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Published on Jul 18
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Sometimes moving on is the best option
Nearly everyone has experienced it at some point – that feeling that you’re just not satisfied with your current position. Often this dissatisfaction may be just a phase or a mood you’re going through; however, these feelings may also point to a need to move on. While some discontent is to be expected in any position, here are 10 signs it is time for you to find a new job.
Lacking passion
If you’re just going through the motions at work and scraping by with the bare minimum of thought or effort, it could be a clear indication that you’ve lost your initial passion for your position or your company. While everyone may feel disinterested in their work from time-to-time, forcing yourself to sit at your desk and trudging your way through your to-do list shouldn’t be your default setting.
Rekindling your excitement and wonder about the possibilities of your workplace or position can be a challenge. If you have the option or a friendly work environment, discussing your frustrations or concerns with a supervisor or friendly manager may give you the opportunity to explore other positions within your current company rather than leaving. Many employers are willing to work with talented employees to help retain them, and you may be surprised at the other positions your company may be able to offer.
If transitioning within your current company isn’t an option, then moving on may be your best option. We’ve all heard about the daily grind, but when you’ve lost passion for what you do, work can feel like more of a trap than anything else. If you find yourself feeling constantly unmotivated or apathetic toward your work, it could be a clear indicator that it’s time to look for a new position that sparks your passion.
Sick with stress
If the stresses of the work, people, and culture of your workplace have begun to take a toll on your physical health, you may need to consider the best options for your long-term health. While being stressed at work is to be expected, if you’re carrying that stress home with you every day it may be time to move on to a healthier environment.
Difficulty falling asleep and waking up during the night worrying about work can lead to a lot more than just being tired in the morning. Lack of sleep can lead to more serious health issues, including a compromised immune system that makes you more susceptible to illness.
Sickness and lack of sleep caused by stress can make your already difficult work situation even worse. Try talking to management about reducing your workload or finding ways to share work duties with other team members. Outside of work, you may be able to find other ways of relieving stress, including yoga, massage, or talking to a professional. Ultimately, you have to put your best interests at heart. If your job is making you sick, it’s time to move on.
Dread the workday
If you find yourself waking up every morning dreading the workday, it’s never a good sign. When these workday morning blues are intermittent or temporary, you may be able to mark it up to a specific project or difficult time of year. When you dread work every day, it may be time to find happier pastures elsewhere.
Most people have dreams about work once in a while, but when those dreams become recurring nightmares it may be your subconscious trying to tell you something. If both your dreams and your mornings are filled with dread about going into the office, there’s little that a conversation with your supervisors could achieve. It may be time to look elsewhere to fulfill your career goals.
Company in decline
If your company has seen diminishing returns or profit losses in recent years, it may be a sign that the company is in serious decline. Rounds of layoffs and reduction in hours are clear indicators that your company is struggling and that you may be saddled with additional workloads and expectations without the rewards. When the writing is on the wall, it’s time to take a look at your options and start looking for other opportunities.
Stuck in a rut
If you’ve worked at the same company in the same position without any advancement or promotion for three or more years, you are stuck in a career rut. Sometimes ruts are caused by your own complacency, but if you’ve sought opportunities to move forward and been denied, then it may be time to move on.
If your current workday looks a lot like your first, you may find that your talents and skills aren’t being fully utilized. Feeling comfortable or confident in your role is always a good thing but finding yourself stuck in neutral is another thing entirely. Speak to your supervisor about your goals and discuss opportunities for a promotion or different role. If you haven’t been given the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities or push your boundaries, you may find that a new role elsewhere would allow you to flex your career muscle a little more.
Nonexistent growth opportunities
Offering professional development and growth opportunities is one way a business can demonstrate a commitment to their employees. If your company doesn’t offer these or provide other opportunities to challenge your skills, it may be time to consider your options.
You may not have the opportunity to learn something new every day, but your company should be providing you with the chance to improve upon your core skills and develop new ones. You may have to seek out these openings, including asking to be involved in new projects, seeking out training courses that fit your goals, or looking for conferences in your field. If none of these possibilities exist in your current position, it may be a sign that the company isn’t serious about investing in its employees and that it’s time for you to move on.
Fleeing the ship
If you find yourself attending frequent going-away parties for colleagues, it may be a sign of overall dissatisfaction among employees at the company. A few disgruntled employees are to be expected at any company. Patterns of departure can be a sign of a greater ill within the company that indicates you should start to update your resume or LinkedIn profile. Talk to your departing colleagues about their reasons for moving on and look for responses that are applicable to your won situation. Every company will experience some turnover, but if your company seems to be bleeding talent, it may be a sign that it’s time to move on.
Lack of support
If your managers and supervisors aren’t giving you the support you need, it can be tough to grow or move up within your company. Your managers should provide you with feedback, advice, and guidance on your performance that helps your career development. If you’re not getting that kind of support, it may be time to start looking for another position.
Alternatively, if you find that decisions you’ve made are being overturned by others, it may mean that your company doesn’t value your input. When you find that co-workers and managers aren’t valuing your work, it’s time to begin looking elsewhere for the support and feedback your company is lacking.
Shop complaints
Complaining about work is a trait that almost all workers share, but you shouldn’t be overwhelming your friends and family with constant grumblings about work. If you find that everything you have to say about your workplace is negative, it may be time to start thinking about moving on.
Discussions about your professional challenges or lessons learned can be productive and helpful in identifying what it is that you don’t like about your position. Complaints with friends and family may lead to slight irritation on their part, but constant gripes about work in the evening or on the weekend can lead you to a very negative mindset.
When that negative mindset follows you into the workplace, it can be detrimental to your career aspirations. A cynical attitude at work drains you of energy and enthusiasm, while leaving your colleagues with a sour taste in their mouth. Before you become the negative-Nancy in your office by no longer contributing in a positive way, you should read the writing on the wall and look for opportunities elsewhere.
On the prowl
If you were really satisfied with your current position, would you be entertaining the idea of looking elsewhere? Once you’ve check out LinkedIn or sent out a resume, it’s a clear indication that you’re unhappy.
Happy workers don’t generally have a wondering eye, so if yours has begun to do so it may be your subconscious trying to tell you something. If you complain frequently about your job, dislike your coworkers or boss, and you’ve been keeping an eye out for other opportunities, then you’ve already got one foot out the door and it may be time to admit to yourself that you are ready to move on.
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