Times have changed in the job market and the ‘employee for life’ is a rare breed.
Most workers move on and look for new challenges across the country and globe; according to this Daily Mail article the average employee has six different jobs throughout his or her career.
Leaving a role is a tricky tightrope to negotiate and some people don’t get it quite right – but if some or all of these seven signs apply to you, then it’s time to bail out.
You’re bored
This does not mean a lack of stimulus for an hour or two. This means a sustained, soul-crushing, deep despair at the lack of originality or direction in your role. Meeting the same people and performing the same tasks endless times will create one of two scenarios: you’ll either slip into a cosy routine and be admired for your consistency, or your happiness will erode and you’ll become horrifically bored. If it’s the latter, leave.
Have you been finding yourself looking at other opportunities more often than usual? This is a sign that you may need to leave your job and move forward. Seven Signs You Should Leave Your Job – Ms Career Girl
There are better opportunities elsewhere
In the digital world jobs elsewhere will regularly appear on your radar that are perfect for you. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Jobstoday and other portals carry thousands of new jobs per day and it’s almost guaranteed that some will float your boat, with better pay and prospects. You may even be headhunted, which is a sure sign that people are noticing your work – and that they would notice it even more if you jumped ship.
There’s no chance of promotion
Some people are happy to perform the same task for years on end and become a part of the furniture. But others are ambitious and realize they can do better than their current status, and perhaps better than their bosses. The failing companies tend to have wizened old faces in the same places for eternity – don’t become one of them. If you have been trying hard to get that promotion, but get no recognition at all, either confront your boss and know what’s ahead or start looking for a place that will value your hard work.
There’s no feedback
Have you ever been told that you’ve been doing something wrong at work for months, but nobody could be bothered to alert you? That doesn’t happen at good companies; there are systems and checks in place. Similarly, you may have produced a spectacular piece of work, or an organised and brilliant system for streamlining resources – but if no-one tells you, how will you know? You can only improve if your role is regularly critiqued and reviewed, and if that isn’t happening you’ll stagnate – this feature from Now Hiring explores the subject further.
There’s a regular exodus of staff
If you’re one of the last men standing then it really might be time to look elsewhere, particularly if you’ve seen youngsters arrive, flourish, overtake you, and then leave. Employees leave for several reasons, such as a desire for more pay, a better role elsewhere, and increased happiness. If you’ve noticed a regular flow of co-workers grumbling about one or more of these reasons to leave just before they quit, then perhaps you should be joining them.
You’re always unhappy or ill
When your job is making you moody and worried even if you’re not at the office or premises, then there may be some deeper problems which need to be extinguished from your life. Similarly, if you’re constantly plagued by headaches, colds, aches, extreme tiredness and other afflictions that you can link to your job, then it might be time to step back a little and examine your role.
Is the thought of quitting bothering you more than ever? Maybe it is time to let go. Seven Signs You Should Leave Your Job – Ms Career Girl
It feels right
You’ll know. Somewhere in the back of your mind, a little idea or thought will grow. There might be nothing wrong with where you are, and you may have no destination in mind, but a voice will be telling you that there’s something better to work towards, through exploring, travelling, or taking a break. Once it starts growing it is very difficult to ignore – the only way to expunge it is to act on it.
Have you experienced or are you experiencing these signs? Share it with us in the comments below or tweet us @mscareergirl.