After the festive season has ended, we find ourselves back in the routine of work. The days are still dark, and with payday feeling far away, many are just trying to get through the workweek.
Whether you’re working long hours at a desk or pushing through shifts outside of an office setting, the January blues might be affecting you. This time of year seems to amplify frustrations, particularly related to our jobs.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, 2026 has been labeled as the year of ‘revenge quitting,’ and a study indicates that nearly a quarter of British workers are considering leaving their jobs this year.
If you find yourself frequently browsing LinkedIn for new opportunities, you’re certainly not alone.
That being said, a chartered psychologist advises against making hasty decisions to resign during January.
Dr. George Sik, a psychologist and director at workplace consultancy eras, mentions that dissatisfaction during this period isn’t necessarily a signal to quit.
“After a long, demanding year, it’s completely understandable to feel the urge to walk away,” he says. “But January quitting is often emotional rather than strategic. Burnout can feel like clarity, and people sometimes mistake the need for rest or change within a role for the need to leave entirely.”
He suggests workers consider three key questions before making such a decision.
Dr. George advises looking ‘a few steps ahead’ and asks: “Do you admire and aspire to the people above you, and the lives they lead, or does their reality quietly put you off?”
Many workers concentrate on daily tasks without seeing where their career path is taking them. Observing your superiors is crucial—do they work excessive hours or lack time for personal activities?
“You don’t want to wake up years down the line and realize you’ve been working hard towards a version of success that you don’t actually want,” Dr. George notes.
Dr. George suggests that instead of waiting for conditions to change, if there are opportunities for development or skill-building, it’s wise to engage.
“If you can see room for development, increased confidence or skill-building, that may be a sign the role still has something to offer even if it feels tough right now,” he adds.
It’s essential to carefully evaluate before making abrupt decisions.
Feeling uneasy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to leave. Dr. George points out that growth can be unsettling, especially early in a career or during change.
“January can then amplify those feelings, with energy lower and motivation naturally taking a dip,” he explains, which can make work pressures seem more intense.
“But leaving your job purely to escape discomfort can lead people to repeat the same frustrations elsewhere.”
Quitting your job at the right time is important, and it’s not when you’re at your breaking point, Dr. George advises.
“The right time to quit is when you can explain why you’re leaving without it being purely driven by exhaustion, resentment or an urge to escape,” he says. “If your reasons are calm and specific rather than ‘I just can’t do this anymore,’ you’re far more likely to make a move that improves your working life.”
Dr. George concludes by suggesting that sometimes the solution might not be a new job, but rather redefining your current role or having an open conversation at work to set clearer boundaries.