Published : 2 years ago, on 11/01/2023

It’s hard to quit a job. You’ve invested time and energy into your career, so leaving the company you work for feels like quitting on yourself. However, sometimes it’s best to cut ties with an employer and start fresh somewhere else.

If you’re sure you’ve reached a breaking point at your job, it may be time to get your resume up to date and land a new position. Here are some signs that will tell you it’s 100%  time to move on:

1. You’re Not Happy With What You Do

There are many reasons why you may not be happy with your job. If you don’t feel like you are using all of your skills, or if you have a degree that is unrelated to the position, these can be signs that it may be time for a change. Maybe the company culture has changed, and it’s no longer an environment where you thrive.

Or maybe the goals or expectations of your manager have shifted without warning, leaving them feeling unfulfilled and underutilized at work. If this sounds like something that could describe how you feel about your current situation, it would be a good idea to try to talk to your manager about a change.

That change may be within your company or if they can’t do anything about it, it’s likely time to find a new employer.

2. You’re Not Being Challenged Enough

If you’re not learning new skills and gaining experience as a result, it’s time to move on. If your job is just a series of repetitive tasks with no opportunity for growth, then it can feel like time is standing still.

You might even be bored with the job and find yourself daydreaming about what else could be going on outside of work. If this sounds like you, it might be time to look for something more challenging (and perhaps more interesting).

3. You’re Not Progressing in the Company

Not moving up in your company usually means it’s time to look elsewhere. Every employee needs to have a positive career path. If your boss is not giving you any new challenges or promotions, it could mean they don’t think highly of your work. On the other hand, if others in the company have been promoted or have been given new opportunities and you haven’t, then something may be wrong with how they perceive your performance.

A lack of progression can also translate into a lack of raises and bonuses. When you work hard, you feel you should be compensated for it. When others around you are getting better positions and higher salaries, and you’re stuck in the same position, really consider finding a new place to work.

4. You have a Poor Work-Life Balance

If you feel like you’re working too much and aren’t able to take the time to rest, it’s time to look for another job. If your workplace is too stressful and demanding, your health will suffer. Your body can only handle so much stress, that’s why a proper work-life balance is essential.

You need a healthy balance between work and play to keep yourself happy and healthy at all times. If this isn’t possible where you currently work, then it may be time to move on!

5. You’re Working in a Toxic Work Environment

One of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs is a toxic work environment. If you’re working in an unpleasant or toxic work environment, it can cause stress and anxiety, which will have negative consequences on your mental health.

A toxic work environment can also lead to physical health issues like depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Your co-workers may gossip too much or be unkind towards you and others around them, making it hard for anyone at work to make friends.

These types of behaviors are not only unprofessional, but can also negatively impact the way that people feel about themselves when they leave their homes to head to their workplaces.

What to Do Next

There are a few things you should do if you’ve concluded that your current job just isn’t working out. Talk with your manager about your position, look for a new job or consider going the self-employment route, and then come to a conclusion

Once your decision is made, and you decide to move on from your current position, you must do so as professionally as possible. Remember to hand in a resignation letter with sufficient notice to leave your current job on good terms and take on a new adventure.

The most important thing is to take action when you’re feeling unhappy, and don’t wait until it gets worse.