Most of us have been there. The feeling is one of growing dissatisfaction with work. You think it might be time to leave, yet can’t make that leap. Either because of inertia or fear of the unknown, many of us have stayed too long in a job that was no longer satisfying. How do you know if it’s time to make that move? Or, even worse, how do you know if it is way past time?
If deep down you know it’s time to move on, but just need that extra confirmation, then these 7 telltale signs that it’s time to leave your job should give you the push...
1. Sunday “blahs” creep in
You know you have to go back to work the next day and that knowing creates a sense of dread that affects your enjoyment of Sunday. My “creep” was so bad that it began affecting my entire weekend.
2. You exhibit symptoms of burnout
This can include anxiety, depression and/or irritability, feeling tired even after resting, and feelings of resentment, to name a few. Even though I was unhappy, I also felt conflicted about leaving the golden handcuffs of a good salary and benefits package.
3. You’re not performing at the top of your game
You have lost the passion that you once brought to your work. You may be going through the motions, yet your spirit and energy are no longer invested. For me, it was a growing sense of unhappiness with how I was showing up. This feeling slowly built up and left me feeling confused, unhappy, and ashamed.
4. You lack alignment with the mission, vision, and values
It could be that you were never a good fit with the organization, or priorities shifted with a change in leadership or your projects. In my case, the bottom line for me was that I no longer felt valued for my gifts and contributions.
5. Your relationship with your manager is problematic
This is the reason most people leave their jobs; they aren’t necessary unhappy with the organization, they are unhappy with their boss. This could be personal issues with your boss. Or new company policies your boss is forced to implement and you still blame him/her for them since he/she is the “face” of the policies.
6. Stress begins to take over your life
Stress has been affecting your sleep, relationships and general sense of well-being. It may also impact your lifestyle choices including substance abuse such as food or alcohol to numb the negative feelings, a reduction of exercise and other self-care behaviors. In my case, the stress was manifested by inattention to health issues and strained relationships.
7. You can’t stop talking about how miserable you are at work
This is a telltale sign. I got to the point where family and friends begin tiring of listening, encouraging me to either make a change or, essentially, stop whining. Personally, I became tired of hearing myself complain about how unhappy I was!
If you can identify with these symptoms, take heart in the knowledge that you are not alone. Also know that there are countless resources to help you reconnect with your passion and find meaning and fulfillment in your work. That is what Career Coaches can help you work through and find your next job, or even a change of career, that will get you excited again about going to work.