8 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time To Change Jobs

How to know when it’s time to quit your job and seek out new career opportunities.

When you’ve been with a company for a significant amount of time and have a steady paycheque, it can be a daunting decision to quit your job, even if that job doesn’t fill you with any sense of joy or fulfilment. While any career will have its own set of challenges and headaches, there are certain times when walking away from your current employment is most definitely the best option.

In this article, we’re exploring 8 indisputable signs that it may be time to change jobs.

1 – You dread going to work each day

There’s no two ways around it, not every day of work is going to be fun. That’s true even if you’re working at your dream job. However, when the very thought of work causes you anxiety and dread, then this is a sure sign that you should probably consider looking for a new place to work. You spend a large chunk of your week at work. So, it’s important to feel a sense of comfort and belonging at the workplace. Hating your job will only play havoc with your mental health and potentially lead to more serious problems down the line.

2 – Your workplace is toxic

A large part of what gives us satisfaction at work is the people we work with. Working with a team you respect, whose values align with yours, can make the toughest tasks and challenges a breeze. However, when those work relationships become toxic, with colleagues freely throwing insults, harassment in the workplace, or managers who are ultra-controlling, this can quickly make the workplace a stress trigger. No workplace should be toxic. If yours is, then it’s time to move on.

3 – Your job offers no opportunities for growth

If you’ve achieved everything you set out to achieve at your job, and now there’s nothing left to aspire to, then it may be worthwhile looking for new opportunities. The prospect of growth at work motivates us to work harder and to strive for that next promotion, that next pay raise. Growth could also equate to an employer who gives you opportunities to learn new skills and gain new certifications. So should your employer be unwilling to provide opportunities for you to continue to flourish, then it’s probably time to look for new challenges elsewhere.

4 – You aren’t following your passion

Let’s face it, not every job is a dream career. Most times, especially when we’re starting out in the working world, we take on jobs to earn a living, gain experience, hone our skills, and discover what it is we actually want to be doing. So should you have reached a point where you’re clearly not passionate about your job, then it may be time to start turning your actual passion into a career that will fill you with a greater sense of purpose. Changing careers can be a challenge. Be sure to check out our 6 simple steps for a smooth and successful career change.

5 – Your employer has a high turnover rate

There can be nothing more demotivating than when you start to see waves of colleagues constantly leaving. A high turnover rate is never a good sign at a job. It’s usually a red flag that the company doesn’t offer a satisfying work culture or long-term prospects for employees. When you start to notice people coming and going, then it’s a good indication that you should start looking for new opportunities.

6 – You feel undervalued

It can feel extremely frustrating when your contributions and hard work at work continue to go unnoticed. While it’s unreasonable to be showered in praise for every little thing you do, some recognition can go a long way and motivate you to work harder. Whether it’s a word of thanks every now and then, or a bonus at the end of the year, these gestures can make you feel seen and truly valued at your job. Sometimes a simple chat with your manager might resolve any issues. However, if you’re feelings and concerns continue to go unheard, then it’s probably a good sign that you could do better with another company.

7 – Your job is negatively impacting your work-life balance

We all expect to work a little harder or for longer hours from time to time. However, when excessive crunch time is a constant that starts to eat into your personal life and weekends, then this can lead to burnout and exhaustion that will affect your physical and mental health. Before making any drastic decisions, it’s always a good idea to talk about your concerns with your manager. If they are unable to set more realistic boundaries, then it’s probably time to find a job that offers a healthy work-life balance.

8 – You wouldn’t recommend working there to others

Arguably the easiest way to determine whether it’s time for you to quit your job is to ask yourself, “Would I honestly recommend this job to my friends?” If your answer is a no, or a yes with severe reservations, then that should tell you all you need to know about your future with that company. After all, if you feel people should stay away from a company, then why should you find it acceptable to work there yourself? So do yourself a favour and seek out better opportunities at a company you’ll feel proud to shout about.

BONUS TIP – How to quit your job effectively

Resigning from a job, even one you downright dislike, can be tricky and uncomfortable. So should you be looking to quit your job, check out our top tips to resign effectively and leave on good terms.

Do you feel it’s time to seek out better job opportunities? Explore our open roles on our Vacancy page and apply today.