Advice doesn’t always follow conventional wisdom. Changing careers can be one of the most difficult things you will do in your life but it is also one of the most rewarding. As a Career Coach, most people think that I only get people jobs. Little do they know that I’ve gotten people out of them as well. So, how do you know when it’s time to leave a position and maybe time to start anew? Let’s take a look.
As the song goes…You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling. Do you absolutely dread going to the office? Do you dread Sundays and even evenings after work? If you cannot relax in your time outside of work, then it’s time for a change.
Are you bored, unfulfilled, and just not feeling challenged? When you feel like you’ve made all the moves you can in your current organization and/ or position, then it’s time to start looking for where and how you can continue your professional growth.
Do You Feel Like Everyone Else Is Leaving, Too? Usually, when this happens you know that it isn’t just you. A high turnover rate in a company is a sign that something else is happening. Employee engagement is important to most job seekers seeking high levels of satisfaction.
Your Manager and/ or Boss Speaks To You (And Others) Poorly. Whether this is a sign of a larger issue him/ her are dealing with or if they are just rude, it’s not something you should have to deal with. We spend more hours at work than we do at home and there is no need to be rude, unkind, or uncivil to each other. If it makes you uncomfortable, you should document the behavior as well.
Have You Been Harassed? The #MeToo movement opened a very large discussion that we very much in need of. If you are being harassed at work, remember that it is illegal and there isn’t a single justification for it. Again, you should document it and report it to your supervisor. Seek legal advice if you feel it’s necessary as well.
Are You Getting Paid Your Worth? Have you been rewarded for your work by either a raise or another perk (say, flextime, maybe?)? If your answer is no then it’s time to ask for more. Start by doing some research about what the market rate is for the position. If your employer isn’t willing to budge, then it’s time to look elsewhere.
A Toxic Work Environment. This isn’t a phrase to throw around lightly. It actually constitutes a particular set of conditions in a workplace. Each state will have different standards for what that is but check with your local department of labor and/ or seek legal guidance on what threshold is. If you feel like you’re stuck in one, it’s time to begin spending your days in a positive, supportive, appreciative environment in which you will learn and grow.
Has Your Role Changed? I don’t mean in a good way, as in through a new opportunity. If you’re being forced into new roles or taking on duties just to suit company needs, then it’s time to start looking. You were hired for a position that was in line with your career goals. You shouldn’t be forced into something that isn’t in line with them.
If you’re unhappy for any of these reasons then it’s time to start looking. Don’t sacrifice your happiness, well-being, or career satisfaction for just a paycheck or a job that won’t advance your career goals and growth.