The right time to leave a job can be very obvious for some people, while others fail to notice the signs that indicate a change is necessary. Here are the warning signs that it might be time to make a career move.
Your work culture is toxic
Whether it’s a group of employees or the overall culture of your office, if you’re spending five days a week in a negative atmosphere, it’s time to get out. Don’t wait for other employees to leave. Take control of where you are spending your time, and find a cultural fit that works for you.
The company you are working for is going downhill
Whether you’re at a small start-up or MNC, there are obvious signs that a company isn’t performing well, and this could affect more than just your bonus or salary. Know when to jump ship before you find yourself lost at sea. Also, don’t wait for the employer to hand you a pink slip. Start looking for a new job if you notice any signs that the company is struggling financially.
You are working all day and round the clock
If you feel like you’re living for work and not working to live, it might be time to reassess your priorities and find a company that allows you to have a life. There are times when our jobs can be demanding, but if you don’t have time to live your life, then what’s the point?
Your relationship with your manager isn’t good
There’s the old saying, “You don’t leave a job, you leave a bad boss,” for a reason. Bad leadership can seep into every fiber of an organization—and it often does. If your relationship with your direct manager is strained, not only will your work suffer, but your career will as well. When you don’t have a positive relationship with your boss, your entire future career can be put at risk. Don’t leave your options in the hands of someone who isn’t looking out for what’s best for you.
Your talent isn’t valued and you’re underpaid
If you think you’re paid way less than market standards and your manager is deaf to offering a pay revision, you should not wait for the next appraisal cycle. If your skills are not valued and you don’t get what you deserve, this is a sign to start sharing your resume with other employers.
Your responsibility has increased but your pay hasn’t
There’s a time in everyone’s career when a special project or late nights might not be rewarded with pay, but if your workload has increased for a prolonged period of time, and you aren’t being compensated for that, you should consider looking for a company that will pay you for what you’re delivering.
You Aren’t Learning Anymore
Getting ahead in the workplace can happen in a variety of ways, but all with the same upward trajectory. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, consider where you’d like to see yourself and what you can do to get there. If your work is not giving you any new opportunities to learn and grow, this will not only block your career growth but also impacts your monetary growth.
Final thoughts
While the first step would be to try to resolve the situation through meaningful conversations with your boss, it doesn’t always work. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities for career growth or escaping a toxic environment, don’t let your reservations hold you back from finding professional happiness.
