Sometimes we’re graced with alarmingly clear signals that it’s time to find a new job. Your work environment is toxic. You’ve been laid off. You’ve hit the ceiling for growth. The company you’re working for is going through a high turnover rate. All of your co-workers have quit. But there are those times in life – arguably most often – when making the decision to quit your job isn’t so clear. You’re comfortable in your role and know it like the back of your hand. You’re making decent dough. The benefits are killer. Your co-workers feel like family. But. You’ve been feeling unsatisfied for a while now, and you can’t quite pinpoint what the problem is. Are you at a crossroads and looking for clear indicators that it’s time to quit your job and move on? Here are seven signs you’re ready to make a change.
Nothing Ever Feels Good Enough
Since you most likely have a good relationship with your manager/boss/supervisor, you’ve probably communicated some of your discontents to find proactive solutions. But, when you’ve reached the point where your boss is pretty much backflipping to make your position work for you, it’s not the job or the company, but your own general unsatisfaction. Don’t beat yourself up over it, this just shows you’re ready for a change.
You Have a Consistent Case of the Sunday Night Scaries
Even though you’ve had the best weekend ever, it still doesn’t feel long enough. As soon as Sunday evening hits, you feel a pit in your stomach and the thought of returning to work the next day fills you with dread. Has this feeling become your Sunday night ritual?
You’re Always Hitting Snooze or Sleeping In
Let’s be real. No matter who you are and how much you love your dream job–nobody jumps out of bed ecstatically every single day. On the flip side, if you’ve been going through personal challenges and your sleep pattern has been inconsistent or you’re not getting enough hours, waking up and reaching for the snooze button is common. But, sleeping in because you’re overtired versus feeling overwhelmed by the thought of work are two different things. If you find yourself needing those extra zzz’s, your subconscious could be relaying your unhappiness.
“This is the start of the discontent,” says, Thomas MacNeil, chief technology officer at eSalon. “You’ve switched from being passionate at work to feeling like you’re just trying to survive. There are always issues and problems at any job, you’re there to solve them, but whether you see them as challenges that help you grow or problems that burn you out is entirely perspective. Though you should discuss your concerns with your manager, if nothing can be rectified, it’s likely smart to seek pastures new that make you want to run to the office . . . instead of running away.”
You Find Yourself Saying, “I Just Need to Vent” to Your Partner and Friends More Often Than Not
Even if you’re living out your life’s passion, there will always be aspects of any job that doesn’t spark joy. Venting now and then comes with the gig. But when you’re feeling an addictive pull to gossip about co-worker dynamics or you “can’t help” but complain about anything and everything job-related, this tendency is a signal for, “I need to get out of here!”.
You’ve Been Perpetually Sick/Exhausted
Your body’s a powerful communicator. Existing in a state of discomfort or unsatisfaction over a long period of time can add stress to the body, and over time potentially lead to burnout. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, your physical health can be affected “if the stress response goes on for too long or becomes chronic. With chronic stress, those same life-saving responses in your body can suppress immune, digestive, sleep, and reproductive systems, which may cause them to stop working normally.”
Everybody reacts to and feels stress in different ways. While some may experience headaches, irritability or insomnia, others (especially under chronic stress) are likely to develop more frequent and next level symptoms like the flu or common cold.
You’re Feeling Bored at Work
Your to-do list is full yet boredom is still seeping in. You may feel easily distracted and find yourself cruising on Instagram more than ever. If you’ve been experiencing any of the physical symptoms listed above, chances are they’re influencing your productivity levels. In a UK study, researchers found that mental and/or physical health accounted for more than 84% of direct effects on productivity loss, as well as 93% of indirect influences.
Apathy is Creeping In
Job apathy can show up in a number of ways. Maybe you’re amped with a lot of creative ideas that’ll help improve your current marketing strategy or overall company culture, but you don’t feel motivated to share them. Perhaps you have disregard for success or progress. Or, your communication is suffering… or, you don’t have a desire to go “above and beyond” what’s expected.
So, What Now?
Now that you’ve identified these signs, first things first, be extra gentle with yourself. Most of the time, self-awareness can help alleviate some of the stress; now that you know what you’re feeling, you can begin planning your next steps.
Not sure where to begin? Here are some resources below to get you started:
How to Get a Job While Still Employed
Getting Creative With Your Job Search
Seven Ways a Career Coach Can Recharge Your Job Hunt