The 30-Second Test That Reveals If You Should Quit Your Job
For many individuals, deciding to leave a job is an easy choice, while others struggle with prolonged uncertainty. If you find yourself in the latter group, unsure about pursuing a new position, a psychologist has unveiled a straightforward method to clarify your decision. George Sik, a workplace psychometric expert and HCPC registered psychologist, asserts that five specific words can indicate whether you are in the right role, linking directly to your personal and professional values.
Understanding Job Satisfaction Through Values
George Sik explains that job satisfaction often hinges on the fulfillment of our core values. 'When it comes to job satisfaction, it is more than likely that our values – work or personal – are not being totally fulfilled,' he states. He compares this to companies hiring candidates who align with their values, noting that happy employees typically work in environments where their values are consistently met on a daily basis.
'If your top five values are being met, or even four out of five, you’ll likely be happy in the role, even if there is some day-to-day tension or problems that could be resolved by your manager,' Sik elaborates. 'However, if three or fewer of your values are being met, it is highly unlikely that your job is ever going to be fixed, and it may be time to move on.'
How to Identify Your Five Key Words
This process is remarkably simple and can be completed in as little as 30 seconds, though you are encouraged to take your time. Begin by reflecting on a job where you felt happiest, then write down five words that capture what you enjoyed most about that position. These words should be positive, energizing, and often tied to your personality traits, such as creativity, freedom, ethics, security, autonomy, stability, or pay.
Once you have your list, evaluate how many of these values are currently being fulfilled in your present job. This exercise is a form of psychometric testing, which Sik praises for having 'no wrong answers.' He adds, 'It’s about trying to apply meaning or measurability to things that often can’t be explained – like job satisfaction beyond salary and job title.'
Analyzing Patterns and Warning Signs
To refine your assessment, consider moments in your career where you felt most satisfied. Ask yourself questions like: When were you proud to describe your work to others? When did the days seem to fly by? Answering these can reveal patterns that highlight key characteristics of your ideal role.
You can also examine specific activities in your current job, such as enjoying meetings for collaboration or preferring fewer meetings for autonomy. However, Sik warns that if you frequently describe your job with negative terms like uninspired, bored, repetitive, chaotic, dramatic, draining, or inflexible, it is a strong indicator that you should consider leaving.
Similarly, if you catch yourself using phrases like 'at least...' or 'if I can wait/hold out...' when discussing your job, these are red flags signaling dissatisfaction. This method provides a clear, value-driven framework to assess your career path and make informed decisions about your professional future.
