Is It Time For A New Job?

Dreading the day ahead? Constantly watching the clock? Perhaps it’s time to consider finding a new job. Watch out for these signs that  it may be time to start a job search.

1. You start hanging out with the ‘disgruntled’ group

Almost every workplace has ‘those people’. The ones who like to complain constantly about their job, the boss and the office to anyone who will listen. Do you find yourself gravitating towards those unhappy campers more than usual and chiming in with your own gripes?

2. You’re constantly struggling with work

Do you always feels like you’re treading water, on the verge of drowning in your work? Is it a workload issue? How are you performing in comparison to your coworkers? Workload issues are worth discussing with your manager. But another blunt question to ask yourself is this – am I really cut out for this job? It may just be a case of bad fit, and learning to recognize that can save you a lot of time in a job that just wasn’t meant to be.

3. Money is the only reason you’re there

If money is the only motivator for you to make that trip to work in the morning it’s time to re-evaluate the situation. Job satisfaction requires more than just monetary compensation these days. Normally high ranking satisfaction factors are learning/growth opportunities, company culture and flexibility.

4. Other people are leaving

If you’re noticing a few people jumping ship in succession, time to keep on alert. Is there something they know that you don’t? Were there commonalities in their reasons for leaving? It could be a coincidence but it could be a red flag of tumultuous times headed your way.

5. The quality of your work is suffering

You know you could do a better job on that project, but you just don’t really care. There are other things you could probably do today, but you’d prefer to chat on Facebook. Deteriorating work quality and lack of motivation are common signs of boredom. If your work isn’t challenging enough and your employer isn’t giving you the opportunity to show off your skill set then perhaps it’s time to brush up that resume.

6. There’s no clear future

You could be perfectly content with your current position but if you can’t really figure out where it leads to next, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Is there room to grow? Have they set a plan for your career progression? If there’s no room above you, what skills and experience should you try harness out of this position to get to your next career step?

7. Your skills are becoming outdated

In the big picture it’s also important to consider how your profession as a whole is progressing. Is your job keeping your skill set up-to-date with the latest trends? If your company went down the drain tomorrow would you be easily employable? Don’t let yourself become an outdated seat warmer!

8. The company has changed significantly since you first started

When you first signed on it was a slick edgy start up, but as the company grew the culture became more rigid and you began to feel like just another cog… Workplaces are constantly changing and the one you fell in love with at your very first interview may not be the same as it is today. Look at your employer as if you were applying again for the first time, is it still an employer of choice for you?

Before you quit your job

Quitting your job is no simple feat. Job dissatisfaction can be rectified with discussions with management and new courses of action. But if you do decide to quit, consult with those who may be greatly affected by your decision – partner, family members. Prepare yourself both mentally and financially for the transition. Try to avoid resigning without having found a new position, and do not hand in your notice until you have signed a formal offer.