There was once a time when people would stay with the same employer for decades, but a shift in culture has seen the average length of employment reduced significantly. Despite this, it’s easy to get stuck in a job that is comfortable, and the longer someone stays, the harder it seems to step away. Whilst it’s normal to prefer the stability of job longevity over the discomfort of adjusting to a new role, job satisfaction plays a major part in our overall wellbeing - after all, we spend a large part of our lives there. With this in mind, what are the tell-tale signs to look out for? And when’s the right time to leave your job?
Lack of Growth Opportunities
It’s normal to want to upskill, gain new responsibilities and grow your career. Assuming you’re looking to develop further, reaching a point where a position is no longer challenging (or you’ve achieved everything you can within the company), indicates that it might be time to look for new opportunities.
There will of course be instances where you really enjoy the place you work and the co-workers you interact with on a daily basis, yet still feel unchallenged in your role. In cases like this, it can be difficult to look past the working environment. Company loyalty is a great value to have, however, looking out for your own career is important too. Staying at a company long after the motivation has gone won’t benefit anyone, so if a job lacks further growth potential, consider what a change of scenery could do for your career in the long run.
Your Work has Lost its Energy and Excitement
This might be one of the easier aspects to assess. How do you feel about the work you’re doing? Have you lost the sense of energy and excitement for your job and no longer find it engaging? If the majority of days are spent feeling unmotivated and bored, and there’s no prospect of that changing in the future, it’s high time to consider other options.
People can’t give 100% to a company unless they’re happy and motivated in their work. Happiness breeds productivity, and without this major component, it'll only risk a drop in performance levels. If this is the case, take some time to reassess professional goals, perhaps even a new career! You’ll be surprised at how transferable skills can help make a change easier – we recently discussed this, here.
You Can’t Switch Off
Another one of the signs you should leave your job is when you just can’t switch off. Being stuck in a routine that demands you to work yourself into the ground, is not a healthy habit to get in to. Hard work and dedication are great qualities to have, but being overworked can lead to stress and other health problems down the line. The longer you work in an environment like this, the worse it can become. So, if working 9-5 seems like a luxury, it might be time to reassess the reasons why you can’t switch off.
You’re Presented With An Amazing Opportunity
Especially once someone has reached a certain level in their career, companies will often seek them out. Be sure to evaluate any offers that come your way and decide what constitutes one that simply can’t be turned down. Maybe it’s a dream company, better working conditions, or an exciting chance to lead a new team. Either way, amazing opportunities don’t always present themselves regularly.
Resigning on Good Terms
Deciding to leave a job can be tough, but once that decision has been made, it’s crucial to resign on good terms. Before actually resigning, be prepped for a counter offer, should it arise. How would you respond?
Make the process easier by having clearly defined reasons for handing in your resignation – you obviously don’t need to include the fact that you’re miserable or bored, but a level of transparency shows respect and won’t leave unanswered questions for managers or co-workers. Whatever way you decide to approach this, above all, keep it professional and resign gracefully – it’s important not to burn any bridges on the way out. If you’re having trouble navigating the resignation process, check out our top dos and don’ts for resigning, here.
Summary
If any of these signs strike a chord, it’s very likely it’s time for a new job. Before doing anything rash, have an honest conversation with your boss, outlining any concerns that need to be raised. Although it may not end with you staying, you can rest assured knowing that all options were exhausted. It can be difficult to leave a routine but with change comes great opportunities. If you’re looking for support in your job search, Beyond Recruitment has a team of expert recruiters to help you find something perfect – get in touch today.
