We all know that feeling. That nagging in your gut that tells you something isn’t right, and you just can’t shake the feeling that you need to make a change. Maybe it’s time for a new job? If you’re not sure, here are a few signs that might help point you in the right direction.
1. You’re considering a new job opportunity
If you feel like the idea of a new job makes your heart race with excitement, then go for it! You’ll never know until you try, right?
You’ve already been considering what’s next… planning for a new position or goal that would complement your talents. Perhaps you’ve already spent time going to the employment sites to see what’s available.
It’s natural for everyone to have a bad day at work from time to time. However, if you’re frequently fantasising about quitting, there’s most likely a compelling reason for it. Accept that as an indication that it’s high time to begin looking for employment.
There’s something to be said for listening to your instincts. So if the idea of a new job makes you feel happier and more confident, then go ahead with that! You’ll never know until you give it a shot, right?
2. You dread going to work everyday
It’s okay to feel anxious sometimes, but don’t let it get out of control. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and low on energy every day before work starts then consider quitting to avoid the negative effects on both mental health as well as productivity at work.
There are a few physical indicators that can occur as a result of work-related stress. These may not all be true for you, but it is good to keep in mind especially if there’s any chance they’re linked with your job.
- You drink too much
- You eat more (or less) than usual
- You are experiencing sleep disruptions
- You get headaches or colds frequently
- You always get tired
If you’re feeling under the weather at your current job, it might be time for something new.
3. You are bored often
So, you’re at work and completing your tasks but don’t feel any motivation or excitement about them? You’re just turning up each day without aiming for success or growth. This isn’t a good place to be as it will negatively impact both yourself and your employers.
The average person spends about three hours on social media every day, but if you are bored with your job it might be time for something new.
The key to a fulfilling career is not just doing the work, but also loving it. Forcing yourself into something that doesn’t make you happy will only lead down an unhappy path and eventually leave your job empty-handed.
4. Last one standing
COVID-19 has left its mark on the world, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The economic impacts of this pandemic are being felt across industries – so if you work in one that could be vulnerable due to pandemic negative effects then consider finding new employment opportunities now before agencies fill up with people who need skills like yours.
You’re at a crossroads. You can either quit or be fired from your job and have no idea what to do next – but if you want the best chance of success in this difficult time for both yourself personally as well professionally then it’s important that don’t make rash decisions before really thinking through all options available including keeping on working wherever they may lay until something better comes along.
The best way to tell if you’re about to get laid off is by taking a look at your coworkers. If they start getting replaced or furloughed, that could be an indication of a layoff coming soon too! And other signs change may happen include:
- There has been a significant decrease in your workload
- Business, in general, has slowed down
- Clients who are key accounts are struggling to make payments or have left the company
The job market is rough, but there are ways to get ahead. If you notice any or all these happening in your workplace – especially with the current state of things being as they may be – consider getting a jump on searching for another position.
5. You feel stuck and hopeless
If you’re not willing to branch out and try new things, then your work is bound for failure. You need some competitive pressure in order to maintain motivation throughout the day- after all, it’s only human nature that we want what feels good or easy at first; but when faced with hardship our spirits will falter quickly without encouragement from others who think differently about how successful they’ve been because of dedication.
We all know work isn’t always easy. But if you find yourself thinking “I could do this all day, every day! This is too simple!” then it might be time for a change of pace and some new challenges that will help grow your skillset outside the comfort zone.
The thrill of a new job quickly wears off when you feel as if there’s nothing left to learn. You may have taken all necessary steps towards preventing career burnout, but it doesn’t seem like anything is working.
It’s important to have a conversation with your manager about opportunities for growth. If you’re not sure if there is room at the table or how much more progress can be made, then it might just mean that this job isn’t right for you and something better awaits.
6. The Pay Isn’t Going to Get Any Better
The silver lining of a salary request is that it gives you an opportunity to find the perfect match. You might think your offer was turned down or met by silence, but there are bound to be other people out here who want what you have!
In these economic times, it may seem like employers are not budging from their pay rates. While this could be the case for some companies (especially those who have already increased salaries), others might actually need help with employee retention as more people leave jobs than join them. If you feel like your request to increase yours was met by silence or rejection then consider looking elsewhere – there’s bound to be somebody out here willing enough to give what you’ve got.
It’s always difficult when trying new things; whether it’s asking an employer nicely about getting paid more money.
If you want to get a great job with an amazing company, it’s important that your expectations are reasonable. The market has changed recently and companies aren’t hiring like they were before so don’t be discouraged if this happens – instead wait for when things pick up again.
7. There’s Little or No Work Flexibility
Balance is key to success. The best way to start the week is with some catch-up on weekends and other personal time commitments. Working non-stop can be exhausting, so it’s important that you have balance in your life outside of work as well.
COVID-19 was a pandemic that changed the way we work and live, but it’s changing again. The flexibility of remote jobs may be gone now – unless your company still offers this option or you take advantage by going back into an office setting once in a while.
Work-life balance is a highly desirable quality in a workplace, but if you’ve been feeling like your job might not last due to newfound flexibility and negotiating permanent remote work with a new company isn’t going anywhere soon – perhaps it’s time for a change.
8. Your Workplace Is Toxic
With people spreading negativity and putting down their coworkers, it is hard to stay happy at work. If you find yourself surrounded by ungrateful co-workers that make life miserable for everyone else in the office, then maybe moving on would be best.
The workplace is a difficult enough place with people spreading gossip and negativity. If you find yourself surrounded by ungrateful coworkers, it might be time to look elsewhere for work.
While you all have moments where your relationships with co-workers and bosses alike can be less than perfect, most times these issues are short-term or can be handled easily enough by working together smoothly. But when a minor issue becomes longer-term or structural problems arise in your work environment – then this might be an issue worth considering for some serious change like finding another job opportunity.
Final thoughts
You are in a great position to make your next career move. Treat this as an opportunity and put some thought into it so you can be clear about what kind of job and company would suit you best. Planning your next steps can be the difference between success and failure. When you are ready to move on from a job, plan how best to do so in order to give yourself enough time for new opportunities. There are times when you just know when you need to make a move. The signs are there, and if you feel anything less than excited about your work every day then it might be time for an exit strategy. You should never feel guilty about moving on. You have a limited amount of time in your career, so don’t waste it in a position that doesn’t suit you or doesn’t match your needs and desires.