Examine your situation and see what you can do (if anything) to improve it, perhaps by adding some skills to get a better position at your company or educating yourself for a wholesale career change. If you can't take much more of your job and think you're really going to walk, make sure you have money to pay your living expenses while you job hunt.

5. My Job Is Making Me Sick Has your job become so stressful that you can't relax, eat, or sleep? Being in a horrible work environment can actually lead to physical or mental illness. Continuing in a job you hate can make you feel angry, hopeless, or apathetic. If this sounds like you, try taking a break from your job and improving your mental state before making the big decision to quit.

If you're overdo for a vacation take one. Serious health problems may qualify you for a sick leave. If you've built up a lot of goodwill over the years you may even be able to ask for a leave of absence for a period of time. Use the time away to relax and reflect upon what you'd really like to do. The time off may help you decide you need to find a new job, transition to a new career, or even go back to school.

6. I'm Experiencing Discrimination Federal laws prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. Being a victim of discrimination can make it impossible to get promotions, pay raises, or other opportunities for advancement. Looking for a new job may be the solution to an unfair situation if you think you're going to get fired.

Many people being harassed end up quitting in frustration. However, if you choose this route, make sure you've documented your situation in case you decide to file a lawsuit or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint. Before deciding to leave your job, find out what kind of complaints process your company has in place to see if you can resolve your situation without having to quit.

7. I Have Young Children According to the U.S. Census Bureau there were about 5.5 million stay-at-home parents in 2004. Most of these parents were stay-at-home moms who opted out of working to raise their kids. Staying home to raise children is a personal choice that each employee has to make based upon his or her circumstances. But for some parents, the decision to stay home could simply be a matter of dollars and cents. If you really want to be home with your children and all the money you're earning is going to pay for child care, transportation, and other work-related expenses, you may be better off quitting.

Don't let your emotions keep you from making good decisions about your career. Marching into your boss's office and announcing your resignation might be a tempting but less-than-prudent action. Take time to carefully evaluate your situation and finances before leaving any job. Then set up a realistic plan of action for getting out of Dodge."

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