“That’s it. I’m out.” These are well-known statements you’re likely to utter when you fume over your job. After all, you’re a creature of impulse too, so being vulnerable to making hasty decisions is a clear possibility.

Did the workplace morale and satisfaction vanish into thin air? Have you waited for eternity for that promised appraisal and incentives? Do you constantly think that the work doesn’t pose further challenge to grow its constituents?

If it’s a resounding “YES” to all these questions, you may act like a volcano whose imminent eruption cannot be delayed anymore. You pack your stuff, vacate your post, and say sore goodbyes to your colleagues.

If you’re someone who’s deeply considering immediate resignation, do these five things first before ultimately deciding.

#1: Compare your job expectations to what you actually experienced

Your expectations on the job are the very reason why you applied in the first place. You set your career milestones, then found something in the organization that could’ve or would’ve hampered with those goals, so you walk away.

Compare your expectations to what you’re actually experiencing. This’ll enable you to determine the gap between those. If it’s obviously a gaping hole, then leaving is indeed the soundest option. But if you believe those flaws and inadequacies can be worked out by discussion or collaboration, then try to save it first.

#2: Challenge the situation

At times, you become blinded by the real gravity of the unpleasant situation. You believe you’re powerless, that’s why giving up seemed like the best resort.

However, you have more power than what you actually realize. Instead of leaving your situation to chance, challenge it.

For instance, does a work-related problem keep on wreaking havoc just because no one has the guts to voice it out? Be the first mover then.

Do you feel that your tasks are too heavy? Why not negotiate it with your manager? Sell the benefits of slightly lightening your workload to your overall performance quality.

The rationale is that you’ve invested something substantial to your organization, so you just don’t throw all of those out the window. At the very least, put up a good fight.

#3: Read between the management’s lines

As a human being, it’s not hard to sense if someone’s doing his part to keep you from leaving, or if he treats you like a dispensable asset that’s easily replaceable.

Instead of leaving outright, check if management will do something to win you back.

Telltale signs that management senses your resignation and wants to prevent you from it include: talking to you more frequently, setting up a rewards program for you, and telling their advancement plans for you in the future.

It’s up to you to measure those efforts, if those are enough to refuel your career drive. If not, bargain with them. As a PR officer in the past, I believe that almost anything can be resolved with sound negotiations.

#4: Make a lasting impression, and aim for a somehow graceful exit

Whether you decide to stay or leave, make sure every workday from your reckoning point counts. It’s an opportunity for management to realize what they’ll be losing, prompting them to devise attractive ways to save you.

Well, if you’ve decided to leave later on, at least you were able to make lasting impressions that’ll surely benefit your employee review.

Whichever you choose, you win. Strive to be hungry and motivated even when the strides are opposite you.

#5: Confirm to yourself that it’s not an abrupt decision

The future is so uncertain that you may end up on worse situations or organizations.

It’s important to value what you have on your existing organization, and not undermine what you’re currently enjoying. No matter how small it may seem, understand that those may not be constants on other firms.

Meditate, ponder deeply.  Seek advices from your trusted counselors and peers. It’s important to involve other people so you can view sides that are unknown to you, but may be impacting.

As a wrap-up, you just don’t easily turn your back on an organization you once cherished and loved. If still possible, you mend and strengthen your bond with it by making both ends meet.

But if you strongly believe that the situation you’re in is a lost cause, just try to at least be casual to the people you’ll be leaving behind.