18 Good Reasons for Leaving Your Job

There are lots of good reasons for leaving a job.

Perhaps you’re unhappy with your salary or you want to take on more leadership responsibilities?

If this can’t be negotiated, then leaving your job might be the only solution.

Whatever the reason, it’s often sensible for employees to switch roles to find something that better fulfills their needs.

Valued staff leaving as a result of failing to support their ambitions can be a painful headache for employers, as the cost of hiring new staff can be high.

As a result, this blog post is a must-read for employers and employees alike:

  1. For employees, it gives you confidence that you’re leaving your role for a good reason and we’ll be explaining how to frame this in a positive light
  2. For employers, it gives you an insight into why employees might start looking for a new job so that you can implement any necessary changes

Whilst there are lots of good reasons for leaving a job, it’s important you leave on a high. You’ll still have your notice period to work, so you don’t want to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. The real estate community is also tight knit and you never know whose path you will cross in future.

Good Reasons for Leaving Your Job

Resigning can cause a lot of anxiety for employees as they are unsure how to phrase it in the right way.

Keep reading to explore our list of good reasons for leaving a job along with guidance on how to frame this in a positive light. We’ve also provided some examples that might apply when leaving your job, helping you better navigate the conversation with your employer.

Salary Increase

Whilst pay is not the only factor that contributes to an employee’s happiness, it still plays a big part.

Our salary survey found that pay was only the third most valued factor for employees, just falling behind work-life balance and flexible working.

However, this does prove that, despite the various benefits employers are now providing, salary continues to be a significant factor for job seekers.

If you’re anxious about asking for a pay increase, then we’ve already written a post about how to confidently ask for a pay rise. Give it a read to find out how to approach the conversation to ensure a successful outcome.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Instead of just saying that you want more money, explain why you think you deserve it. For example, tell the recruiter or employer about your work ethic and how you consistently complete projects on time and within budget. Prepare examples and back them up with numbers.

Opportunities for Progression

Perhaps you feel like you’ve reached your ceiling in your current role and there’s nowhere else for you to progress.

For example, if you’re a Junior Asset Manager and you want to progress to a senior position, a vacancy has to be available otherwise you may be stuck at your current level.

Whilst this might be ok for a time, you will want to see a path to progression to motivate and excite you. It’s also rewarding to see how far you can climb the career ladder by performing better at work.

It gives you something to aspire to so that you can start setting yourself goals.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Cite your experience and achievements as this enables the recruiter or employer to understand your capabilities. If you’ve recently gained an extra accreditation or completed a training course make this clear as this stands you in good stead for securing more senior positions.

Change of Career

Perhaps you’re a little stuck in your current role and you’re ready for something new.

In the real estate sector, there are a whole range of opportunities for you to explore, it’s about identifying your skills, experience, and what you enjoy.

For instance, Architects and Civil Engineers work closely together with some of their responsibilities overlapping. As an engineer, you might decide you enjoy the creative elements of the project more if you want to explore this area instead.

Whilst a change of career is possible, you need to work out what transferable skills you have and where the gaps are in your current skill set. This allows you to seek the relevant training so that you’re better positioned to apply for new jobs.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Never tell a potential employer or recruiter that you’re ‘bored’ of your current role as this sounds negative. Instead, communicate your passion and enthusiasm for learning and explain how you plan to change direction in your career. Make sure you mention the relevant skills and training you’ve gained to prove that there’s substance behind your decision.

woman on laptop with head in their hands

Better Work-Life Balance

Lots of employees value a healthy work-life balance as, let’s be honest, life is very busy!

Between juggling your professional and personal commitments, it can feel quite overwhelming.

Working in a business that appreciates these challenges and offers flexible working conditions to accommodate their staff, is a huge advantage.

If you’ve already approached your current employer about more flexible working and there’s no compromise, this is a solid reason for leaving your job.

It’s important to be happy in all aspects of your life, and your career is a huge part of that. Striking a balance between work and your home life is key, which is why 50% of respondents to our salary survey cited this as their most valued benefit.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Instead of saying you want ‘more free time’ which can seem off-putting, explain how having a better work-life balance improves your wellbeing, and in turn, your performance at work. Employers and recruiters want to know how this benefits you in a professional sense so always tie this back to feeling more energised and focussed when completing your work.

More Flexible Working

This links to the point above, as achieving a better work-life balance might result from having flexible working hours.

This means that as long as you complete your working week (whether that’s full time or part time), you have control over when you work.

This is a common reason for people leaving their job as it better suits their other commitments. For example, you might have childcare commitments in the morning, so instead of starting work at 8:30am you’ll start at 10am. However, to make up for this time, you’ll work late to cater for the couple of hours you didn’t work in the morning.

This level of flexibility and control is very attractive for an employee which is why many people leave their current role for one that offers this type of benefit.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Explain how having flexible working allows you to be more productive and focussed. You should also explain your willingness to be flexible in terms of accommodating the needs of the business, for example, making adjustments to your schedule where necessary to meet deadlines and to attend meetings.

