Well-Being or Wealth? Pairing Financial Security and Welfare

Compensated doctor consultations or online therapy sessions are trendy well-being perks offered by companies. While such efforts mean well, they don’t address the more significant issues in corporate environments. So, employees are shifting their mindsets about their working conditions, and whether their stress or other toxic traits are genuinely worth it.

Led by younger generations, the workforce is prioritizing peace and stability over high salaries under stressful, demanding conditions. So, what employees used to put up with and survive through is slowly turning into hostile conditions, unworthy of even substantial salaries. Hence, if you’re also attempting to prioritize your health and reduce your stress levels, this article is for you.

What to do if you want to quit your toxic job?

Before handing your manager your two-week notice, try to prepare as best as possible. One requirement is to browse LinkedIn and apply for new positions well before you commit to quitting. Then, you may already score a new role and leave for a new position as opposed to facing some uncertainty over your finances.

Additional income beyond 9-5 jobs

Of course, even if you don’t find a job before quitting, there are options for supporting yourself financially. For example, start freelancing or consulting independently to have a few paying clients. Furthermore, even smaller ventures, such as microtasking or renting, could improve your financial situation.

Microtasks are particularly interesting because they don’t require specialized skills. Get-paid-to websites like JumpTask specialize in posting a variety of online assignments (watching videos, testing apps, or training AI). After completing each small task, you get paid.

If you decide to take the freelancing or consulting route, staying organized is key. Using the best business collaboration tools can help you communicate with clients, manage projects, and keep everything running smoothly during your transition.

Change spending habits to suit lower salaries

Sometimes, your new, calmer job can come with a humbler compensation package. In this case, consider what options you have to adjust to your new income. That could relate to relocating to a smaller apartment, feeling motivated to cook more, and spending less on trips or other unnecessary goods.

Can your current job become less stressful?

Most people imagine that only a new position in a company will fix their burnout and increased stress. Although challenging, people can make a change for themselves in any role.

Of course, that requires management that cares and reacts to their employees’ feedback or even complaints. For example, suppose your manager is continuously micromanaging you, and more senior specialists or HRs only nod and listen without daring to initiate change. In that case, your skills may be better appreciated in another company.  

Consult your manager about issues

Schedule a call with your manager to discuss the issues you have been experiencing. That could relate to your increased workload, toxic colleagues, or anything that affects your well-being at the company. Companies will likely aim for solutions, which could take a while, but the stress should become more bearable over time.

Take vacation

With new deadlines every day and general responsibilities, taking a vacation might feel like a crime. However, taking days off is your right, and no amount of work should force you to skip them.

Is quiet quitting an option?

First comes quiet cracking when you begin to feel unhappy and stuck in your current job. Quiet quitting comes later, when you no longer take on additional responsibilities or initiative. It’s about doing the bare minimum without getting too invested ot stressed over situations. Of course, such behavior is problematic to both the employee and the employer. The former no longer dedicates time to their growth and career. The latter has lost a team member who used to lead and bring impressive results.

Feeling stuck in your position

Despite your desire to prioritize well-being, the current economy and the hiring freeze could harshly demotivate you from leaving your current position. You are not alone in this, as not only do you see fewer job postings, but the market is also heavily congested. For this reason, even perfect candidates are missed due to the increased number of resumes.

Of course, none of these reasons should stop you from aiming to find something healthier. Start applying as soon as you feel stuck, which gives you more time to actually land a new role (even with a smaller salary). Sometimes, you just cannot put a price on a more peaceful lifestyle.

Conclusion

All in all, your physical and mental health should take priority over your financial goals (such as purchasing a house). If you are experiencing burnout, take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and consider whether the suffering in your current role is worth it.