It’s normal to have a bad day every now and then. Even people who claim to be happy at work will have bad days. You may also swear you’ll hand in your notice the next day from time to time… but thinking about it and doing it are oceans apart. How do you know it’s really time to move on?
If you absolutely hate your job, you should most definitely start looking for new opportunities. If you’re not sure, look out for these signs. It’s time to listen to yourself and ask yourself the following:
Does every day feel like Monday morning?
If you go to bed dreading the next morning, that’s not a good sign. Of course, work is work, but absolutely dreading your job is not a way to live.
Is your job challenging you?
If your job no longer pushes you to be better and grow, it may be time to move on. If you feel like there is no room for advancement, it can be rather demotivating. If the company doesn’t support your career progression it may be detrimental to your future to remain there, as it will hinder your career growth and development.
Is the vibe negative at work?
A toxic, negative environment will make it tough to ever feel happy at work. If your coworkers are constantly complaining or your boss is never happy, any passion you have for your job will easily wane. It may be time to question if the company you work for is the right fit for you. Consider if the situation is temporary (due to some changes) or if it’s there to stay. If you don’t see the atmosphere changing to a positive one anytime soon, it’s time to start that job hunt.
Is it affecting your health?
Work-related stress can create physical and mental health issues. If you find it’s consuming you and affecting your personal life, and by consequence, affecting those you love, it’s time to get out fast.
You don’t align with the company’s values
If you constantly feel like you’re compromising your own beliefs when at work, it may be time to consider moving on. Feeling morally misaligned with your employer leads to an uncomfortable work situation and nobody wants that.
Is your productivity suffering?
Feeling unproductive at work may be a sign that your heart is no longer in it. You may be feeling unfulfilled or lacking motivation. There’s only so much you can do to power through this, and it may not always work. You may want to start looking for a new opportunity if you feel like you’ve exhausted all motivation.
Do you feel overlooked?
If your skills are not being tapped, and management doesn’t recognise your talents it may quickly lead to resentment and you will easily start feeling overlooked. When you start to feel unheard and unappreciated it’s a sign to start looking for a new opportunity. You deserve better!
Your job leaves you feeling unfulfilled.
If you’ve lost your spark for your job, or you feel like it doesn’t align with your purpose you need to start moving in a direction that you feel passionate about – even if this means a radical career change.
You feel disengaged
You may find yourself getting distracted more often and procrastination is becoming the rule rather than the exception. If this is happening, you should consider if this is what you really want to do. There needs to be a part of your job you find at least a little bit interesting!
You find yourself complaining about your job… a lot
Have your friends and family commented on how much you vent about work? If you answered yes to this – ask yourself why! A job should be something positive rather than negative. If it’s always a cause of pain and complaining, it’s a sign that your job may not be fulfilling for you.
Reflect on these points and do not take any rash decisions. Recognise that it is a big step and it will take courage. Remind yourself that there is tons of help out there for every stage in the job-hunting process – from building a CV to answering those tedious questions in an interview. You’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again.