Improved Working Culture

As we’ve covered, work plays a huge part in your life and you need to be happy.

Perhaps you feel as though your current place of employment is quite negative, or that everyone is always unhappy and stressed?

Whilst no workplace is ever totally free from stress, you shouldn’t dread going into work everyday. The atmosphere and morale in the workplace can have a huge impact on how you feel and how you perform, so this can lead you to searching for a new role.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Avoid talking down to your current place of work in pursuit of securing something new. Instead of saying your current working environment is negative, simply state that you have outgrown your job and you’re ready for something new and refreshing.

Enhanced Rewards

As we mentioned earlier in the blog, there are lots of benefits that attract people to applying for a new job.

A competitive salary is no longer enough as employees want the whole package.

According to our salary survey the top 5 benefits are:

  • Employer pension
  • Bonus/ commission
  • Paid professional memberships
  • Healthcare
  • Cycle to work scheme

These benefits can really sway an employee’s decision if they’re contemplating moving jobs as they make a role a lot more attractive.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Explain how these rewards improve your performance and your approach to work. For example, a bonus scheme can make you more motivated and driven as you’re working towards achieving a specific goal.

man in blue shirt on phone

Remote Work

Perhaps your role lends itself to working remotely but this isn’t an option in your current job.

There’s lots of reasons why employees want to work remotely including cost of living, reduced fuel expenses, less travel time, better productivity, and an improved work-life balance.

If you’ve already discussed this with your current employer and it’s not possible in your current role, then it might be time to switch.

You need to consider what works best for you, and if your role allows you to work remotely (and you perform well) then it’s time to find something that works for you.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Emphasise how remote working improves your performance at work and your output as a result. Also make it clear that despite remote working, you still maintain fantastic communication and you’re capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

Your Boss Has Left the Company

It’s not abnormal for people to leave a company if their boss has recently resigned.

This is particularly the case if a new boss comes in with a totally different vision that you simply can’t get on board with.

Perhaps this goes against your opinions and beliefs and you’re struggling to get behind their ideas. You need to believe in the direction of the organisation and you need to be able to support it.

Failure to do so can leave employees feeling a bit lost which can lead them to looking for a new role.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Instead of putting your current manager down and revealing any disputes or discrepancies, phrase this as you simply wanting a change of direction. Explain that the company vision has changed and it’s the right time for you to move on.

You’re Overqualified for the Position

Being overqualified for your job role can make you feel deflated and unmotivated.

Your skills need to be put to good use, as this is what excites and motivates you to excel in your role. You want to push yourself and see what you can achieve as this is what leads to job satisfaction and career progression.

Whilst doing work that’s easy might sound like a dream on the surface, it soon becomes unfilling and tedious.

You won’t be able to truly test your skills or knowledge, as the projects you’re given will be pitched at the wrong level. It’s important to find a job that suits your skillset and one that pushes you to be your best.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Recruiters and employers will appreciate that you want to challenge yourself and that you have aspirations. This is a desirable trait in an employee as it shows that you strive for excellence and you want to grow with the company.

Family Commitments

Perhaps your personal circumstances have changed and your current working situation is no longer suitable.

This could be the case if you’re required to work long hours or weekends as this limits how much flexibility you have.

For instance, you might need to care for a loved one or stay home with your children, which would be a perfectly valid reason for leaving a job.

Your family commitments are very important and if your current place of work can’t support this, then it might be time to search for something new.

As mentioned earlier in the post, striking a good balance between work life and home life is key, which is why this continues to be the most valued benefit for employees for the third year running.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Explain your situation to an employer or recruiter, making it clear that this does not impact your performance or commitment to your role. If they understand your situation from the outset, they might be able to provide flexible working that accommodates both the business and your family commitments.

Virtual meeting on laptop screen

Your Workplace Has Relocated

If your workplace has relocated then your travel time might have significantly increased.

If this is the case, and remote working isn’t an option, then it’s a valid reason for leaving your current job.

After all, a longer commute not only takes more time but also costs more money. This is a big consideration and can make the difference between people choosing to stay in their current role or look for something closer to home.

You also might not like the setup of your new office, for example, if you’ve moved from a larger office to a more constrained space.

Whatever the situation, the location of your workplace is key and can be a huge contributing factor when it comes to switching jobs.

How to frame this in a positive way:

In this scenario being honest is the best way and can help a recruiter/ employer understand your decision. Wanting to be closer to home is understandable, and a shorter commute can improve your performance at work as you’ll be focussed and energised (instead of sitting in hours of traffic).

Lack of Stability

This is a huge reason for leaving your current job as you want to feel secure in your position.

If the company is making a lot of redundancies, this isn’t the best indicator of financial health and doesn’t give you confidence that your job is safe.

When you’ve got bills to pay for and financial commitments, stability in your job is key.

Whilst all businesses experience some sort of financial challenge in their lifetime, you need to feel a sense of security otherwise this can lead to anxiety.

In turn, this can push you to search for a new job where you feel more secure and at ease.

