9 signs it’s time to look for a new job
With employers still reeling from the effects of The Great Resignation, the job market is any candidate’s oyster. With The Great Discontent as a follow-up, employers are falling over themselves to retain their best employees and attract top talent.
A ResumeBuilder.com poll found that 23% of respondents will quit in 2022 – a sure way to send the labor market into yet another tailspin. So, if you’re experiencing your own feelings of discontent, you’re not alone. The question is, should you quit your job?
Signs you should look for a new job
Dreading going to work? Passed over for yet another promotion? Earning less than you’re worth? These are just a few reasons to question your career and start looking for job opportunities. While taking the leap may seem terrifying, your well-being is important. There are potential employers out there for whom your well-being will be a priority too. As a place where you spend hours of your life, your workplace community needs to bring you joy, so take this opportunity to find it. Here are a few good reasons for looking for a new job:
1. Your work is not recognized
A Bonusly poll found that 46% of respondents left their jobs because they felt underappreciated. You don’t need a gold star on your forehead, but recognition of excellent work is a great motivator and an incentive to continue giving your all. If your consistently good work goes unnoticed, it may be time to update your resume.
2. Ethical boundaries have been crossed
You’ve been asked to do a task that goes against every moral fiber of your being (Check out no.12 on our list of workplace horror stories). What do you do now? Shush your conscience and turn a blind eye? It may be acceptable to some, but you don’t want to sully your good name. Share your concerns in writing and if your boss does not see a problem, start considering your new career move.
3. Your stress levels are through the roof
The Workable mental health survey found that 40% of employers consider mental wellness a key factor in worker productivity and performance. So if you’re burning out with knock-on effects tainting your health and home life, it’s time to make a change. Speak to your boss about strategies to alleviate your load. If that doesn’t work, you may want to take your zen to another company.
4. You can’t be yourself at work
Everybody has a work mask and a social mask. But when these two are separated by 180o, you may have a problem. The freedom to be true to your character means you’ll come across as an authentic person who’s right where they want to be. It’s a huge red flag if you’re in a position where you have to “fake it ‘til you make it”.
5. You’ve hit a career ceiling
Getting ahead in the workplace can happen in a variety of ways, but all with the same upward trajectory. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, consider where you’d like to see yourself and what you can do to get there. If your current place of employment doesn’t have the intention or resources to support your goals, it’s time to hitch your wagon to another star.
6. There have been a series of layoffs
Not just one, but multiple rounds of layoffs can mean bad news for you, even if you’re still employed. Firstly, it’s likely that the company is struggling to solve its issues, so being laid off may not be too far on the horizon for you. Secondly, with a decreased workforce comes an increased workload for the remaining staff. It’s likely you’ll have the duties of your ex-coworkers added to yours. Have a candid conversation with your boss about the status of the company and your job, then make an informed decision from there.
7. You’re in a hostile work environment
You’re either a victim or witness of acts at work that can only be categorized as harassment or discrimination. The less-illegal cousin to a hostile work environment is the toxic workplace. Here, you’re dealing with low morale, poor leadership, non-existent communication, and pretty terrible coworkers, to name just a few factors. If the thought of going to work is depressing you, it’s time to look for a job that’s a better fit for you.
8. You’re not earning your worth
In our Great Discontent survey, 62% of respondents cited compensation as the top factor in deciding to move to a new company. Money matters. If you think you’re not paid enough, do your research using online salary calculators and industry standards. Approach your boss with data in hand and see if you can’t negotiate a salary that matches your contributions to the company. It’s within your rights to ask for fair value for your work, and if that can’t be satisfied, it may be time to look for someone that will.
9. You’re bored with your work
It sounds like a minor problem, but the effects can be severe. “Burnout” is a term that’s been bandied about for years, but “boreout” isn’t as widely acknowledged. Boreout is a syndrome caused by mental underload in the workplace and can manifest in serious ways, such as depression, insomnia, and listlessness. Find new challenges in your workplace to combat this or move on to a workplace that will get those mental cogs going again.
Final thoughts
The thought of quitting can leave a person wracked with tension and questioning their standards. “Am I asking for too much?” and “But everyone else here is ok with this” are just some of the doubts that will be whirling around in your head. While the first step would be to resolve the situation through meaningful conversations with your boss, it doesn’t always work. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities for career growth or escaping a toxic environment, don’t let your reservations hold you back from finding professional happiness.
