How to Know When it’s Time for a New Job

Life happens when you step out of your comfort zone.  Too often we find ourselves in a mundane routine and without realizing it, 10 years have gone by and nothing has changed; you’ve stopped feeling. Depending on when you start and end your career, about 1/3 of your life is spent at work. That’s a lot of life. As humans, it’s only natural to get into a routine, it’s easy!  Every day you know what you will do and you’re pretty good at it by now. Throwing change in the mix seems stressful and sometimes unconquerable. So why do it? Well, it’s your life and it’s your job to conquer it. Life should be so much more than a routine. Your life doesn’t start at retirement, it’s happening now.

So, how do you know when it’s time for a new job?

1. You hate your job- Well; this one’s kind of obvious. But you’d be surprised how many people hate their jobs and stay anyway. Sort of like a bad marriage; You’d like to leave, but it’s just easier to stay. If you find that most conversations with your friends or family members revolve around complaints or stresses tied to work, it’s time to move on.  It’s one thing to be discussing professional challenges, but it’s another to say you would rather be swimming with sharks than going into work tomorrow.
   

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2. You’ve stopped learning- Growth and education shouldn’t come to a halt after graduation. It’s easy to get yourself in a situation where you’re so comfortable you forget about personal growth. If you feel like a job is too easy and you’re not being challenged, ask for new projects or training’s. As soon as you feel comfortable again, get uncomfortable, otherwise you’ll find yourself leading a pretty uneventful career life.  Once the mental stimulation is gone, it’s time to move on.
   

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3. You’re not motivated- If you find yourself performing tasks because you have to, not because you’re motivated to, it’s probably time for a new job. Additionally, if you’ve forgotten the definition of passion, you will undoubtedly not be motivated to do anything (and again); it’s time for a new job. If you’re constantly Facebook-ing, Youtube-ing, or tweeting in place of accomplishing something, (social media marketers excluded), it means you lack interest and it’s time to find a job that turns on your mind.
   

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4. You can’t sleep on Sunday and don’t want to wake up on Monday- If Sunday night you have anxiety about Monday morning, and when Monday morning comes you have a pit in your stomach driving to work – it’s time to crack out the Résumé.
   

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5. You’ve already thought about working somewhere else- Follow your gut on this one. Take a risk, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
   

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6. You don’t care- If you’ve started submitting less than amazing work and know you can do better, you’re only hurting your reputation. The moment you realize you’re no longer being productive at work, it’s time to put yourself in a different environment.
   

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7. You work your butt off and the pay doesn’t reflect- We live in a time where employees are encouraged to have an array of skills and expertise. We’re expected to take on extra projects and job duties and remain at the same salary. This is due to company downsizing, the economy and smart bosses. But, if you’ve been consistently taking on extra tasks and feel that your pay does not reflect your efforts, have a conversation with your manager. If the conversation leads you to believe that the company could afford to compensate your success but is choosing not to, it might be time to explore options.

Change isn’t easy. Even if it’s a good change, there are still adjustments.  Making the decision to start seeking new employment can be difficult. There’s so much to factor in, it’s easy to allow fear to take over your ability to make a decision. Chances are, if looking for a job has already crossed your mind, it’s the right decision. Once you find the path you want to take, don’t look back.  Through this process always stay professional, positive and don’t burn any bridges.  Remember, things will always stay the same until you gain the courage to make a change.

Think you’re ready?