10 Signs It’s Time for a New Job

Rather than working in a profession that matches up with their personal proclivities, many people end up somewhere in a middle ground. This compromise is okay, as long as the work doesn’t consume your life. However, there comes a point for many when a desire for something new crops up. 

When that happens, it may spark the need to find a new job and get a fresh start. Here are ten examples of when this could be the case.

1. You’re Already Wanting to Find a New Job

If your mind is on other potential jobs or career paths, it can be difficult to remain focused on the task at hand — let alone put your best foot forward on a regular basis. 

This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job tomorrow. However, if you’re feeling a hankering for a new job, chances are you could (and should) act out on it sooner or later. Just try to do so by planning ahead rather than quitting first and making plans after the fact.

2. You Constantly Complain About Work

Another common sign that a new job may be in your future is feeling discontent with your current occupation. When toleration begins to slip into complaining, it can be an issue. Even worse, if your attitude toward work begins to materialize in vocal outbursts or verbally processing your negative thoughts toward work. If that’s the case, it may be wise to make a change soon.

3. You Have Difficulting Falling or Staying Asleep

Your job can lead to sleep loss for multiple reasons. You may be put on a difficult schedule that spills into the nighttime hours. You could also find that stressors and anxiety about work keep your mind buzzing far into the night.

If you’re struggling with sleep, look for ways to improve the situation as soon as possible, such as:

• Getting onto a good sleep schedule (if your schedule allows);
• Establishing a pre-bed routine;
• Avoiding blue light an hour or two before bed;
• Dodging alcohol, heavy meals, and intense exercise too close to bedtime.

Once you’ve restored a semblance of normalcy to your sleep, it may be time to take some long-term steps to address the situation — such as finding a new job.

4. You Experience Common Signs of Stress

Anxiety, stress, and depression have already come up in tandem with other concerns. This is especially true for parents, who already experience a wide variety of stressors associated with parenting. However, at times, stress can be a reason to change jobs all on its own.

For instance, you may find yourself struggling with common signs of chronic stress. A few examples include:

• Hair loss is often due to work-related stress.
• Headaches and dizziness are also common stress symptoms.
• Premature aging can be caused by stress over time. 
• Stress can also weaken your immune system.

Consistent stress can have a terrible effect on your mental state. You can combat some symptoms, like hair loss, directly with specially formulated restoration products. It may also be necessary to also address the underlying causes of stress. If you find that your job is causing you to be unusually stressed out, it may be time for a change.

5. You Dread Going to Work

If you find that you’re beginning to have a more substantial antipathy toward showing up at work, it can be a sign of deeper issues. If your aversion to work extends beyond the Monday blues, you may want to take it as a prompting to start looking for other employment. This can have a severe impact on your mental health, particularly if “going to work” involves working from home, as is the case for remote workers. Over time, this dread can lead to a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

6. You’re Not as Productive as You Should Be When on the Clock

It’s difficult to be productive when you’re working in an environment that you loathe. If your productivity is dropping off, you may want to make a move towards another job before the lack of results prompts your employer to take more drastic steps.

7. You’re Overdue for a Promotion

There’s nothing quite like being passed over for a promotion. Whether you were simply outgunned by a coworker or you fell victim to a case of favoritism, being overdue for a promotion can feel like rubbing salt in the wound — especially if you’re already unhappy with your job.

Rather than taking a missed promotion as a chance to fret and fester, use it as motivation to be your own agent of change. Proactively leave your current job (without burning any bridges) in order to find a position with a higher ceiling.

8. You Don’t Get Along With Your Boss or Coworkers

The average person spends 90,000 hours of their life at work. This quantity of time should be spent with people that you enjoy — or at least don’t mind. If you find that your boss or coworkers are intolerable, it can be a good motivation to head for the exit. If the source of tension is based on discrimination — based on your race, ethnicity, or even your hair style — that’s a red flag to start searching for a new job.

9. The Company You Work for Has Frequent Rounds of Layoffs

If your current employer is going through repeated cycles of downsizing, it can create an unpleasant environment. If you’re constantly under the threat of being laid off, it may be time to save up some cash, spruce up your look, and start landing a few interviews.

10. You Don’t Feel Valued

If you aren’t being properly valued at your current position, that can be enough reason to look for a new job. 

If you’re a hard-working employee that does good work, it’s important that you feel valued and appreciated by your employer. If a boss fails to recognize your achievements, you might be better off in another position.