I’ve been at my job for almost 12 years. It’s a good chunk of time and it’s something that I’ve enjoyed. It’s changed my life and made me a better person; however, there have been times where I’ve wondered, “
Do I still love doing this?”
It doesn’t matter where you work, there are going to be times when you think about leaving. Why you leave matters and it isn’t a decision you should take lightly. If you aren’t sure whether to stay or go, make sure you:
1. Spend Time in Prayer
This is probably the most important action you can take. In prayer, ask God to give you guidance. He might be calling you to leave; however, your discontent also might be a result of your needing to change something in your life.
God isn’t going to call you to leave a place as much as He is going to call you to a place. If you trust that He is in control you have to make Him your first step.
2. Step Out and Then Back In
Our discontent with a job can be the result of a lack of rest or margin. To determine whether you are just burned out or ready to leave you might need to take a vacation or retreat.
Make sure your time away is filled with rest and reflection. Spend that time re-energizing yourself so that when you step back in it’s with a clear mind. Give yourself some margin to process your emotions clearly.
3. Sit Down With a Mentor
Someone has been there before. People have left jobs, and they’ve stayed with them forever. Find veteran youth workers who have done both. Ask the ones who have stayed long term:
• What’s gotten them through the tough times?
• Why did they stay for so long?
• What’s been the benefit from sticking around?
Then with someone who has been at a job for a while but left ask them:
• How did they know it was time?
• What did they do to prepare?
• What was the most challenging thing about deciding to leave?
Talking to men and women who have been there before will remind you that you aren’t alone in your walk. It will give you someone to go to so that the decision to stay or leave isn’t so daunting. If you need to connect with other youth workers go to our Facebook page:
MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY
3. Keep a record of the journey.
No matter how you are feeling at this point it’s good to keep a journal. It’s through your journal where you can look at how your mood, opinion and thought have changed about your job. It’s an opportunity to look at whether things have progressively gotten worst or are still okay.
Is it time to go or is it time to leave? That’s a difficult question to answer for some. Take time to process it with God. If you trust Him then He will never lead you astray. And don’t worry, you are never alone.
