Do You Just Need A Break From Work Or Is It Finally Time To Resign?

A career coach helps you decide.

by Sheila Tan

Published on Sep 15, 2025

Girl choosing between taking a break or resigning

ILLUSTRATION: Ica Del Mundo

We've all been there: it's Sunday evening, and you're already feeling anxious imagining what the next day will bring. It's hard to enjoy the last hours of the weekend, because it feels like the calm before the storm. Monday comes, the alarm goes off, and you ask yourself: Do I resign today, or just take a sick leave? After thinking of the credit card bills you have to pay, you go to work begrudgingly anyway. And the week goes off like gentle torture. Weekend comes, and it goes on repeat.

In today's hustle culture, especially here in the Philippines where many of us juggle side hustles, family duties, and toxic-level stress at work, burnout is real. But so is the risk of walking away from something that might still have value—if only you gave yourself space to breathe.

So, before you hit "send" on that resignation email or book a one-way ticket to Siargao, let's break it down (before you do).

Resign or reset? Here's how to tell.

Let's be real—is it you?

This could be the toughest pill to swallow. But if the problem is you, the solution would be a lot simpler. Probably not the easiest, but the simplest. Are you the type who would constantly find what's wrong in any situation? Would your friends/colleagues say you're a perfectionist and hard to please?

If these sound like you, take a shift into how you see yourself and life. Think of what could go right, instead of the other way around. Train your mind to focus on what you could be grateful for. This simple solution could solve the problem for you. If this isn't enough, then read on.

woman burnout from work in front of laptop

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Photo: Canva Pro/dimaberlinphotos

1. Is it seasonal?

Does this happen every end of quarter when there's a regional reporting that needs to be done? Is it every tail end of the month when the sales quota needs to be hit? If it is, then think of how to prepare better so that it doesn't hit you like a tidal wave each time. What things can you spread out so that you don't need to cram?

2. Will upskilling help?

There are some tasks we dread because we don't do them very well, and they take so much time and energy. These things could drain us disproportionately. If you could do them efficiently and effectively, will it lighten everything else? Learning to present in front of the leadership team without wanting the ground to swallow you whole could be the one thing that will make your job fun.

3. Could a role or department change fit you better?

If what you do feel inherently opposed to what you want to do, look around. Is there a different department you'd rather be in? Is there a role that fits you more? If you could excel elsewhere using the same ID, this shift would be easier for you and also more economical for your company. Ask for it before thinking of leaving!

4. Is the culture unhealthy for you?

What feels healthy or unhealthy can be relative. If your environment doesn't support you in bringing out your best, the first step is to start a conversation. Be clear about which behaviors affect you negatively and suggest a constructive way forward. By naming a limiting culture, you might actually be doing everyone a favor. This approach also works if the issue is just with one or two people—even if they happen to be your superiors.

5. Is it personal?

Apart from work, are you going through a tough time? Do you have family concerns that need urgent attention? Are you going through a breakup? In this case, taking a few days off to take care of things, going to the beach to scream your heart out might be enough. Find people who can support you during these times. Heck, you might find them in the next cubicle. It's okay to admit when you’re in a rough patch—just tell your teammates how they can best support you.

If it's any of the above, focus on what's within your control, and think of what you can influence. Influencing could be a simple as voicing out how you feel. Remember that how you communicate it will determine if it'll be seen just as a negative comment, or as a possible way of doing things around.

woman giving her resignation letter at work

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Photo: Canva Pro/charliepix

Or maybe it's really your company.

You've done the self-check. You've tried reframing, upskilling, and even adjusting your expectations. But if the dread doesn't go away no matter how much you shift your perspective, the problem may not be you—it may be the workplace itself. Because no matter how capable or optimistic you are, a toxic environment will eventually take its toll. So before you stay another year out of habit, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is there a value misalignment?

If what's considered good and rewarded something that's against your values, say bribing to win a bid. If leaders harass and shame you, and they think it's okay, then that's a big no-no. Stepping away from this kind of workplace would be doing your mental health a favor.

2. Do you see yourself shining elsewhere?

If you have a talent or a business idea that you really want to explore, take the early steps while you still have a steady payroll. They might be a side hustle or a hobby. Take classes to see if you could take it further. Find partners you could do it with.

3. Is there a life stage change?

Are you getting married and need to relocate elsewhere? Did you just have a baby and need more time at home? Find solutions that works "both and" instead of "either or." With the hybrid world we now live in, anything can be possible if you're valued in your company.

Whatever path you choose, think about your finances and how your decision could affect the people in your life. Ideally, have enough savings to cover at least six months before taking a big leap. It is recommended to have savings that could last you six months before you take on big leaps. Create cushions by finding freelance jobs or side hustles. Make sure that whatever decision you say yes to, it has you at the center of it.

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Sheila Tan is an Executive Meta-Coach and Organizational Development Consultant. She is a Licensed Neuro-Semantics trainer, Group and Team Coach, an NLP Master Practitioner and Meta-Coach by the International Society of Neuro-Semantics. She has a Masters degree in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University.