How to frame this in a positive way:

When talking to a recruiter or employer about your reason for leaving your job, simply state that the company is going through a period of change. Explain that you’ve reassessed your situation and want what you want from your role, and decided it’s time to take on something new.

Company Restructure

If your company has gone through a restructure, it can have a widespread impact on the business.

For instance your job description, position, department, and manager might all be affected as the company looks to change its direction.

In some cases there might also be job losses as roles and responsibilities are reevaluated. This can lead to a loss of uncertainty and instability with employees worrying about their own future.

Restructuring can also change the values and culture of the company which you might not be not be comfortable with. All of these factors can cause you to leave your current job in pursuit of something new.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Frame the decision to leave your current role as a desire to find a company whose values better align with your own. This shows that you’re seeking a culture where you can thrive and make a positive impact.

Your Role Has Changed

Whilst parts of a job can change over time, you still need to be fulfilling the role that you applied for.

For example as a Property Marketing Manager, a primary focus of your role should still be devising successful strategies and campaigns – not simply doing admin work.

If you feel as though your role no longer aligns with your career goals or interests, then you might consider a new opportunity that’s a better fit.

In addition, it’s crucial to mention that job satisfaction plays a key role in employee performance and general wellbeing at work. If an employee no longer enjoys their job due to changes in their role, this can have a huge negative impact.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Emphasise your commitment to adaptability and explain how you were able to adapt to change, but, over time, the role shifted to responsibilities that no longer aligned with your skill set. Explain that you’re looking for a role that allows you to use your skills in a more fulfilling way.

woman in white shirt looking at two women talking

Lack of Job Satisfaction

If you’re going to work everyday and not feeling a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, it might be time for a new job.

Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current role or feel as if there’s lack of appreciation for what you do, which is stifling your enthusiasm.

Whilst no one enjoys their job 100% of the time, having a certain degree of job satisfaction is key to your overall happiness and wellbeing. Even a simple ‘well done’ or being given a new project to manage can give you a sense of purpose and can make going to work more enjoyable.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Explain how job satisfaction is important to you as this is what leads to your best and most creative output. Being happy at work is very motivating and this is what employers and recruiters will be interested in.

Professional Development

There’s always something new to learn, regardless of how long you’ve been performing your role.

For instance as a Construction Project Manager, there’ll constantly be improved ways of managing your team to ensure successful project completion.There’ll also be new ways of building thanks to technology advancements such as BIM (Building Information Modelling).

To be at the top of your game, it’s important to engage in continuous professional development as this allows you to keep up with any changes in your field.

Whether that’s attending training courses, participating in workshops or having mentoring from senior members of staff, your workplace should support your development. If they don’t, this is a valid reason for leaving your job as you don’t want your progress to be stagnant.

How to frame this in a positive way:

Prospective employers will appreciate your honesty as wanting to develop your skill set is a valuable trait. The more you can master in your role, the more benefit you’re bringing the company, as you can support their growth and development as a result.

Personal reasons

When considering leaving a job for personal reasons, you need to approach the conversation with transparency and sensitivity. Personal reasons can cover a variety of situations, including as family obligations, health concerns, or a need for a better work-life balance.

When communicating this to your employer, emphasise your commitment to maintaining professionalism and completing your current responsibilities during the notice period.

How to frame this in a positive way:

When speaking with your employer, you might explain that unforeseen family commitments need your attention, and you believe stepping back at this time is in the best interest of both yourself and the company. By framing personal reasons in a thoughtful way, you not only maintain your professional integrity but also foster understanding from your employer.

Reasons for Leaving Your Job FAQ’s

What are the top reasons for leaving a job?

Dissatisfaction with career growth opportunities, n inadequate work-life balance, and mismatched company culture are common reasons for leaving a job.

What is the best answer for leaving your last job?

Provide a positive and concise response, emphasising your desire for new challenges, learning opportunities, or career growth that aligns better with your skills and goals. You should avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer.

Good reasons for leaving a job after 4 months?

Good reasons for leaving a job after 4 months might include a mismatch between job expectations and reality, a change in personal circumstances, or the realisation that the company’s values and work environment don’t align with your career aspirations.

18 Good Reasons for Leaving Your Job

There are lots of good reasons for leaving a job to find a role that fulfills your needs.

From wanting a higher salary, to a better work-life balance, to remote working, it’s important to find a role that fulfills your expectations.

Your career plays an integral part in your general life, so you need to make work, work for you.

By finding a role that suits your requirements, you can reach your full potential and contribute to the success of the company.

Whatever your reason for leaving a job, it’s important to frame this in a positive light when speaking to a recruiter or prospective employer. Instead of concentrating on negative aspects, you should emphasise the value and experience you can bring to the role, as this is what positions you as a desirable candidate.

At Macdonald & Company we’ve partnered with clients and candidates since 1994, helping them to make the right connections that lead to career success. Our unparalleled knowledge of the real-estate industry allows us to find the best opportunities for business and candidates alike, resulting in successful matches that drive growth. To find out more about how we can help, get in touch with our team.

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