Since the pandemic, professionals have been leaving their jobs in droves. This phenomenon, known as The Great Resignation, has many key drivers. For some professionals, the pandemic triggered a shift in priorities that motivated them to finally make that career or job change. But for the majority, their decision to leave resulted from the way their employer treated them during the pandemic. As quit rates reach record-breaking levels, you may be wondering if you should join in on this trend and quit your job.

However, is this really the best move for you right now?

Of course, common sense would lead you to believe that now is the best time to quit your job. While you should definitely explore the market, it’s critical that you evaluate your individual situation and specific goals before jumping in feet first. To help you identify just what you are looking for (and whether you need a new job to accomplish that), here are five questions to ask yourself before you decide to quit your job.

Do you feel stagnant in your current role?

If you are like most professionals, opportunities for growth and advancement are important to you in a job. If you feel like you’ve plateaued at your current company, you may find yourself becoming unmotivated and less productive over time. Worse, your skillset may have become outdated. If you find yourself in this situation, consider setting up a time with your manager to chat about professional or career development opportunities. If the conversation doesn’t result in any action, it may be time to quit your job.

What are opportunities in your industry like?

The Great Resignation is being felt across all business sectors. While you probably have many options, you should do your own research on your industry before coming to the conclusion that you should quit your job. Look at current market and job trends, and ask yourself the following questions to determine if a new opportunity aligns with your overall goals:

• Am I ready for a promotion? If not, am I okay with making a lateral career move?
• What are today’s current salary trends?
• What does demand look like for individuals with my level of experience?
• Are you still interested in your core responsibilities? When reading a new job description, what elements of the role excites you?

Have your priorities changed?

Before the pandemic, your current employer may have done an adequate job of addressing your needs. If the pandemic has required you to change your priorities or has led to a new realization about what you want from your career, your job may no longer serve you in the way it once did. Before you quit your job, take some time to go over your personal and professional priorities, and ask yourself whether your current company can account for them. If they simply can’t or are unwilling to make changes, it may be time to move on.

Are you willing to be patient for a new opportunity?

Candidate-driven market or not, the same rules apply for a job search: be professional, have a plan, and be patient. The latter means that you’d ideally wait to quit your job until you have a new one lined up. Why hold off on quitting? Even in today’s hot job market, there’s no guarantee that you’ll quickly land a new job. Plus, the pressure of needing a paycheck may lead you to take the first mediocre opportunity that comes along. One of the best things about today’s market is that you can be in control of your career decisions. Why not take your time to make sure the job you are accepting is truly the right fit?

Is there something my employer can provide that would make me happier?

Above all else, your satisfaction and happiness should be your top priority. If you aren’t happy with your current role, you run the risk of burnout, poor mental health, and a lack of motivation that may have long-term implications for your career. To get ahead of it, try to determine whether it is your employer, your job, or a little bit of both that is causing your dissatisfaction. Then, dig a little bit deeper by asking yourself:

• Can I move to a different team or department?
• Are there any upskilling opportunities at my company?
• Is there any way I can add more interesting responsibilities to my plate?
• Can I shift some responsibilities to another team member to have more time for higher priority tasks?
• If I make my needs known, will my employer be receptive?

If your employer cannot make any changes to add more meaning to your role or accommodate your individual needs, it may be time to jump ship. When that time comes, check out our guide on How To Quit Your Job The Right Way.