Do you look forward to going to work? Do you enjoy the environment? Respect your co-workers? Does your work fulfill you?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, it\’s probably time to make a change. But if you\’re like most of us, you stay where you are longer than you should. I know. I’ve done it myself several times. There are all kinds of reasons for this. We fear change. We’re tired and stressed. We don’t have much free time. But whatever the reasons we give ourselves, the end the result is the same. We remain in a situation that makes us unhappy.
If this sounds like you, here are 10 clear signals that you should find a new job as soon as possible.
You often wake up dreading the day ahead
If you\’re nodding at this, it’s time to look for another job. We each only get a short time on this earth and there’s absolutely no reason to spend it in a job that makes you unhappy. It’s easy to talk yourself out of making a move for a million different reasons, but the bottom line is this: no one should dread going to work. If you do, it’s time to find a new job
You find yourself bitching and moaning with co-workers
If you’re unhappy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining to co-workers. Misery loves company and sometimes a good grumble can make you feel better. But if you regularly find yourself complaining, its time to find new work. Your company is paying you a good salary and it’s not fair to take that money if you’re bitching about them (no matter how much they deserve it!)
You resent your boss for being lazy/incompetent/greedy/insert alternative adjective here
You may be right. Your boss may be lazy, incompetent or greedy. But resenting it will get you nothing but raised blood pressure and increased stress levels. If you find yourself starting to feel this way, polish up your resume and start looking for a new job!
You regularly post negative comments about your job on social media sites
Not only is this a huge red flag telling you that you’re unhappy, but it’s also a surefire way to establish a bad reputation – and maybe even to get yourself fired. If you’re this unhappy, it’s time to get out.
You find yourself browsing job boards during company time
Maybe you’re not seriously looking, but you can’t help checking to see what’s available. The thing is, no one does this if they love their job. If you’re happy at work, looking for another job is the last thing on your mind. If you keep pulling up Monster.com, it’s time to find a new job.
You are often bored
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you’re comfortable. If your work is no longer challenging, it’s time to go – otherwise you may still be at the same desk doing the same stuff in 5 years time, Yikes! Find a new job!
You come home stressed more evenings than not
Stress is a leading cause of illness and can have serious long-term consequences. If you find yourself coming home from work feeling stressed out, you are quite simply making yourself sick. It’s time to move on.
You don’t fit with the culture
I once worked in a place that sapped my energy. The company sold a product I love and had a good business philosophy. It should have been a perfect fit. But I just didn’t fit in with the company culture. Other people thrived there, but I never found a way to fit in. Finally making the decision to leave was one of the best things I ever did for myself.
You don’t believe in what you’re doing
This could relate to your own work, or to the company’s products or services. In order to feel fulfilled, you have to feel that what you’re doing is worthwhile. If you don’t believe it is, you should find a new job where you know you’re making a positive impact.
You know you have more to offer, but no one is interested
If you’re constantly suggesting ideas or looking for ways to make extra contributions, it’s extremely disheartening to have your suggestions ignored or turned down. Don’t waste any more time – go find a place where your ideas are valued. You’ll be much happier.
Make 2014 the year you vow to be happy at work
When you\’re in an unhappy situation, it\’s easy to feel trapped, but the new year is the perfect time to make a fresh start. So why not spend the next few weeks preparing to make a move. Start browsing those job listings seriously. Polish up your resume. Improve your LinkedIn profile. Start networking. By this time next year, you could be well settled in to a job that actually leaves you feeling fulfilled and happy. Now that\’s a new year\’s resolution worth making.
(If you need help, check out our free series, The Smart Job Search, which provides great tips on creative ways to find a new job).
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