8 Signs That It’s Time to Look For a New Job

It’s easy to fall into a rut when you’ve had the same job for an extended period of time. We like routine and security, so we seldom look elsewhere if we aren’t prompted to do so. But just because we’re somewhat comfortable, that doesn’t mean we’re in the right place.

We outgrow some of the places we work. It’s simply part of any career. So recognizing that this has happened, and that it’s time to look for a new position in a new company, is an important part of career growth.

If you’re starting to wonder if it’s time to move on, here are some signs that that moment has come.

1. You Aren’t Learning Anymore

When was the last time you acquired a new skill? What was your last real challenge? If you haven’t been pushed recently, maybe it’s time to move on.

Learning from your job is incredibly important. This is what makes you a better employee (and candidate, when the time comes) and expands your arsenal of assets. Your career can only grow if your well of knowledge is expanding in kind.

When you’ve received all there is to gain from a position or company, it’s a good time to seek another opportunity.

2. You Don’t See a Path to Promotion

Similarly, your time in a job may be up if you don’t see any opportunity for upward mobility. Remaining stagnant in the same position for too long can really affect your job satisfaction and, eventually, your performance.

When there’s no opportunity for a raise or promotion, people tend to lose motivation. Once that happens, work becomes a chore. Yes, work is work, but it is possible -- and important -- to love your job. If that’s not an option, it’s time to look elsewhere.

3. You Don’t Feel Valued

Everyone wants to feel like they’re making a difference in their organization. If you don’t, it’s easy to lose passion for what you’re doing.

When you aren’t getting feedback, your suggestions fall of deaf ears, or just generally feel like your teammates take you for granted, you owe it to yourself to look for a job that sees your worth. You know that your work is important, and the people around you should see that, too.

4. You’re Procrastinating … A Lot

Everyone procrastinates. It’s part of human nature. But if you literally cannot find a single part of your job that you find engaging and you’re spending your days browsing the web instead, you may have hit a wall.

Your work should be rewarding, not something you dread. There is an opportunity out there for you to sink your teeth into and get excited about. So when all you do is put off your boring duties, that’s a telltale sign that you’ve outgrown your position.

5. You Edit Yourself

Do you avoid speaking your mind at work? Is the environment so strict that you can’t even have friendly, relaxed conversations with coworkers? Is every idea you suggest shot down immediately? Then you’ve probably already started editing your every utterance.

When you stop being authentic at work, that is a problem. While we all stay professional in the workplace (you’re probably different here than you are on the weekends or on vacation), it’s still important to bring your personality to the table.

If you’ve not even a true version of yourself in the workplace, you should try to find a company that values the person you are and the ideas that you have. Otherwise, you could be putting on a show for 40+ hours a week, which is truly exhausting.

6. Your Out-Of-Office Conversation Revolves Around Work

When your job is all you talk about, it could be a sign of a problem. Work-life balance is increasingly important to workers, and for good reason.

If you can’t allow your mind to roam away from work, your job is probably demanding too much from you. We all talk about work with our friends and family, but there is so much more to talk about. Don’t let your job dominate your time with loved ones, especially if the conversation is a negative one.

This kind of behavior is a sign that work is affecting your mental health, which is definitely a cue to reevaluate your position.

7. You Have Increased Health Challenges

On a more serious note, stress related to your job can trigger all sorts of health complications. From elevated blood pressure, to panic and anxiety attacks, to heart attacks, your job can really affect your body in negative ways.

You may push off stress as “part of the job,” even when it gets to dangerous levels. If you start to have panic attacks or increased anxiety, that is cause for concern. Anxiety is a condition that is debilitating in and of itself, but it can also lead to other physical problems in the long run.

When your health is suffering because of your job, it is absolutely time to look at other options.

8. You’re Thinking About Leaving

Quite frankly, if this has been on your mind for a while, it’s time to make a move. Whether it’s because you don’t get along with your boss, you’re dealing with a toxic work environment, you’re bored, or any of the reasons listed above, you just know when it’s time to move on.

Consider all of your options, though, and only make a change when you have a plan. It’s important not to do anything rash.

If you’d like to discuss your options and opportunities, reach out to an expert recruiter in your field here at Michael Page, or check out our job listings.