On Monday I wrote about the right way to quit your job, and today I’m writing about how to know when you should leave your job. I’ve been thinking about jobs and jobs relating topics a lot lately (must have something to do with me job hunting 24/7 haha), but I am a firm believer that if you’re not happy at your job, you need to move on and get your happy back! Life’s too short to work at a job you hate (yes, I know, sometimes it’s difficult when you need to make money and have debt to pay off but still).
I really liked working at my last job, but I knew in my gut that it was time for something new and I needed to go and search for it. In case any of you are in a similar situation and aren’t sure whether your gut is telling you to call it quits or maybe it’s just indigestion, consider the following signs that may help you with your decision.
1.) You have outgrown your role
If you’ve been in the same role for a few years, most likely you know your job through and through. Some people love the feeling of being comfortable in their role and that’s totally fine, but for others, when they feel like there is nothing left to learn and no room to grow, they get bored. And when they get bored, they become less productive, start feeling unfulfilled, and eventually become unhappy with their jobs. When that happens, it’s time to either ask for a promotion or seek a different job elsewhere.
2.) The office environment and politics are affecting your life outside of work
All offices have their politics but when it starts to creep into your life outside of work is when there’s a big problem. You’re already spending most of your day at work, so when you find it increasingly difficult to leave the office at the office, that’s when you need to make a change. Maybe you can switch departments, but if the entire environment is negative and affecting your quality of life, it’s time to look for a company that’s lighter and more positive.
3.) You aren’t being valued or paid appropriately
When you are a new graduate and desperate to find a job, it’s easy to undersell yourself and take the first job and salary that’s offered. Let me just tell you right now, unless you went to school to be an engineer or doctor, you won’t be making that much money right out of university, but working a job where you know you are being overworked and underpaid isn’t okay either. My suggestion is to work hard, get your work experience and references, then move onto to something bigger and better.
4.) Your company is downsizing
If talk around the water cooler revolves around your company laying people off, it might be time to start looking for a new job before you get the ax. The one good thing about being laid off instead of being outright fired is that you will either receive a severance package or at least a bit of pay through employment insurance (in Canada anyways), but at the end of the day you’re still out of a job. Take the initiative and start looking for a job ASAP at a company that’s growing and more secure.
5.) You dread going to work every morning
You know that old adage if you love your work, you won’t work a day in your life? Well, if you dread going to work every morning you should definitely start considering doing something different. I know every job and company has its cons and sometimes you just have to deal with them, but if you wake and hope you’re getting a cold so you can call in sick, it’s time to start perusing the job boards and brushing up your resume.
