big fat “no,” it’s probably time to start planning for what’s next. 

INFP and ISFP: Your organization is not aligned with your values. 

From dangerous working conditions to corporate corruption, a company’s ethical values matter to workers now more than ever before. And no type is as concerned about working with organizations that share their values as INFPs and ISFPs. The pandemic may have exposed how your company is not aligned with your values (or maybe you’ve felt the shift for quite some time). If you feel like there isn’t the opportunity to implement real change in your organization (or maybe you just don’t feel like fighting it!), then it may be time to jump ship. 

ISFJ and ISTJ: You feel disconnected from others and apathetic towards your work. 

ISFJs and ISTJs are some of the hardest working types. Loyal and dedicated, they tend to see work as an essential part of their lives, and they do their best to serve people and organizations. Has your workload become unbearable? Do you no longer feel like an essential part of your team? These situations and others can lead to general apathy towards your work and leave you feeling stuck in a rut you’re not sure how to climb out of. If that sounds familiar to you, it may be time to look for a change of scenery. 

INTP and ISTP: You are overworked — and underpaid. 

INTPs and ISTPs are often the ones fixing problems that other people cause. You may find that others take you for granted because you are such an independent worker and skilled problem solver. And you may be so consumed by the day-to-day demands of your job that you don’t realize when you are being overworked. Is this extra work reflected in your paycheck? If the answer is no, it’s time to ask for a raise — or find a job that pays fairly. 

ENFJ and ESFJ: You don’t receive recognition or praise for your work. 

ENFJs and ESFJs are leaders with exceptional communication and people skills. These types make a point to make the people they work with feel special and appreciated — but that recognition isn’t always reciprocated. Of course, everyone shows appreciation in different ways, but if you feel like your efforts are being completely dismissed, or other people are constantly taking credit for your work and ideas, your current team or workplace may not be the right environment for you. 

ENFP and ENTP: You feel stuck in a box with little flexibility. 

ENFPs and ENTPs are big-picture thinkers who excel in careers that allow them to ideate in open, flexible environments. These types avoid professions that require them to focus on too many details or obey restrictive rules and procedures. If you’re starting to feel the metaphorical cubicle walls closing in too tightly and you’re unable to channel your natural creative energy, that may be signaling the need for a new workplace or career. 

ESFP and ESTP: You’re stuck behind a desk all day. 

ESFPs and ESTPs are action-oriented individuals, and they need to be able to move their bodies regularly. If your work keeps you glued to a desk, behind the wheel of a car, or standing in one place for too long, you will get bored quickly. You excel in jobs that allow you to multi-task and stay active. If those opportunities don’t exist in your current profession, then a new career may be the right move for you. 

ESTJ and ENTJ: You’re dropping the ball in other areas of your life.

ESTJs and ENTJs always have it together. From your career to your parenting, you stay on top of everything. But if you start to notice that work is causing you to slip in other aspects of your life (health, relationships, finances, etc.), that is a strong indicator that something needs to change. If you can’t figure out a healthy way to approach change in your current job, it may be time to look for a job that allows you a greater work/life balance.