Klopp leaves Liverpool: is there a right time to quit your job?

Jurgen Klopp will announce he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season later today. In a video posted to the Liverpool website, the 56-year-old attributed his shock decision to “running out of energy” after what will be nine years at the helm of the Reds.

Klopp’s veneers have been a shining beacon of hope for Liverpool fans, helping to guide the club to its first ever Premier League win in 2020. His exit comes as a shock to Scousers, with many wondering what it will mean for the team and its 200 million fans. 

Liverpool are currently sitting top of the league, which would put them in good stead for further trophy glory. Klopp may be setting himself up to go out on a high, or even giving himself a simple get-out path if Liverpool fail to make the distance. It’s hard to know his mindset for sure, but the sense of needing to leave a role is far from unique to top flight football managers.

Below, we list the five signs that it’s the right time to leave a job – and ask whether it’s the right time for Klopp to say goodbye to his beloved LFC baseball cap.

5 signs it’s time to quit your job

1. You’re no longer learning or growing

There is an argument that Klopp has already achieved his club’s goals and objectives. Having guided Liverpool to a Champions League triumph and a long-awaited Premier League trophy, and kept them among the league front-runners since his tenure began, the German might be looking for a new challenge.

When you’re not growing professionally, it can lead to boredom and dissatisfaction. In fact, a recent report by e-learning solutions provider IMC found that 86% of employees would stay in a job for longer if it offered more learning and development (L&D) opportunities.

2. The work environment is toxic

There’s no doubt that managing a football club is likely one of the most stressful roles a person can take on. Sometimes, this can foster a negative work culture filled with negativity, conflict, or a lack of respect.

Now, we’re not saying that Anfield has this issue. But, for any employee, a toxic work environment can seriously impact your well-being and hinder your productivity, causing people to dread going into work and, ultimately, encouraging resignations.

This is unlikely to be the case for Klopp, however. Speaking in his resignation video, a visibly emotional Klopp said, “I love absolutely everything about this club and this city, our supporters, the team, the staff”.

3. You’re not valued or appreciated

Do you think your contributions are overlooked or you’re not being compensated fairly? Feeling undervalued can be demotivating and affect overall job satisfaction. That’s a real risk today, with firms struggling to pay staff a competitive salary in the current economy.

Again, this is unlikely a risk factor for Klopp. After a contract extension in 2022, the Liverpool boss was reportedly earning around £300k a week basic pay – perhaps only adding to the confusion from fans about today’s notice letter.

4. Your health is suffering

If a job causes you undue stress, anxiety, or even physical health problems, this is a sign clearer than a red card that it’s time to leave. Employee mental well-being has taken a huge hit in recent years, with UK workers reporting rising stress levels. 

If your job is negatively impacting your health, it might be time to switch to a role with flexible working arrangements that can better balance work and life commitments. 

Klopp’s admission that he is feeling exhausted suggests this is the crux of his issues at Liverpool.  “I’m running out of energy. I cannot do this again and again,” he explained. Turns out even football managers can suffer from staff burnout.

5. You have a strong personal reason for leaving

Employees are increasingly prioritising their personal goals and values when it comes to their career planning. You may have a desire to work abroad, pursue further education, or even start your own business. 

If you have a personal ambition that requires you to leave your current job, it’s important to prioritise those aspirations. Klopp, who is nearly 60, may simply want to enjoy an early retirement from the game and swap footballs for his favourite hobby, garden bowls.

Considering a career change? Take a look at over 40 top London startups that are hiring this January.