A question that creeps in slowly at first. Maybe on your commute, maybe during yet another pointless meeting, maybe when you’re crying in the loos trying to pull yourself together before 2pm.
“Should I leave my job?”
Here’s the honest answer:
If you’re asking that question seriously and often — then the answer is probably yes. Gone are the days of a job for life, and honestly, I think have a range of experiences under your belt can make you a better HR practitioner.
1. If the culture feels toxic, leave
Toxic doesn’t always mean shouting or bullying. It can be:
- Passive aggression
- Cliquey teams
- Leaders who don’t listen
- A culture that drains you, day after day
I once took a job I thought would be a brilliant next step. Reporting into a very experienced Chief People Officer that had reached out to me on LinkedIn. But within 3 months, I knew something wasn’t right.
The atmosphere was heavy. There was no trust. I couldn’t do the work I was brought in to do, and I didn’t feel psychologically safe. I left after 5 months. It was the shortest time I’ve ever stayed in a role — and one of the best decisions I’ve made. Did I worry about how it would look on my CV? Maybe a little. But I was prepared to explain my reasons why.
Staying would have seriously impacted my mental health and I needed to get out.
2. If you’re waiting around for things to improve...
We’ve all done it — stayed for the new manager, the promised restructure, you tell yourself things will improve after Christmas, after the Summer, in a few more weeks ...and they never do.
But ask yourself:
How long have you been waiting? And what’s actually changed?
Hope is not a career strategy. You deserve more than a maybe. There is something quite empowering about taking your career in your own hands and making bold decisions.
3. If you’re bored out of your mind
Being good at your job doesn’t mean you’re growing. If you can do it on autopilot and no one’s investing in your development — it’s time to think bigger.
You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting more. For wanting something different. A manager once said to me - "If you don't feel uncomfortable you're not growing".
4. If there’s nowhere to go
No progression. No training. No plan. Just the same problems over and over. It's actually quite hard to deliver your best performance when you feel like you can't move forward.
You don’t have to settle. Especially not in HR — we support everyone else’s careers, but we get to grow too.
Still not sure? Ask yourself this:
- Do I dread going to work more days than not?
- When’s the last time I felt valued here?
- Is my confidence growing or shrinking?
- Am I staying because I’m scared, guilty, or just exhausted?
If you're nodding along… it’s probably time to move on.
But what if the grass isn’t greener?
It’s a valid fear. But staying stuck out of fear can quietly drain you more than making a move ever could. Whenever I have moved roles I have always learnt something and I've never regretted changing roles.
Every job teaches you something — even the ones that don’t work out.
You’ll learn your boundaries. You’ll learn what kind of culture suits you. You’ll learn what not to tolerate next time.
And you'll grow.
So... should you leave?
If you're waiting for permission to put yourself first — this is it.
And when you're ready to look?
ELEVATE Hub Jobs is here for you.
🟡 A jobs board just for HR professionals
🟡 Free to browse, free to post
Your next chapter might be one click away.