Jobs are rarely for life these days. Millennials change job every two to three years, and people working in entry level positions are even more likely to move from job to job. It isn’t ideal to have a ton of different jobs on your CV as it makes you look unreliable, but if you are feeling itchy feet, here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate it may be time to find a new job.
You’re Bored and Unchallenged
One of the clearest signs it’s time for a change is if you find yourself bored and unstimulated in your current position. Perhaps you’ve mastered your responsibilities and there’s little room left to grow. Or maybe the work has become repetitive and fails to engage you. If you dread going to work and find yourself watching the clock, it could mean your talents are not being fully utilised. Exciting work should energise you, not bore you to tears. Listen to your intuition – if your job has become mind-numbingly dull, it’s probably time to find one that challenges you. Check out these resignation letter templates to help you get started.
You Dread Going to Work
It’s normal to have the occasional bad day on the job. But if you walk through the office doors dreading the day ahead of you more often than not, it’s a major red flag. Waking up only to realise you have to face another miserable day at a job you dislike takes a toll on your health and well-being. Life is too short. Don’t spend it dreading something you have to do for 40+ hours a week. If you can’t bear the thought of going to work every day, it’s definitely time to move on.
You Haven’t Received a Raise in Years
If it’s been a while since you’ve received a salary increase or promotion, it could be a sign to move on. Evaluate whether there are any opportunities for growth in your current role. Have you taken on more responsibility without compensation? Are you still at an entry level position after years at the company? If you’re feeling stagnant and your hard work is going unrecognised, it may be best to look for growth opportunities elsewhere. Don’t settle for a dead-end job that refuses to value you.
You Constantly Clash with Management
Frequent clashes with your boss or management could indicate that it’s time to find a better work environment. Personality differences happen, but consistent disagreements about work philosophies, ethics and best practices can create a toxic workplace. If you find yourself at odds with leadership, having your ideas shut down or being asked to do things you aren’t comfortable with, these are major red flags. A healthy work environment encourages open communication between employees and management. Don’t stay stuck in a negative one.
You Feel Undervalued
Do you feel like leadership doesn’t recognise your contributions or talents? Are your hard work and successes going unseen? This can breed resentment and make employees feel unmotivated. If you feel constantly undervalued in your current role, it may be time to find an employer who gives you the recognition you deserve. Look for a company that actively rewards employees for good work and provides opportunities to develop skills.
Your Values Don’t Align with the Company’s
Pay close attention if your personal values differ from the company’s values and culture. Do you find yourself at odds with their policies or business practices? Do you feel disengaged from their mission statement? Are you embarrassed to be employed there? Significant differences in values can make it difficult to feel proud of the work you do. Look for an employer who aligns with your ethics.
You Have a Bad Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is key for health and happiness. If you constantly work long hours, weekends and holidays without time off, it’s time for a reset. While some overtime here and there won’t hurt, a pattern of prioritising work over self-care is unsustainable. Similarly, if you find work creeping into your home life, leaving you unable to detach and unwind, it’s time to set some boundaries. Make sure your next role won’t demand constant overtime or after-hours work. Don’t sacrifice your mental health and personal time for a job.
Listen to Your Gut
At the end of the day, listen to your intuition. Pay attention to any nagging feelings telling you it’s time to move on, even if you can’t pinpoint the exact reason. An inner voice urging you to find something new, perhaps to start your own business, is usually correct. Life is too short to stick with jobs that make you miserable. Trust your gut and be proactive about seeking out the next opportunity.
