1. You’re staying for your past self — not your current self. Sometimes, your feelings about who you’re dating or where you’re working will change. When that happens, you shouldn’t try to shut down those feelings. It’s okay to grow as you get older. It’s okay for your idea of happiness to change. You shouldn’t stay in a situation that makes you uncomfortable because the person you were in the past really wanted this life. What you want now is much more important.

2. You’re feeling completely unappreciated. If you feel like every single good thing you do goes unnoticed, you need to make a change. You should never feel like your hard work is pointless. Your effort should be appreciated. It should be admired. If others are unable to see how much you’re doing for them, and don’t even muster up a thank you every once in a while, then you might want to think about saying your goodbyes. You might be more appreciated elsewhere.

3. You’re crying much more than you usually do. Rough patches are normal. But if you’re dreading hanging out with a certain someone or showing up at work every single morning, then something needs to change. You shouldn’t be crying literal tears because you’re unhappy with your situation. If you’re that miserable, then you should talk to your partner or boss or friend about ways to make the situation better — or you should leave the situation completely.

4. You feel like you aren’t making any forward progression. You shouldn’t feel like you’re stuck in a relationship, a friendship, or a career. You shouldn’t feel like you’re being held back. If you’re not growing anymore, then you’re allowed to admit what you’ve been doing hasn’t been working for you. You’re allowed to leave, so you can embark on a journey that feels better for you.

5. You’re drained, exhausted, and burning out. You shouldn’t be the only one initiating conversations with your friends, doing favors for your partner, or putting out fires at your company. If you feel like you’re the only one putting in effort and all the pressure is becoming too much for you, then you’re allowed to leave. You shouldn’t feel like the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders. Other people should be playing their part, too.

6. You’re settling for less than you deserve. You might doubt your worth, but you shouldn’t settle for a relationship where you’re not treated well or a career where you’re not paid enough. You should expect more from others. You should set your standards high.

7. You’ve simply lost interest. You don’t have to have a huge falling out with a friend, or get cheated on by a partner, or get disrespected by your boss in order to decide it’s time to leave. If you aren’t happy in your current situation, then go. You don’t have to wait for something bad to happen. You don’t need a better excuse to leave. You wanting to leave is reason enough to pack your bags and bolt.