Thinking about leaving your current position, but not sure you’ve got a good reason to jump ship and start looking for a new job? Nervous that the economic impact of the pandemic may put your position in jeopardy? Here is how you can know it’s time to find a new job.
1. It Looks Like a future possible Layoff
If you’re in an industry that is vulnerable to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic, your industry peers are taking drastic measures, your coworkers are being laid off, your workload has decreased significantly, a struggle with payments and clients are decreasing.
All these can be a good indication that things are unstable and it may be time to start looking for a new position that can more easily weather the storm.
2. Every workday Feels Like a Monday morning
Are you always feeling stressed or anxious about having to report for work the next day every day? As a kid, you might have experienced feelings of dread on Sunday night, knowing that school was starting the next day. And now, as an adult, you feel the same way about work. Every day at work feels like a Monday morning, it might be time to dust off your resume.
3. Little or No Work Flexibility
COVID-19 has turned most businesses into remote companies. Perhaps your company previously didn’t offer much in the way of work flexibility and Going back to work doesn’t excite you while the lack of flexibility makes it difficult to manage life’s uncertainties.
If you’re worried any newfound flexibility won’t last and negotiating permanent remote work will go nowhere, it may be time to find a new job.
4. Your Work Performance Is Starting to Suffer
Do you notice that your enthusiasm for your job has significantly lessened and that your job performance has some definite room for improvement? If you feel like you’re going through the motions every day in your job, First give it a chance, have a chat with your boss on how best to go about it. But if nothing improves or worsens, you can decide what your next move will be.
5. You’ve Learned Everything You Can
A new job can be exciting as you learn new policies, procedures, and protocols. After some time, though, you might feel as if you’ve outgrown your position, especially if you’re not learning anything new.
Lack of opportunity for career advancement or training to enhance your professional skills may be another sign that it’s time to think of moving on. If these are not possibilities, you may want to look for a new job that will allow you to grow more and spread your wings.
6. The Pay Isn’t Going to Get Any Better
Perhaps you’ve asked for a raise a time or three and have been put off, or told directly that a pay increase isn’t in the cards. If you’ve truly tried asking for a raise and hit a wall, that’s a pretty clear indication that it may be time to search for a new job. That said, considering the current climate, make sure you’re realistic with your expectations and understand that it may be best to wait during slow economic times, in order to maximize your value several months from now.
7. Your Workplace Is Toxic
At some point in your career, you might have a boss whom you really, really don’t see eye to eye with. Let’s face it, we don’t always get along with everyone, but most times these situations are temporary or something we can handle.
The problem arises when a temporary situation isn’t so temporary. Carefully evaluate the mission and the culture at the company. Blurry direction and inconsistent company objectives are good reasons to find a new job.
8. You Want to Make a Career Change
Maybe you secretly always wanted to be a web designer, or you love artwork to name a few. at the animal shelter. Whatever it is, the thought of a new career is what keeps you going at work these days. And when that’s the case, it’s probably time for you to take the necessary steps to transition to that new career.
9. The Thought of a New Job Excites You
Are you always eyeing “greener pastures”? There’s something to be said for listening to your instincts. So if your heart starts to flutter a little faster at the idea of a new job, maybe you should trust what your gut is telling you—and get into a new job hunt.
Conclusion: Sometimes the signs that it’s time to move on are obvious, and other times, you can’t quite put your finger on it. Trust your instincts. If things feel off to you or you’re simply not happy or engaged anymore, that can be reason enough!
No matter why you’ve decided to leave your job, you should never feel guilty about moving on. Your professional life is short, so don’t spend more time than you have to in a position you dislike or one that isn’t a good fit for you.
