In today's economy, would you quit a job that is negatively stressful?

Since just today I attended a symposium titled "Cultivating Well Being: The necessary Role of Business Leaders, Researchers, and Educators," your question caught my eye. The symposium was presented by the Center for Growth Enterprises at the McIntire Fall Forum at UVa.

After listening to the panel discussion, I believe the experts would encourage an employee to either find a more suitable work environment, but if that were not possible, to work with the employer on the shared goal of converting the negative stress into productive stress. Any bottom-line oriented manager would not want to perpetuate a situation in which an employee became stressed to the point of illness and absenteeism. Nobody is well served in that scenario.

In an ideal situation, I completely and utterly agree, Andrew. I would also encourage the reinvention process and taking accountability for one's own happiness. I think often we adhere to the expectations of our job title/description but not our own; sometimes resulting in a "slump" of sorts. I think the first vital step in the process is exploring the possibility that there is a newer, more engaging, and perhaps effective way of performing your role. That might not only result in increased engagement on your end, but also maybe introducing a new practice to the organization that is invaluable and would have otherwise been overlooked. Coming from a "Social Marketing" background, this may be more of a realistic approach as the field is so dynamic by nature that reinvention is not only a luxury but a necessity. I would love to see more workshops on creativity and reinvention than statistics about unhappiness and unemployment. However, this may also be an approach that exists only in a professional vacuum.

I think most people have had a fantasy at one in our career where we've wanted to say, "Take this job and shove it!" and walk out the door with head held high. Unfortunately, the empowerment wears off quickly, and the exhileration of freedom is soon overshadowed by the cold fear of fiscal uncertaintly.

Randall does a very good job of outlining an exit strategy, including the key advice to NEVER burn your bridges. I have been surprised at how helpful former employers and clients have been in helping build my future success. Sometimes a relationship that is unhealthy in a workplace environment transforms into something completely different when you - and they - assume new roles.

In my experience, workplace stress and dissatisfaction ebbs and flows. I tell my own team, "If it was fun every day, we'd call it 'play' and you wouldn't get paid for it!"

But if it's never fun, then it's time to look elsewhere. Before starting my own company, I stayed too long in positions where I was undervalued, underpaid, and locked into a role and assumptions where there was no way to change the status quo. I ultimately had to start my own business in order to find the place that was right for me. An entrepreneurial life is stressful every day - and there are many days my job is no fun at all - but I know it's the role I signed up for, and if I don't like the way things are going, I have nobody to blame but myself!

Take charge of your own destiny and start networking - or contact a recruiter. You will either take the next step toward future happiness elsewhere, or learn that given current market alternatives, what you have to put up with for now doesn't look so bad after all. Either way, you'll be happier in the long run.

Not only would I, I did, and it was the best decision I ever made.

It depends. Things to consider:

1. Do I have an exit strategy?
2. Can I afford to quit?
3. How will this affect my network and my future prospects?

Sure, happiness is at the heart of all of our professional endeavors, (assuming that's the goal) but in answering this, one would have to thoroughly consider these questions when weighing his or her decision. With the economy as it is today, there are no guarantees that there will be a job waiting for you. Especially if you happen to be a tenured professional. Many organizations aren't looking for older managers, directors, executives when they can pay younger, typically more educated, and desperate professionals less, and promote accordingly.

Ultimately, I would say that if you had somewhere to go and your career would not be adversely affected by the change, go for it.

However, if this isn't a luxury to which you are privy, in this economic landscape, I say suck it up and/or reinvent yourself in what you are given.

I think both Adam and Michael gave the adequate answer.
Quitting with no "secure net" plan, requires a great deal of courage, or the affordability of being perhaps longer than expected on the job market at current conditions.
It is my guess that in Western Europe current conditions are not their best, however still good. It will no longer be the case early 2012, therefore if one has to quit, he/she better move fast before year end.
Quitting without plan B or exit strategy may have though the advantage of allowing time and energy for sound questioning as to "what's next" and re-open opportunity doors one would forgo otherwise. Ultimately it's about confidence and attitude and having a clear mind as to what one wants to pursue or (re)start as professional.

Knowing who I am...Yes I would. I've done it before, and it was the best thing I could have done. The key is to leave "graciously". If the I know going into a new position that it is a stressful work environment, I have a game plan to leave over a period of time, i.e. 1-year, or 2-years. During that time, I remain focused on the game plan and therefore plan my "escape route" to a better opportunity. Again, leaving "graciously" is the key.

IF U COULD HAVE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY THEN SWITCH OVER IT.
THANKS

YES