Are you thinking about leaving your job? Or have you ever considered looking for a new job? With 23% of workers planning to quit their jobs by yearend, it’s not uncommon for your eyes to stray. However, once you decide it’s time to make a move, it can be challenging to determine when the best time is to leap.
Here are 6 signs that you need to find a new job.
- You’re Bored in Your Current Role
Have you ever been in a job where you felt like you learned all you could? How about a position without the opportunity to advance your career or participate in professional development training that would allow you to? When you experience this, the first step you need to take is to meet with your manager. Doing so will help you determine if there are other responsibilities you could add to your plate or if you could move to a different position to light a fire under your career. If neither is a possibility, consider that sign the green light to start looking.
- Workplace is Toxic
A toxic workplace can be described in many ways. For example, it could mean that a manager doesn’t support your ideas or positioning, a team experiences one drama after the next, or a specific colleague acts as a modern-day Debbie Downer. If situations like these happen too frequently or are too draining for you, then it’s time to go.
- Job Lacks Flexibility
This isn’t 1995. Jobs and industries should prioritize job flexibility as part of operational initiatives. Whether you’re looking for a company that is there to help when it comes to managing children, taking care of aging parents, dealing with unexpected life situations, or allowing remote-work opportunities, you should have the support. If your company isn’t open to discussing the job flexibility you desire in a post-COVID-19 workplace, it might be time to look elsewhere.
- Pay is Stagnant
Have you been stuck in the same compensation plan for too long? If you’ve asked for a raise and your manager continues to push it off, it’s worth browsing other opportunities. This is as long as you’re realistic about your expectations and what the market’s driving. The same goes for room to grow. If growth is important to you, ask yourself if you’re at a company that encourages you to grow. If not, weigh your options.
- Company is Facing Financial Challenges
Many of us have heard about companies experiencing financial challenges from the pandemic in the last few years. Some of us might have even gone through it firsthand. If you’re part of an industry at risk during economic downturns or working for a company furloughing or laying off your peers, it’s time to look for a more stable position or situation.
- Can’t Be Yourself
Not being your authentic self is exhausting. Think of the amount of time you spend at work. If you’re pretending to be someone other than yourself the whole time, it can result in burnout. However, if you’re you, you’ll be able to feel a sense of empowerment, build better relationships, and experience happiness more often. What about if you work for a company whose values don’t match up with yours, or they compromise your values? If you are lowering your standards or asked to perform unethical actions, start the desk packing.
Sometimes the signs it’s time to leave your job are obscure, and other times they smack you right in the face. Make sure you’re checking in with yourself at work. Are you happy? Are you passionate about what you’re doing or your industry? What other questions should you ask yourself before deciding to move on? Join the conversation on LinkedIn. Also, check out Manager Not Following Through? Speak Up.
