Should you quit your job to protect your mental health?

Increasing workplace stress and burnout are prompting some employees to consider quitting their jobs to protect their mental health.

Image: FIle

For many employees, work is more than a source of income: it provides structure, purpose and financial stability. But when stress becomes relentless and workplace pressure begins to affect physical and emotional wellbeing, some workers are deciding that walking away is the only option.

Mental health experts warn that chronic workplace stress can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout and even long-term health problems if left unchecked.

According to Wise Path Recovery Center, warning signs that work may be harming a person's mental health include persistent stress or anxiety, dreading each day, declining physical health, difficulty concentrating and feeling unsupported by management.

The question facing many workers is whether quitting a job for mental health reasons is worth the financial uncertainty that often follows.

‘I’m healthier, happier and I smile again’

One woman, who left a toxic working environment and eventually moved into another job, said the decision dramatically improved her quality of life - despite the financial hardship it initially created.

After being retrenched in late 2023 and struggling through a difficult employment experience, she found herself earning less than half of what she had previously made and eventually entered debt review to protect her assets.

The financial strain was severe, forcing her to cash out savings and abandon travel plans.

However, she said the biggest change came after leaving an environment she described as unhealthy.

“Apart from the fact that I did not enjoy working with the new company at all, I used to work for a company where my direct manager was what everybody would call toxic,” she said.

The woman said her health suffered significantly during that period.

“I used to get sick all the time because I wasn't allowed to recover,” she said.

Since leaving, she has noticed a difference.

“I’m a lot healthier. I’m happier. I smile, I laugh. I work a lot harder, but I’m happier,” she said.

“And I am sacrificing some of what I used to earn for my mental health.”

The woman said she has become unwilling to tolerate workplaces that negatively affect her wellbeing.

Mental health professionals urge caution

While mental health professionals acknowledge that leaving a damaging workplace can sometimes be the healthiest option, they caution against impulsive decisions.

Clinical psychologist Geok En-Ting said workplace culture plays a critical role in employee wellbeing.

“If the work is the thing that's causing a lot of stress, then it could be that sometimes it's not a good fit,” she said.

She stressed, however, that leaving a job is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

“I wouldn't say that that's blanket advice to give everybody. Don't quit your job just because I say so.”

En-Ting noted that employees should first explore whether changes such as reduced workloads, support structures, counselling or different roles within an organisation could improve their situation.

She also acknowledged that many workers fear speaking openly about mental health concerns because they worry it could be seen as a sign of weakness.

“Sometimes it might actually be detrimental, unfortunately, to talk about these things at work, especially if you have a supervisor or reporting officer who isn't necessarily the most understanding,” she said.

Social media users share similar experiences

The debate recently gained traction on social media after users shared stories about resigning without another job lined up.

One woman said leaving her job earlier this year, despite having no backup plan, gave her a level of peace she had not experienced in years.

“I left mine at the beginning of this year with no plan. But I promise you, those were the best two months of my life,” she wrote.

“I had never experienced that much peace and rest in a very long time.”

However, she warned others against making the same move without financial preparation.

“But I wouldn’t advise anyone to quit without having some savings to fall back on while looking for something else,” she added.

The financial reality remains a major concern

Mental health advocates emphasise that while quitting may provide emotional relief, it should ideally be accompanied by careful planning.

Experts recommend speaking to a therapist or counsellor, evaluating finances, building a safety net and developing a plan for what comes next before resigning.

For workers whose mental health continues to deteriorate despite efforts to improve their circumstances, leaving a job may become a necessary act of self-preservation.

Yet as stories from workers continue to emerge online, one reality remains clear: the decision often involves balancing financial security against personal wellbeing, a choice that many say is becoming increasingly difficult in today's workplace.

A growing conversation

As awareness around mental health grows, experts say organisations must do more to create psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel comfortable seeking support before reaching breaking point.

For some workers, the answer may be therapy, flexible working arrangements or stronger workplace support.

For others, the answer may be walking away.

The challenge, experts say, is knowing the difference before the cost becomes too high.

IOL News

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