Remember your first day on the job? That flutter of excitement at the prospect of things to come. That twinge of healthy nerves about whether you’d fit in. That eagerness to jump in, get started and make an impact.
These days it seems that passion and enthusiasm have been replaced by feelings of boredom, weariness and indifference.
Maybe it’s because you’re tired of being overlooked for that promotion over and over again. Or your colleagues annoy you. Perhaps you feel as though your talents are being wasted or there’s no room for growth.
Whatever the reason, if you’re feeling this way, it’s probably time for a change. If you’re still not quite convinced, here are a few telltale signs to watch for.
You’re unhappy most of the time.
Everybody has a bad day from time to time, but if you’re feeling unhappy, misunderstood, depressed or disengaged the majority of the time, you’re dealing with a bigger problem. Don’t ignore your feelings. They are trying to bring attention to a situation that you need to deal with. Remember – being gainfully employed doesn’t mean you have to be miserable or lose your sense of self. If your gut is telling you to move on, it’s time to start listening.
The environment is toxic.
Beyond the work itself, there are a lot of other factors that go into job enjoyment and your ability to realize success and fulfillment. For instance, the way your boss treats you, the rapport you have with your coworkers and the culture of the company itself. Take a step back and look at your job from a more holistic approach. Examine all the factors and dimensions of your workplace environment. If it’s unhealthy, you won’t thrive and you’re doing a disservice to yourself by staying.
There’s zero room for advancement.
You may have loved your job when you first started, but over time, the work has become less fulfilling and more monotonous. The fact is most people eventually want to grow and evolve in their career path. If you’re feeling stagnant in your position, if the company doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, or if you don’t see any areas where you can pursue internal opportunities, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.
Your boss is awful.
We’ve all had a bad boss from time to time, but if yours is exceptionally terrible, it might be time to consider moving on. There are plenty of reasons to dislike a manager. Some are slave drivers, others are lazy. Some undermine or take credit for everyone else’s work. Others lack critical leadership or communication skills. Whatever category your boss falls into, if it doesn’t appear he or she is going anywhere anytime soon, you might be better off cutting ties and moving on to greener pastures.
You’ve lost your passion.
What was the reason you chose the career path you’re in now? Oftentimes a lousy job can make you lose touch with those deep-seeded passions, steal your joy and even make you lose your sense of purpose. Remember – you were meant for bigger, better and more meaningful things. If your current position has you feeling like you’re just going through the motions, it’s time to reassess your career and start shaking things up.
If you can identify with any of the five things listed above, the question isn’t if you should leave your job, but when. Thinking about dipping your toe in the water? Why not get in touch? We can help you find a position that you’ll truly enjoy.