The decision to leave your job is not an easy one to make. You may find yourself battling with the uncertainty of whether or not you’re making the right decision. After months of trying to “make it work”, even the world’s biggest optimist reaches a tipping point.
In this article, we will discuss a list of signs to look out for when it might be time to change jobs.
If you find yourself nodding along and agreeing with most of these signs, well that is a big red flag and we suggest putting your feelers out there for a new job
1. You’re miserable every morning when it’s time for work
Not every day will be a good working day, so it’s perfectly normal to dread going to work on some days. However, if it happens most days, then there’s a problem. If you spend every evening lamenting about having to go to work the following day, it might be time to start looking for another job.
2. You’re no longer passionate about the role
Passion is the driving force behind our desire to succeed and excel at what we do. If you are no longer passionate about your work then it may be time to reassess your career goals. Consider looking for opportunities that position you to achieve these goals and align with your passion, or at least give you a chance to tap into your passion even if it’s outside of the organisation.
3. Your physical health is taking a toll
Work-related stress is normal, working on big projects or going through changes at work can be stressful. However, your health and wellbeing is more important than anything. It’s important to closely monitor what things at work are making you stressed and then clearly pinpoint the pain points work them out with your boss. If these can’t be changed, then it might be time to get a new job, your health always comes first.
4. There’s no opportunity to grow
Reaching a ceiling at work often results in you not being able to tap into some of your greatest skills which is not ideal for personal growth. If there are no opportunities for advancement then it’s time for you to start looking at places where you can grow and expand your skills. Opportunities for growth are more than just promotions, it’s also being able to work on different projects, learn a new skill or gain a new qualification.
5. Your ethics and values are being compromised
A work environment that requires you to make decisions that are out of character and don’t align with your values is a major red flag. If you have to be out of character or make decisions that don’t align with your values, this is one of the main signs that you are not a fit for the company culture. The more you have to overexert yourself to gain recognition, the more you start to lose the essence of who you are. It’s best to find an environment that is aligned with your ethics and values.
6. You are significantly underpaid
Sometimes, being strategic about your career growth is accepting a position with a lesser package, but with bigger opportunities for expansion with regards to your skills or gaining a new qualification. However, if you feel your job does not offer you any of these perks and you are also underpaid, then that is usually a reflection of how your employer values your work and your contribution to the organisation.
If you think you are being underpaid, why not check for yourself using our salary calculator tool.
7. Your work performance is depreciating
When you lose the excitement in your role, your performance also takes a hit. Depreciating performance has a ripple effect and can negatively affect the rest of your team as they end up having to pick up a bulk of the work. If the environment no longer inspires you to contribute at your peak, then it’s best to start looking for a new job before your employer shows you the door which may hinder your chances of getting a better job.
8. It’s too easy
That’s right, it’s not always about hating your job or place of work, it might be that the work you do is too easy. If all of the above are not relevant but you are still thinking about leaving your role, it could be because you’re bored. If your brain isn’t being stimulated at work and you just turn up everyday, do your tasks and leave without breaking a sweat, then this is also a big sign you need to look elsewhere.
You’ve made the decision to find a new job
So you’ve decided to take the first brave step into your new life but you don’t know where to start. A good tip to help with deciding on whether or not to accept a new job offer is to try writing down a list of specific responsibilities, company culture, salary and potential job benefits you would like. This way you know exactly what you are looking for in a new position.
If you are considering quitting your job, have you thought about exploring a different field? Is there something you’ve always been interested in pursuing but you just haven’t had the courage to take the leap in a career change? Maybe a job in cyber security looks interested? If so, why not have a read of our article on how to start a career in cyber security then read what it’s really like to work in cyber security, a Q&A with someone who has been working in cyber security for years.
