Let’s be honest—not many of us spring out of bed in the morning positively brimming with excitement to get a jump start on our workday. Even if you love your work, our jobs are still something we have to do. They’re one of those realities of adult life that you learn to accept.
However, this tiresome dynamic becomes even trickier when you’re working in a position that has you teetering on the ledge between staying and going. Should you tough it out and stay with your current job and employer? Or, should you pack up your workspace and find a new gig?
That’s a tough decision for anyone to make, and it’s a time that can be filled with a lot of uncertainty and self-doubt. But, have no fear, we’re here to help make your choice at least a little bit clearer. Here are three solid indicators that you should definitely hit the road and head for greener pastures.
1. You Dread Heading Into the Office
Like I said previously, pretty much nobody is pumped and ready to head into the office every single day—unless you’re employed as a professional ice cream taster or something equally as dreamy. Of course, we all have things we’d rather be doing than chugging along in our offices.
But, if the very thought of having to trudge into work the next day turns your stomach into knots and breaks you into a cold sweat? Well, then your current situation truly isn’t working for you and you need to find a way to solve your own problems.
No, we’re not entitled to jobs that make us break into a happy dance every morning at 8AM—after all, it’s called work for a reason. But, you are deserving of a job that doesn’t make you completely, hopelessly miserable. And, you very well may need to go somewhere else in order to find that.
2. You No Longer Feel Challenged or Fulfilled
Work is a big part of your life. And, if you’re going to be stuck in an office chair for at least 40 hours each week, you want a job that makes you feel fulfilled, accomplished, and satisfied when the clock strikes 5PM each day.
But, many of us fall into the trap of no longer feeling that way about our work. Each day becomes an endless, monotonous routine. Work is no longer challenging or exciting—it’s simply a drag.
There are numerous contributors to this feeling. Perhaps you’ve stopped getting positive feedback or constructive suggestions for areas where you can improve. Maybe you haven’t learned something new in ages, and you’re starting to feel a little burnt out with the same old thing day after day.
Now, of course, there are things you can do to try to remedy this situation before packing your entire desk into boxes. Have a conversation with your supervisor to determine if you can lead the charge on any new projects or have a regular sit down where you can discuss your role and performance.
But, if you’ve already done that and have seen little to no change? Well, you’ve likely just outgrown your job—meaning it’s time for you to look for something new.
3. You’re Getting Approached About Other Opportunities
What’s the scariest part of starting to search for another job? It’s simple: Not knowing if you’ll find one. Putting yourself out there is frightening, and it’s all too easy to convince yourself that you’ve become totally unemployable—that you have no choice but to stick where you are.
But, take some time to analyze your current situation. Are there currently a lot of open jobs in your desired industry and career field? Even better, have you been getting approached pretty frequently by recruiters, hiring managers, and headhunters?
If you answered yes to those questions, then you owe it to yourself to see what’s out there. Plus, if you’ve been getting contacted on LinkedIn or via email regularly, that obviously means you’re a desirable, qualified candidate—which should be the boost to your confidence you need in order to head out that door and score a great new gig!
Deciding whether or not to look for a new job can involve a lot of back and forth. The minute you feel like you have your mind made up, something will happen that will cause you to retract your choice and swing the other way.
But, regardless of how stranded on that tightrope you feel, there are a few firm indicators that tell you when it’s time to begin your search for something different in order to bid your current job adieu. Keep these three signs in mind, and your decision will be at least a little bit easier!
