In today’s world most of us have to work to earn a living; it’s just a plain fact. However, although we might not be able to just leave a job at the drop of a hat, there are times when staying in a job is not the right thing to do.
It might be time to re-evaluate your circumstances if any of the following signs sum up your situation:
You’re stuck - reaching the limits of your current role can often remove the incentive of accomplishment. You can feel like you’re a hamster on a wheel and if you're not growing or learning anything new, it might be time to leave.
You’re being over looked - if your boss ignores that you have more to offer, or if you've been passed over for promotion or any attempts on your part to take on more challenging tasks, then it might be time to look for a new opportunity. Making a real contribution is vital, remember what they say: use it or lose it.
You have no voice - If your ideas are not heard, valued, or you can't seem to get time with your boss to discuss your work then finding a new job might be the answer. Being listened to and acknowledged for great work is a key requirement for job satisfaction.
You're miserable every morning and lack any real passion - we’ve all struggled getting up and going to work from time to time, but if every day you have a real sense of dread, then it could be time for a new job. Whilst you can’t have the sense of glee and real passion for your job forever, you do need to have a certain degree of excitement and it shouldn’t feel like a daily grind. You also need to consider, when you come back from a holiday or a day off, are you counting down to your next days off.
Your job has become so boring - when your work has become so monotonous you’re constantly fighting boredom, it could be time to seriously consider moving on. There’s nothing more draining than a job that has you bored to tears, regardless of what you’re being paid. Also, it is very easy to become totally apathetic in other areas of your life if your job brings no enjoyment. It can be very easy to lose your spark and feel like you’re surviving the day rather than looking forward to it.
You’re noticing physical changes - if just thinking about work leaves you feeling stressed, anxious or unhappy, it’s a good sign that it’s time to move on, as work related stress can affect your physical and mental health. If the work, people, or culture in your current position is unhealthy the stress can impact your life both inside and outside of work. It can become all consuming, impacting your family and friends and very easily take over your whole life. Keep an eye on losing or gaining weight, experiencing body aches and pains, anxiety attacks or consistently feeling down.
You don't fit in anymore - it’s time to reflect and consider other options if you feel that there are ethical or moral differences in how your employer or colleagues and you think. Whatever the issue, you need to feel unified with your employer and workmates. If this isn’t the case then it can lead to an uncomfortable workplace setting.
You dislike your boss and colleagues - you don’t go to work to make friends, although it is nice if you do, however, there has to be a certain level of civility or else it can make your time at work miserable. You can try to work out the problems you’re having with colleagues or your manager, but you need to know that sometimes they’re not fixable.
You’re underpaid - being undervalued in any situation is discouraging, this is especially true if your company has performed well and this is not reflected in your salary or benefits. When your salary is not commensurate with your talents, only one question remains. How much do you value yourself? It is even worse if your role and responsibilities have grown but your pay has stayed the same.
You are experiencing abuse - there’s no reason any one should be subject to constant berating or condescension. Working with someone who lives to make your life hell, eats away at you. Remember, you’re more valuable than that and new employment is needed.
So there you go, it’s worth remembering that the average person works an average of 40 hours per week for 40 years, so it’s vital that you gain job satisfaction.