When you feel like there’s no way out but to leave your job, you need to be certain that you’re making the right decision. It can make or break your career. If you feel confident about finding a better opportunity, don’t forget to cut ties with your superiors and colleagues professionally.

But how can you tell that it’s time to finally walk out that door for good? Here are a few points to weigh before handing in your resignation:

How long have you been stressed out at work? Do you think your frustrations are permanent? Throwing in the towel may seem like the best option when there’s a disagreement with a colleague, but you need to evaluate if the situation is likely to occur repeatedly or if it’s a passing thing. If it’s a temporary situation, choose patience. You’ll likely see things differently at a moment you least expect to.

Have you tried taking a break? Know the difference between wanting to quit work or simply taking a break. Sometimes rash decisions occur when we’re stressed and we’ve allowed anxiety to push us to a breaking point. When this happens,feel free to take time off from work.

Look at the big picture. Don’t let yourself focus on your current woes at work. Focusing on the negative leads to stagnation. If you’re really struggling, consider what will happen to you and your career once you’ve quit. Evaluate what you’ll be losing and gaining. You can potentially take your career off course, and unless you have a deep-down desire to take a new path, suddenly quitting can make it difficult to get back into certain fields once you’ve cut ties.

Are you ready for a resume gap? Upon quitting, be informed that a gap in your resume may affect your chances of future employment. It’s easier to get a job while working compared to having been out of the workforce for an extended period. Though some companies may accept a time out during your career, it’s better to create new opportunities and have a plan in mind while you’re still working.

Deal with the uncertainty. Quitting without another job in hand can bring a lot of stress, especially when you haven’t prepared to take a leap of faith. Be ready for a state of limbo while you rediscover your passion and the direction of your career.

If you genuinely feel that enough is enough, do what’s best for you. Fully understand the pros and cons of quitting your job in order to grow personally and professionally.